Golf: Successful title defence for Patrick

Capital golfer David Patrick was today celebrating becoming only the fourth player in half a century to complete a successful defence of the Scottish Young Professionals' title.

The former European Challenge Tour winner, who plays out of Elie in Fife, posted a pair of two-under 69s on the final day at West Lothian for a five-under 279 and won the 1,000 top prize by seven shots from D&G's Chris Robinson.

Leading by a shot heading into the closing 36 holes, defending champion Patrick cemented his place at the top with a third-round 69 before signing off with another two- under round that was highlighted by an eagle-three on the 12th.

Patrick's win made him the first player to land back-to-back titles since former Scottish PGA champion Chris Kelly did the double in 2001 and 2002.

Robinson finished with a 72 and a 67 to grab the runners-up spot on 286 while West Kilbride's Stuart Williamson took third on 289 after a 70 and 71.

In Ayrshire, Dalmahoy's Mark Kerr was eighth at the halfway stage of the European Tour qualifying school stage one at Dundonald Links.

Kerr posted a level-par 72 for a seven-over 151 and was eight shots behind Irish leader Damian Mooney, who shot a 66.

Craigielaw's Shaun McAllister had a 75 for 153 to remain in the qualifying hunt.

At Crail, Lothians veterans David Gardner and Ian Taylor suffered disappointment as Scotland picked up the wooden spoon in the Senior Home Internationals.

The hosts went down 7…-1… in their final match to Ireland, who romped to a third successive title. England beat Wales 5…-3… to finish runners-up.