Powerful Portrush edge past Douglas for glory

A DOUGLAS side unrated before the matches began put up a great battle in Saturday’s final of the Irish Ladies Cup at Cork Golf Club before conceding a 24th victory in the event to the powerful side from Royal Portrush.

Portrush got off to a bright start when Lucy Simpson recorded an early win over Aoife Lane. They moved further ahead when former international Gemma McClenaghan, who was involved in a tight affair with Karen O’Neill at the top of the order, got home at the 16th.

Helen Jones brought the trophy north for the fifth time in eight years with a 4&3 win over Ailish Thompson before current international Charlene Reid edged out Eavan Higgins with a birdie at the 18th. A final scoreline of 4½-½ in favour of the Ulster champions was confirmed when Maura Diamond and Kate MacCann were called in after 17 holes.