Golf: Laing pledges to help out Matthew in second round

VIKKI LAING vowed to overcome a shaky start and give Catriona Matthew some strong support in today's second round of the European Nations Cup in Spain.

The all-Lothians Scottish pairing were lying in a tie for eighth after an opening three-under-par 69 at La Sella, where Matthew did most of the good work with five birdies.

"I struggled a little bit today but Catriona made some birdies and I made a few good pars to hang in there," said Laing.

Making her debut in the event, the Musselburgh player added: "It's brilliant to be playing for my country this week. "Catriona is a former British Open champion and I'm having a great time.

"There's a lot of golf left to play and it's an different format tomorrow so we'll make a few birdies and see what happens."

The Scots are lying four shots behind the leaders, Australians Katherine Hull and Karen Lunn.

"It was a nice start but hopefully we can get some more birdies the next few days," said Matthew. "The course is in great shape. There are some tough holes out there when the wind picks up a bit but there are also lots of birdies out there."

Today's format in the 72-hole event is Valencian Cup, a variation on foursomes.