Monday, September 03, 2012

ALYSON AND EILIDH ARE PLAYING FOR SCOTLAND IN THE HOME INTERNATIONALS IN CORK

Scottish Team -- Courtesy of Colin Farqharson
Report by Colin Farquharson
Scotland skipper Fiona Norris has relied on her six most experienced players for the opening foursomes against Wales on Day 1 of the Women's Home Internationals at Cork Golf Club, Ireland.
Scottish champion Laura Murray (Alford) and Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) will be the lead-off pair.
Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm) and Craigielaw's Jane Turner are the second pairing.
Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar) and Denver University student Rachael Watton (Mortonhall) form a strong-looking third string.
Scottish girls chamion Lauren Whyte (St Regulus) and Rachel Walker (Dumfries and Co) are the new caps in the squad. They will get their chance, no doubt, later in the three-day tournament.
"We've had some good practice work so I am hoping we can get off to a good start over what looks like a good match-play course," said Fiona.
Cork golf course was a good enough test of golf to stage the Irish Open at one time but the infrastructure is not there to stage a big tournament in the 21st Century.
England are the hot favourites with World No 4 Georgia Hall and three Curtis Cup players, Holly Clyburn, Bronte Law and Kelly Tidy in their line-up.
First-day matches:
WALES v SCOTLAND
FOURSOMES
8.30 Amy Boulden and Becky Harries v Laura Murray and Alyson McKechin.
8.40 Chloe Williams and Katie Bradbury v Eilidh Briggs and Jane Turner.
8.50 Katherine O'Connor and Samantha Birks v Kelsey MacDonald and Rachael Watton.
IRELAND v ENGLAND
FOURSOMES
9.00 Gillian O'Leary and Sarah Cunningham v Kelly Tidy and Alexandra Peters.
9.10 Mary Dowling and Jessica Carty v Georgia Hall and Emily Taylor.
9.20 Deirdre Smith and Chloe Ryan v Holly Clyburn and Bronte Law.