Golf: Knowles left happy after solid start

Kingsknowe stalwart Scott Knowles was a contented man today after watching his Scotland side make a solid start to the defence of the European Team championship title at Osterakers in Sweden.

The Scots finished the first qualifying round in a share of third after a one-under total of 359. Banchory's James Byrne, runner-up in last month's Amateur championship, got the title holders off and running with a two-under 70 while Motherwell's Ross Kellett, a member of last year's winning side in Wales, also added a two-under score to the tally.

Michael Stewart pitched in with a 72 with Greg Paterson (73) and Philip McLean (74) completing the tartan total.

Scotland were heading into day two five shots behind last year's runners-up England, who eased to the front with a six-under 354 that was aided by Walker Cup player Chris Paisley's 68.

Meanwhile, Haddington's Lesley Nicholson, the captain of the Scotland women's team, was facing an anxious final day of qualifying as her side tried to hold on to their top eight place in the European Ladies' championship at La Manga in Spain. Craigielaw's Jane Turner carded a one-over 74 as the Scots combined for a team total of 379 to finish in a share of seventh behind day one leaders Sweden, who had a 361.