Ireland hold off Welsh fightback to grab early initiative

IRELAND made a winning start to the defence of their R&A Trophy in the Boys Home Internationals over the Royal and St David’s links at Harlech yesterday — but they were made to fight hard for victory over hosts Wales.

They got there in the end 8½-6½ and on course for their third title in four years and will today face Scotland who went down 9-6 to England.

Irish captain Liam Martin was a very relieved man last night: “I am pleased we got out of this game with a win. They certainly gave us something to think about and at one stage this afternoon it really did look as though it could have gone either way.