Michael Hoey's late flourish last night has given Ireland a realistic chance of making the top flight for the matchplay phase of the European Youths championship over the Royal Waterloo course in Belgium.

Hoey, the plus one handicapper who won the Irish Amateur Open championship at Royal Dublin May, came in right at the end of the day in the first strokeplay qualifying round with a one-under-par 72 after his colleagues had played some steady golf that failed to set the championship alight.

Hoey collected three birdies in the last four holes to help Ireland to a five-man aggregate of 373 and a share of seventh spot.

But they know they cannot afford to relax as only the top eight countries can battle for the crown and a mere six strokes separate them from France in 12th spot.

Hoey had a short nightmare in his round as he four-putted the sixth for a double bogey six. But he then got his act together and really produced the goods at a time when Ireland badly needed a sub par round.

Up to that point, the best Irish return had been a 74 by Limerick's Tim Rice, with both Alan Murray of Greystones and Colm Moriarty of Athlone returning 75s.

Hoey's effort gave Irish captain John Brett the chance to smile at the end of a long, tiring day. "I am delighted with the way Michael kept his game together and now we want the others to produce the goods as well tomorrow."

Ireland are some 13 strokes adrift of shock leaders Wales, who had an amazing day with Alex Smith equalling the course record of 67 at lunchtime, and then, five hours later, Amateur championship runner-up Craig Williams beating it by a stroke.

After today, the top eight nations will contest the first flight in the matchplay phase.