Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup captain Nigel Edwards wants Waterford Castle’s Kevin Phelan and The Island’s Gavin Moynihan to be his silent assassins when they defend the trophy in New York in less than three weeks’ time.

Cormac Sharvin (Ardglass) won the Silver Medal as leading qualifier in the AIG sponsored Irish Amateur Close Championship at Connemara GC yesterday when he shot a six under par 66 in the second round.

INSPIRED by a tip from compatriot Christy O’Connor Jnr, Des Smyth captured his fourth European Senior Tour title in thrilling fashion with a sublime round of 65 at the Van Lanschot Senior Open in Holland yesterday.

ALAN DUNBAR stepped up his challenge for the Brabazon Trophy at Burnham and Berrow on the Somerset coast yesterday with a stunning three-under-par 68 in his second round.