Ireland produced a dramatic comeback to keep alive their hopes of claiming the Home International title at Ganton, Yorkshire after fighting back to secure a scintillating 8½-6½ win over defending champions Scotland.

Robbie Cannon’s superior fitness proved to be the difference as he came through two gruelling rounds and four play-off holes to win a thrilling Irish Amateur Open in sensational style at Royal Dublin.

The Irish duo of Shane Lowry and Peter Lawrie are now fighting for one of the last remaining places into next week’s British Open after posting similar scores for similar second round totals in the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart.