England’s title hopes suffered a heavy blow when they lost 7½-1½ to defending champions Scotland on the second day of the Girls’ International Matches at Southerndown, Wales.

“The girls tried so hard, they gave it their all and it just didn’t happen” said England captain Julie Brown. “We are just deflated.”

She felt the Scots had the advantage of their much greater experience and remarked: “You couldn’t give them any opportunity because they just wouldn’t let go.”

But Julie believes this England side has huge potential. “I think this team will be brilliant next year,” she said.

Scotland have won both their matches so far and on the final day will face Wales, who have been heavily beaten by both England and Ireland. England will play Ireland.

The England-Scotland encounter started with a close foursomes session. The Scots emerged with a one point advantage after they won one match and fought back in the others to salvage two halves.

But in the singles the Scots quickly took control and proved particularly strong over the closing holes of the matches. Only Gloucestershire’s Hannah Barwood withstood the onslaught and provided England with a hard-fought half from her match with Great Britain international Krystle Caithness. Hannah’s putt to win on the final green just lipped out of the hole.

Results: England 1½ Scotland 7½

Foursomes:Ellie Givens (Blackwell Grange) and Hannah Barwood (Knowle) lost 4&2 to Krystle Caithness & Sally Watson. Kelly Tidy (Manchester) and Raffi Dyer (Hayling) halved with Carly Booth & Megan Briggs. Rachel Connor (Manchester) and Katie Mundy (Dunwood Manor) halved with Kelsey MacDonald and Roseanne Niven.

Singles: Givens lost 4&2 to Booth. Tidy lost 2&1 to Watson. Charlie Douglass (Brocket Hall) lost 3&2 to Briggs. Holly Clyburn (Woodhall Spa) lost 2&1 to Pamela Pretswell. Connor lost 1 down to Niven. Barwood halved with with Caithness.

In the day’s other match Ireland beat Wales 7½-1½.

Current points table: Scotland 15, England 10½, Ireland 9, Wales 1½.

Full details: http://www.lgu.org/

Labels: golf