Both Ireland’s Women’s and Girls’ teams will enter the final day of this year’s Home Internationals defending 100% records as they face off against England on Friday.
Both sides will attempt to do what the Boys could not in toppling the tournament favourites who also boast an impeccable 2 from 2 record in this year’s competition.
On Thursday, Ireland’s Women, led by Lurgan’s Annabel Wilson and Clandeboye’s Jessica Ross (6&4) swept the morning foursomes matches with a 3-0 win before Ross dropped Ireland’s first point of the day in the opening singles match to Welsh counterpart, Lea Ann Bramwell.
Castletroy’s Chloe Ryan, whose clutch point on Wednesday helped down hosts Scotland, soon steadied the ship with an authoritative 4&3 win and although Ireland only managed one half point from the next two singles matches, 3&2 wins for Cork’s Rachel Thompson on debut and the ever-reliable Lisburn’s Paula Grant ensured a resounding 6.5-2.5 win.
As for the Girls in Green, a sound start in the foursomes thanks to Elm Park’s Anna Foster and Lahinch’s Aine Donegan (6&4) and Hermitage’s Kate Lanigan and Tramore’s Anna Dawson (3&1) set Ireland on their way.
However it was a rip-roaring finish in the singles that ultimately blew their Welsh opponents away. Donegan and Lanigan doubled down on their earlier contribution with key wins to add to Douglas’ Sara Byrne (3&2) and Kirkistown Castle’s Beth Coulter (4&3) fine scalps as Ireland stormed home with four closing points to seal another 6.5-2.5 win.
England await both teams in the all-important deciders tomorrow.
To keep up with our players in green, click HERE for Women’s scoring and HERE for Girls action.
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