Holders Royal Portrush pushed hard before booking semi date

HOLDERS and hot favourites Royal Portrush play Claremorris in the Irish Senior Ladies Cup semi-final at Malone GC, Belfast today.

In search of their 25th All-Ireland title, Royal Portrush were taken to the final match by a luckless Island side in yesterday’s quarter-final. Gemma McClenaghan and Naoimh Quigg saw off Suzy Sheehan and Anna Courtney to win early points, while international Charlene Reid went down on the home green to an in-form Rachel Cassidy. Gertie McMullen levelled the tie for the Dubliners with a 17th hole victory, leaving Lucy Simpson to clinch the semi-final berth with a 16th hole win over Angie Dwyer.

Claremorris completed the shock of the tournament, defeating 2009 champions Kilkenny 3-2.