France finish top, Ireland sixth at Slieve Russell
Ireland’s Kate Dillon. Pic: Dan Clohessy/Inpho
France were in imperious form once again at the European Ladies’ Team Championship as Veronique Smondack’s side finished the Stroke Play stage on a combined nine under par total, to comfortably secure the number one spot ahead of Thursday’s Match Play rounds at PGA National Slieve Russell.
On a day when under par rounds were few and far between, Vairana Heck was the star of the show for the French side as she carded a four under par round of 68 to finish at six under, highlighted by an eagle at the Par 5 ninth.
Ireland also secured their place in Flight A as the home team finished the Stroke Play stage with a +12 total to take sixth place, lining up a mouth-watering tie against reigning champions Spain on Thursday.
Kate Dillon once again led the Irish scoring as the Oughterard golfer backed up her opening round 68 with another impressive two under par round of 70 to finish at six under par.
Just 16 players signed for sub-par rounds on another blisteringly hot day in Cavan, with Jessica Ross (Clandeboye), Olivia Costello (Roscommon) and Rebekah Gardner (Clandeboye) among those finishing on plus figures in the morning wave.
The afternoon also proved challenging for team Ireland as Beth Coulter (Kirkistown Castle) and Katie Poots (Knock) finished their second rounds at four over and three over respectively, with Coulter signing for a 76 while Poots carded a 75.
Despite the tough conditions, Ireland have made the all-important top eight with Irish captain Gillian O’Leary very happy with how her team have performed across the opening two days.
“We’re absolutely delighted”, said O’Leary.
“We said at the start of the week that we just take it one day at a time, one shot at a time and see where we finish at the end of it. I couldn’t have asked any more of the team. They all stuck to what they were trying to do, which was run their numbers and commit to it.
"Delighted, especially today, it was a rough day out there. It was quite windy, tricky pin positions and they all fought really hard and finished strong this afternoon.
“It’s anybody’s game and we’re ready for anybody. Bring it on.”
France will look to claim a first European Ladies’ Team Championship win since 2015 and are set to face Italy in Thursday’s opening Match Play round. Italy are chasing their first European title having come closest when runners-up in 2022.
Team coach and former four-time Solheim Cup player Gwladys Nocera is hoping that this could be France’s year to win that elusive gold medal.
“Winning is always the best,” said Nocera.
“We got beaten twice in the final, last year and the year before and I think it’s time to change that.”
Defending champions Spain produced one of the standout team performances of the second round as Balma Davalos Guaita (-5), Paula Martin Sampedro (-3) and Paula Francisco Liano (+2) led the seven-time champions into third place, setting up a tie against the home nation.
Sweden and Denmark complete the Flight A line-up where Sweden will face Finland while Denmark are set to take on England.
Meanwhile, The Ireland men's team enjoyed a sparkling day in Estonia, topped by a 66 from Amateur champion Stuart Grehan, as they qualified in fourth place after the second round of qualifying. Ireland play England in the quarter-finals.
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