Jack Hume leads GB&I fightback

Jack Hume led the fightback for Great Britain & Ireland who trail 8-4 at the midway stage of their St Andrew’s Trophy clash with the Continent of Europe in Kent.

The hosts made the worst possible start in their bid to defend the title they won at Barseback, Sweden two years ago as they lost all four of the morning foursomes matches on day one at the Prince’s club.

Hume and Welsh Amateur champion David Boote were beaten 4&3 by Guido Migliozzi and Matthias Schwabb while Stuart Grehan (MU) and Scott Gregory suffered a two-hole loss to Spanish pair Ivan Cantero and Mario Galiano.

The home side improved in the afternoon singles with Gregory claiming a 3&2 triumph over Jeroen Krietemeijer to secure GB&I’s first point.

And Naas star Hume was always in control of his contest with Migliozzi as he romped to a 5&4 success.

Grehan, who helped Europe defeat Asia-Pacific in the Arnold Palmer Cup at Formby last month, was also in stunning form in the afternoon as he thrashed Italian Luca Cianchetti 6&4. The Maynooth University man led from start to finish — winning three holes on the bounce from the 10th to the 12th before sealing victory at the par four 14th.

Scotland’s Connor Syme earned an impressive 5&4 win in his clash with Italian Stefano Mazzoli — but defeats for Grant Forrest, Boote, Alfie Plant and Robert MacIntyre mean the hosts have it all to do today.

The second and final day of action gets underway this morning — with Great Britain & Ireland needing eight points if they are to retain the title they won in 2014.