Maguire on song but Irish miss out on 18th

IRELAND’S hopes of a third European Women’s Team title disappeared over the Murhof course in Austria yesterday after a titanic struggle with Sweden.

They went down 5-2 in the first matchplay round but it was closer than the scoreline suggests as two of the singles they lost ended on the home green.

Once again Leona Maguire, who fired a sensational eight-under-par 64 on Wednesday, was in devastating form.

She and twin sister Lisa teamed up to win a point in the morning foursomes before she held her nerve to record a 20th hole victory over Johanna Tillstrom at the top of the order in the singles.

Stephanie Meadow and Karen Delaney were having ding-dong clashes with Daniela Holmqvist and Natalie Mansson respectively but, at the business end, things went the way of the Swedes and both Irish girls lost on the final green.

Lisa Maguire and Danielle McVeigh provided a strong anchor but neither played to their full potential and went down 4&2 and 5&4 respectively.

Now the best Ireland can finish in this event is fifth and today they will face France.

Sweden’s victory sees them play Germany in the semi-final with Spain and Denmark meeting in the other match.

In the girls’ championship in Sardinia, Ireland, playing in the second flight, lost 4-1 to the Netherlands with Chloe Ryan their only winner.

Ireland face Turkey today, while in the chase for medals England take on Germany and France meet Spain.