Ireland Women’s Captain Gillian O’Leary believes the blend between youth and experience has been crucial as the Irish began the R&A Home Internationals with a win over Wales.
The Men’s and Women’s Home Internationals began at Woodbrook today with Ireland defeating Wales 12.5-8.5 in the overall match, while England got the better of Scotland on a 13.5-7.5 scoreline.
And it was a brilliant start to the week for O’Leary’s defending champions, who won eight of the nine points on offer including all three of the morning foursomes, on their way to an 8-1 win.
“They did great. It wasn’t an easy day at all, a lot of blustery wind out there so they really just stuck to what they were trying to do which was commit to all of their shots and accept whatever happened after that,” said O’Leary.
“The message was focus for each shot but then also enjoy themselves out there and embrace being at home and the support that was there as well. They really enjoyed the day out on course.
“They are a super bunch, they all know what they are doing and they get on really well together. They are really supportive and encouraging of each other and they are all really good peers.
“Experience and a great team environment goes a long way in a week like this.”
Ireland held a 4.5-2.5
Katie Poots and Kate Dillon were first on the scoreboard, with a 4&3 win over Emily Jones and Harriet Lockley. Rebekah Gardner and Olivia Costello quickly followed up with an emphatic 6&5 win. Emma Flemming and Anna Abom were also victorious.
John Doyle and David Kitt combined for a 3&1 win over Bryn Thomas and Alex James. Gerard Dunne and Dylan Keating suffered a narrow defeat but Keith Egan and Fionn Dobbin salvaged another half point.
The Irish women put up another resounding display in the afternoon with Dillon’s fabulous 5&4 success, quickly followed up by Poots (3&2). They were further wins for Gardner (5&3), Jessica Ross and Costello.
Meanwhile, Damien Coyne’s charges came up short despite a sensational 7&6 win for Keating. Gavin O’Neill also won his match 3&2 but Ireland fell to defeat in the men’s tie.
In the other match, England started strong and held a 6-1 lead after the morning foursomes. Harley Smith and Lewy Hayward claimed a big 7&6 win to set them on their way.
Patience Rhodes, Lily Hirst and Lauren Crump all pulled off wins in the afternoon singles for the English women with Andrew Davidson, George Cannon and Chris Somers providing the resistance for the Scottish men.
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