Golf: Scots set for four nations

CAPTAIN Lesley Nicholson is confident Scotland have picked a team capable of making up for last year's Home International heartache when the golfers head for Wales next month.

The backbone of the side is formed by Scottish champion Kelsey MacDonald and newly-crowned British title holder Pamela Pretswell, with Craigielaw's Jane Turner also retaining her place along with Megan Briggs, Louise Kenney and Laura Murray after they all helped earn third place for the Scots in the European Women's Team Championship at La Manga in July.

Joining them for the four-cornered event at Whitchurch in Cardiff on 8-10 September will be rising Capital star Rachael Watton, the Mortonhall 18-year-old, and Selkirk's Martine Pow, who has earned her international recall at the age of 45. "Rachael has earned her chance on the back of some really good results this season, while the experience Martine provides certainly helps with the dynamics of the team," said Nicholson.

In last year's event the Scots looked set to land a first Miller Trophy triumph since 1991 only to be pipped by Wales on an agonising final afternoon ?.

"The title was ours for the taking last year and it was disappointing that we never managed to finish the job off," added Nicholson. "However, we've got players who are now starting to fulfil their potential."

Scotland: M Briggs (Kilmacolm), L Kenney (Pitreavie), K MacDonald (Nairn Dunbar), L Murray (Alford), M Pow (Selkirk), P Pretswell (Bothwell Castle), J Turner (Craigielaw), R Watton (Mortonhall) 18. Reserves: C-M Carlton (Fereneze), G Monteith (Portpatrick Dunskey).