Majestic Maguires inspirational as Ireland earn title tilt against France

IRELAND are within one match of completing back-to-back victories in the European Girls’ Team Championship after another highly successful day in Denmark.

They reached their second successive final at Aalborg after demolishing Spain 4½-½ and will meet top qualifiers France today in the decider. Cavan twins Leona and Lisa Maguire were again in truly majestic form but the other members of the team, Royal Portrush’s Stephanie Meadow and Laura McCarthy of Muskerry also played their part.

The Maguires made a flying start against Rocio Sanchez and Noemi Jiminez, were soon four up and eased their way to a 4&3 success.

Meadows and McCarthy made it 2-0 with a well-deserved 3&2 defeat of Anna Arrese and Camilla Hedberg.

Victory was virtually assured with only one more point needed and when Lisa Maguire swept into a four hole lead against Sanchez it was effectively over as a contest.

Sister Leona was also dynamic against Hedberg and stormed home 7&5. Meadows secured a half to make the victory comprehensive.

France overcame Sweden 3½-1½

Ireland’s boy golfers will today attempt to win flight B in the European Boys Team Championship at Klassis in Turkey and finish in ninth place – their best possible position after failing to qualify for the quarter-finals. They beat Scotland 3-2 and will today face Spain in the ninth place decider.

In the European men’s team championship at Osterakers, Sweden Ireland defeated Berlgium 3½-1½ and will today take on Norway in the 13th place play-off.

England play Sweden in the final.

Ireland’s women did not play yesterday at La Manga but face Belgium today in the 14th place play-off.