GB&I trailing in Italy

Ross Kellett was in sparkling form on day one of the St Andrews Trophy but GB&I's amateurs still fell behind to Europe during the opening round of matches at Castelconturbia in Italy.

The Colville Park youngster pitched in with two wins from his foursomes and singles ties but it was the Europeans who gained an early advantage as they finished 7-5 ahead.

Kellett and Scottish champion Michael Stewart teamed up to earn a battling one hole win over Swedish pair Pontus Widegren and Jesper Kennegard in the foursomes. But GB&I still found themselves on the back foot as Europe won the session 3-1.

Stewart then lost the top singles match 4 and 2 to Italian youngster Nino Bertasio while Banchory's James Byrne went down 3 and 1 to Scottish Open Strokeplay champion Romain Wattel of France as the hosts turned the screw.

A win for Tom Lewis and half points from Paul Cutler and Matt Nixon kept GB&I in touch before Kellett swept to a fine 5 and 4 win over Johan Lopez-Lazaro. Eddie Pepperell gave the visitors a share of the singles honours as he beat Morten Madsen 3 and 2 in the final tie.