England halt Irish title run

Ireland were denied a fifth consecutive senior men’s Home International title at Southerndown on the south Wales coast yesterday by a much-improved England outfit.

England beat them 6-3 after taking all three foursomes and that meantIreland had to be content with the runners-up spot, while Scotland took third place despite being held to a 4.5-4.5 tie by Wales having secured more individual points over the three days.

From the moment the foursomes were a whitewash there was going to be only one outcome as the top two singles were always going England’s way, with neither former British Seniors Champion Arthur Pierse nor past Walker Cup captain Garth McGimpsey finding their best form.