BRIDGE

IRELAND returned to the Camrose Trophy after a long absence 20 years ago — and has won it seven times since then. But it is going to take a minor miracle to avoid finishing last this year, after the performances I have seen.

Imagine a cross-Imps total of minus 145 Imps? There is nothing else to describe what went on in Wales over the weekend — so the less said about it the better.

Now we come to the ladies team for the Lady Milne. The selectors have chosen the pairs which finished first, third and sixth.

Over to chief executive Paul Porteus: “The trials were meant to select six pairs who would form the two teams after a coaching course.

“So the selectors then met to decide who would play on the first team with the other six places going to three of the remaining five pairs. That will be announced later.”

Cork Congress is scheduled for January 18-20. Entries to Pearl O’Sullivan at 0860588593.

So to this week’s hand. Opening light can have its problems but I like the E hand here with a void and two fivecard suits. Five Diamonds is safer, but you know Bridge these days. Minors hardly exist but the 3-2 break makes 4S easy.