FIGHTING SCOTS DRAW WITH IRISH AFTER WALES SHOCK ENGLAND

Scotland broke a sequence of six straight defeats with a fighting draw against Ireland on the opening day of the Womens Home Internationals at Scotscraig Golf Club, Tayport in North-east Fife today (Wednesday)

With Wales producing a shock win by four points over defending champions England, Karen Marshall's squad of youngsters

still have, on paper, at least a chance of regaining the Miller Trophy they last won at Cardiff in 2010

The Scots took a 2-1 foursomes lead over the Irish, highlighted by a terrific foursomes performance by Alyson McKechin and Eilidh Briggs who were seven under par in beating the talented Maguire twins, Lisa and Leona, by 5 and 4.

But the singles looked like drifting Ireland's way for a long spell in the afternoon with only good wins by Megan Briggs and Lauren Whyte stemming the tide.

With three games to finish, it was a 3-3 tie. Then 4-4 with one match to finish.

In that crucial finale, Eilidh Briggs was two down with three to play against Leona Maguire

Briggs raised her game under pressure in brilliant style. She birdied the 16th  to get one back. Then squared it with a par 4

at the 17th. All square on the 18th tee amid rising excitement in the Scottish ranks.

Eilidh's putt from 25 feet for a birdie to win the match shaved the hole - and stayed out. Maguire matched the Scot's par

4 and so the hole was halved, the game was halved and the overall match also finished level.

"What a fantastic finish," said Scotland team captain Karen Marshall.

"It looked as if it was going Ireland's way for a while but what a great turnaround by our girls. I'm proud of them."

Wales, once again, punching far above their weight at this level - they have fewer girl golfers than any of the

other home countries, shocked England by taking a 2-1 foursomes lead and then building on that with four wins out of the six singles.

Scotland play England and Ireland meet Wales on Day 2.

If the Scots dont suffer a backlash from England, there could be all to play for on the third and last day.