The Republic, represented by Tom Hanlon, Dr Hugh McGann, Dr G.M.Keaveney, Rory Timlin, Rory Boland, Niall Toibin, and Mark Moran (non-playing captain) beat Scotland by 53 to 37 victory points in the home international bridge championship (Camrose Trophy) in Kilmarnock.
As England beat Northern Ireland 61/29 the table now stands - 1, Wales, 179; 2, the Republic, 164; 3, England, 158; 4, Scotland, 127; 5, Northern Ireland, 90.
England, the original favourites, are out of contention as they have completed their schedule. So the championship rests between the Republic and Wales who face each other in their final match on March 11th-12th at the Dunadry Inn, Templepatrick, Co Antrim, where Northern Ireland will also take on Scotland.
Since Wales have a 15-point lead going in to the match, the Republic must win by a minimum of 53/37, to take the title for the first time - a task which is well within the capabilities of one of the most talented squads ever to represent the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland.
The Bankers' congress will be held in the Bankers' Club, 92-93 St Stephen's Green, and the Templogue Centre, Dublin, from March 14th to 19th. The events taking place in the Bankers' Club (7.30 p.m.) are - Tuesday, women's pairs; Thursday, mixed pairs; Friday, gala pairs, followed by social. Templeogue Centre - Saturday (2 p.m.) both major, and intermediate, two-session pairs; likewise the teams on Sunday.
Among the prizes, the two-session pairs winners will receive £250 and the team champions £300. Directors: Joe and John Murray, and Brian Lawlor. Entries: Dave Mulhall (01-298 4393).
Torc congress, Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney - pairs - Major: 1, J. Roberts, J. Heneghan; 2, J. Higgins, P. Casselle. Best inter: M. O'Shea, N. Fitzgibbon. Sessionals: A. Hogan, S. O'Donovan; B.Mackey, I. Thompson. Teams: 1, Higgins/Casselle, M. Kennefick, M. Atkinson; 2, G. Cummins, P. McCarthy, C. Holland, M. Finn. Best inter: P. and B. Keating, B. and J. Quinn.
Team championship (Crosby Memorial Trophy), National Yacht Club, Dun Laoghaire: 1, K. and A. Pinder, M. Walsh, D. Paffrath; 2, M. McConville, A. O'Kane, N. Power, D. Mooney; 3, A. Doyle, M. Jones, B. Kulchycky, E. Corbally (best 2nd session).
Three Irish bridge holidays - South Africa, April 15th-30th; Tunisia, May 13th-27th; Algarve, one or two weeks, June 8th-24th. Details: Barry Hogsett (012857853).