The Continent of Europe claimed a slender 7-5 lead over Great Britain and Ireland after day one of The Vagliano Trophy at Royal St George’s.
Chasing a seventh straight win in the biennial contest, the visitors secured a 3-1 lead after the morning foursomes matches over the renowned Kent links.In the blustery and warm conditions, Great Britain and Ireland quickly sparked an afternoon fightback with an impressive 7&6 singles victory for Scotland’s Hazel MacGarvie against Girls Amateur champion Emma Spitz.However, the Continent of Europe managed to half the session 4-4 and go into tomorrow’s final day with the two-point lead as they seek to retain the trophy they last won in Italy in 2017.At the venue for next year’s 149th Open, there were convincing singles victories for the Continent of Europe pair Leonie Harm and Pauline Roussin-Bouchard, defeating Isobel Wardle and Shannon McWilliam in respective 6&5 triumphs.Great Britain and Ireland, who last lifted The Vagliano Trophy in 2005, fought back as Alice Hewson defeated Alessia Nobilio 3&1. Ireland’s Julie McCarthy then secured a notable 3&1 success against the top-ranked player in the match, Swede Frida Kinhult, who sits 3rdon the World Amateur Golf Ranking™.Scots shineThe Scottish duo McWilliam and MacGarvie refused to be denied in the bottom match, putting the first point on the board for the home side with a one-hole win over Valenzuela and Roussin-Bouchard.In the Junior Vagliano Trophy, the Under-16’s version of the competition, Great Britain and Ireland hold a 5-4 lead – helped by two wins from Ireland’s Beth Coulter.After the Continent of Europe won the foursomes 2-1 in the six-a-side match, the hosts hit back in the singles, with victories from Coulter, Hannah Darling and Darcey Harry.Entry is free of charge at Royal St George’s while live scoring, news and video can be followed on The R&A’s website and social media platforms.
