Golf: Scots are defeated despite a doughty debut by Dick

Lothians champ Allyn Dick made an impressive debut for Scotland yesterday but still could not prevent them going down to host nation Wales in the Home Internationals at Ashburnham.

Kingsknowe man Dick, 31, pitched in with one-and-a-half points from his two matches but Scott Knowles' side were edged out 8-7 as the Welsh gained revenge for the 12…-2… defeat they suffered at the hands of the Scots in last year's event at Hillside.

Scotland, who won the Raymond Trophy the last time the event was held on Welsh soil in 2006, had gained an early advantage as they shaded the morning foursomes 3-2.

Michael Stewart, the new Scottish champion, and Ross Kellett teamed up in the top tie to beat Rhys Enoch and Walker Cup skipper Nigel Edwards 3 and 2 while the pairings of James Byrne and Dick, and James White and Brian Soutar also pitched in with wins to boost the tally.

Troon youngster Stewart beat Welsh champion Alastair Jones 2 and 1 in the opening singles tie before the hosts launched their fightback. Byrne, runner-up in June's Amateur championship, was beaten 3 and 1 by former Welsh Boys' champion Joe Vickery while Kris Nicol, Jordan Findlay, Philip McLean and Greg Paterson also suffered defeats as the Welsh won the afternoon session 6-4.

In the day's other contest title holders and current European Team champions England showed their strength as they powered to an 11-4 victory over Ireland to take charge of the round-robin event.