HOLDERS Britain and Ireland carry a virtually unassailable lead into the final round of the Jacques Leglise Trophy t Lahinch today after defeating Continent of Europe 9½ to 2½ on the opening day of foursomes and singles matchplay.

IRELAND’S bid to break the England stranglehold on the Boys’ Home International Golf Championship failed by the narrowest of margins 8.5-6.5 in a tense and thoroughly exciting final afternoon at Royal St Davids, Harlech yesterday.