Ireland storm back to beat Spain in Octagonal Trophy
Ireland’s Matthew McClean. Picture by Pat Cashman
Ireland produced a remarkable singles comeback to beat hosts Spain 6-3 on day two of the Octagonal Trophy and put themselves in position to challenge for the title tomorrow.
Despite losing the foursome 2.5-0.5, the men in green overcame rain and wind at Club de Golf Costa Ballena in Cadíz, winning five and a half points from the six singles and move to the top of the Red Group by virtue of their greater match points total.
The eight nations are divided into two groups of four, playing each other on a round-robin basis over three days with the group winners facing off for the title on Friday and the respective second, third and fourth ranked teams meeting to decide the other places.
Ireland now face a young Czech Republic team — their average age is just 17 — coached by former European Tour professional and Irish Open winner David Carter, in their final round-robin match.
The Czech team lost 3.5-5.5 to Portugal, who now face Spain.
In the Blue Group, England face the Netherlands today as they bid to top the table.
They made it two wins from two with a hard-fought 5-4 win over Italy to top the group by a point from the Netherlands, who drew 4.5-4.5 with a young German team.
Octagonal Trophy, Club de Golf Costa Ballena, Cadíz (Spain)
Day two
