Ireland must settle for silver as Spain reign

Ireland had to play second fiddle to Spain in the final of the European Amateur Team Championship in Finland at the weekend — a 5-2 trouncing meant they returned home yesterday with the silver medal.

The two foursomes finished 1-1 after ding-dong tussles but the singles turned into a rout, as the Spaniards took control and secured the necessary three points.

Dublin’s Gavin Moynihan, the Scottish Open stroke-play champion, was never in contention against Joseo Angles. Cormac Sharvin who had been in form during the week, was out of sorts. Two down at the turn, the Ardglass man lost 10 and 11 and slumped to a 4&3 reverse.