SCOTLAND AND ENGLAND WIN ON FIRST DAY OF SENIOR HOME INTERNATIONALS

Scotland beat Wales 4-3 and England beat European champions Ireland by the same margin on the opening day of the Senior Men's Home Internationals at Crowborough Beacon Golf Club, Sussex

Graham Bell, playing in the top singles tie, was two down with five to play but staged a grandstand finish by birdieing the next four holes for an inspirational victory.

Ian Brotherston and John Fraser both contributed comfortable 4 and 3 wins while Lindsey Blair held on to a one-hole lead with a par 4 at the last.

“It’s been a tough day and a very tight match,” said Scotland's playing captain David Gardner. “Wales are always tough to beat so we are delighted to get through a tough game.”

England edged to a 4-3 win over title favourites Ireland, thanks a one-hole win by David Niven

who was trailing to Denis Deasy and then won five holes in a row, capped with a 40ft birdie putt at the last for victory.

On Wednesday, England will play Wales while Scotland play Ireland.

FIRST DAY RESULTS

SCOTLAND 4, WALES 3

G Bell bt J Thomas 2 and 1

D Gardner lost to R Broad 1 hole.

I Brotherston bt G Rees 4 and 3.

L Blair bt P Bloomfield 1 hole.

R Stewart lost to P Sutton 1 hole.

J Fraser bt N Evans 4 and 3.

M Reid lost to A Williams 3 and 2.

IRELAND 3, ENGLAND 4

M Kelly bt I Attoe 1 hole.

B Donlon lost to S East 5 and 3.

A Morrow bt C Jones 2 holes.

D Deasy lost to D Niven 1 hole.

N Duke lost to M Stone 3 and 2.

J Mitchell bt A Mew 2 and 1.

T Cleary lost to R Partridge 5 and 4.