Storm Ali is just too hot to handle
Play to resume today in Senior Men’s Home Internationals
Ronnie Clark’s Scotland were feeling under the weather after Storm Ali put the buffers on their quest for silverware.
The Erskine golfer is currently skippering the side at the Senior Men’s Home Internationals at Southerness, however they have been stopped in their tracks after yesterday’s play was suspended due to the weather conditions.
The decision was made to cancel play due to the poor forecast after the Met Office issued a weather warning that said Storm Ali could bring winds of 80mph.
After agreement from all four team captains, play will recommence this morning, where there will be a change to the original format.
Two sessions consisting of seven singles matches will take place to ensure all three country v country matches are played.
We are absolutely thrilled to get the better of Scotland on their home patch Ireland captain Michael Coote
Hosts Scotland got off to a good start against Ireland in the morning foursomes on Tuesday, taking a 2- 1 lead into lunch after Clarke and Lindsay Blair (Grangemouth) notched a 3&2 victory against the Irish pairing of John Mitchell and Barry Hobson.
Meanwhile, Robert Smith (Nairn) and Malcolm Reid ( Sonning) defeated Maurice Kelly and Michael Quirke 5&4.
The afternoon session, however, was all about Ireland. As conditions worsened, Ireland fared better than the hosts, only losing one match on their way to securing a 5.5–1.5 victory.
Following the victory, Irish Captain Michael Coote said: “After losing the morning foursomes, we were on the back foot. In our team meeting between sessions, there was a lot of emphasis on keeping the ball low in the wind and we managed that in the afternoon and we are absolutely thrilled to get the better of Scotland on their home patch, especially in difficult conditions.”
In the day’s other match, England, who are looking to make it three-in-a-row with victory this week, overcame Wales 6–3.
England led 2.5– 0.5 after the foursomes, then singles victories for Rupert Kellock (Sunningdale), Richard Norton (Beverley and East Riding) and Ian Attoe, along with a half point for Rich Jones (Rotherham), helped England over the line.
England Captain Roy Smethurst said: “In extreme conditions, the players played really well and we are delighted to narrowly beat Wales in what was a highly contested and well-fought match.”