A dramatic 45 foot birdie putt on the 18th green at Fota Island last evening by Ulster’s Ben Best foiled Connacht of a famous victory on the second day of the Interprovincial Championship. The match ended 5½ points apiece, leaving Leinster, who defeated Munster 8-3, the favourites to retain the title when they take on Ulster in today’s decider.

Midleton CBS 3-15 Hamilton High School Bandon 1-6: Midleton CBS proved too strong for Hamilton High School Bandon in the Harty Cup at Ballincollig yesterday, recording their first win following an opening round defeat by Ardscoil Rís.

De La Salle College 1-17 Hamilton High School 0-8: A late scoring spree of 1-5 over the final 10 minutes rubber-stamped a second win of the campaign for De La Salle but Hamilton’s defensive configuration kept Dermot Dooley and his management team occupied throughout.

Antrim 1-10 Clare 4-28

All-Ireland MHC: Galway 2-20 Antrim 0-9

Colaiste Phobal Roscrea 2-16 Cross and Passion College 0-10

With the disappointing late withdrawal of the Slieve Russell twins Leona and Lisa Maguire, the focus of attention turned to the other Irish competitors in the smaller-than-usual field in the British Ladies Open stroke-play championship at Shandon Park, Belfast yesterday.

Scoil Bhailenóra 3-3 Blarney BNS 1-2