Ireland's hopes of winning the European Amateur Team Golf championship disappeared in the seering heat yesterday when they lost 4 1/2 2 1/2 to England over the Monticello Course.
For much of the time the Irish appeared to hold the upper hand but when the crunch came it was the English who produced the birdies.
That was a point seized upon by Irish captain, Michael Craddock, who said: "We are naturally very disappointed but all credit to England as they produced the birdies when it really mattered."
Craddock also felt that the unfortunate absence through injury of European individual champion Paddy Gribben had been a massive blow to Irish hopes of success.
"But we are not making any excuses," said a down to earth Craddock. The foursomes were shred at one match apiece although Ireland had been ahead in both games at the turn."
Both matches went to extra holes and in the afternoon fortunes ebbed and flowed as the initiative swung from one side to the other.
Ireland's massive hitter Gary Cullen was involved in a tremendous battle at the top of the order with Luke Donald. They shared six birdies in eight holes after the turn as the lead changed hands twice. But it was Donald who got home by 2 and 1 and that seemed to be the defining moment.
Michael Hoey lost his match on the 17th and when the 43 year old veteran Garth McGimpsey went down by 3 and 1 to the British Amateur champion, Graeme Storm, it was all over.
Ireland now play Wales and the best they can hope for is to finish fifth in the European Order of merit. England face Germany in one semi-final of the top flight while Italy play France in the other.
Co Louth's Oonagh Purfield will replace Lillian Behan (Curragh) on the Irish women's team for next week's European Team Championship at the Golf Club St Germain, France. The Irish team is: Allison Coffey (Warrenpoint), Claire Coughlan (Cork), Emma Dickson (Royal Co Down), Suzanne O'Brien (Milltown), Eileen Rose Power (Kilkenny), Oonagh Purfield (Co Louth); Captain - Jane Allen.
Mike Brisky shot a 6-under 66 to take the lead after the first round of the Western Open in Lemont, Illnois yesterday.
Brisky, who teed off in the afternoon, overtook Vijay Singh, Hal Sutton and Briny Baird who share second.
Defending champion Joe Durant recorded a 1-over 73. Tiger Woods, the champion in 1997, was tied for fourth after a 68.
