Irish duo Robin Dawson and Conor Purcell were both victorious in the singles yesterday afternoon to help Great Britain and Ireland open up a 7-5 lead over the Continent of Europe in the St Andrews Trophy.

Robin Dawson and John Murphy go head-to-head at Royal Aberdeen this morning in an all-Irish showdown for a place in the semi-finals of the 123rd Amateur Championship.

All five Irish qualifiers remain in contention at the 123rd Amateur Championship after they all secured their place in this morning’s round of 32 at Royal Aberdeen.

Robin Dawson is determined not get ahead of himself as he takes a two-stroke lead into the third round of the Flogas Irish Amateur Open at Royal County Down.

Royal County Down has a habit of punishing aggression but big hitting Douglas man Peter O’Keeffe kept his love of attack in check to open with a fine 70 in the Flogas Irish Amateur Open in idyllic conditions at the firm and fast Newcastle links.