Disappointment for Irish against England

Ireland's slim hopes of winning the Men's Home Internationals evaporated when they lost to 9-6 to England at Pyle and Kenfig in Wales today.

Leading 3.5 to 1.5 after the foursomes, Ireland could only win two of the 10 singles matches with Esker Hills' Shane Lowry and Clandeboye's Jonathan Caldwell the only victors.

Rory McIlroy lost by 2 and 1 to Walker Cup star Oliver Fisher, while Darren Crowe was thrashed 7 and 5 by Robert Dinwiddie.

Limerick's Pat Murray gained a great half with veteran Gary Wolstenholme but Gareth Shaw, Simon Ward, Aaron O'Callaghan, Connor Doran and Seamus Power all lost to send Ireland scuttling to defeat.

Scotland beat Wales 9-6 in the other match and will face England in a straight showdown for the title on Friday.