Irish nine behind as USA excels

BETH DANIEL and Meg Mallon fired the USA into a two-shot lead at the European Nations Cup in Spain yesterday.

The pair combined for a five-under-par 67 to finish 11 under, two clear of France’s Gwladys Nocera and Anne-Lise Caudal.

Holland are a shot further back with first round leaders Australia five shots off the pace in fourth on six under.