Ireland need to step up a gear over the Uppsala course in Sweden today if they are to stand a chance of retaining their European Boys' team title won in Scotland a year ago. With five of their six cards counting, Ireland were on 378 in 10th position and know that an improved performance is necessary today to get them into the top eight. Their biggest problem was that none of the six boys produced any heroics although they didn't suffer any disasters either.

International newcomer Paul McDonald was the best of the bunch returning a one over par 73 while there was slight disappointment for the two survivors of their 1998 championship winning side - Sean McTernan and Mervyn Owens. Owens from Cork returned a 77 and Co Sligo's McTernan was on 78.

Team captain Jimmy Greene, is aware of the task facing the boys today as they need to move up a couple of places to stay in contention. They are 13 strokes behind leaders England who had the day's lowest scorer, Simon Robinson with a 69.

"It was a little disappointing after the marvellous performance last year but they could well pick themselves up and improve sufficiently to make progress," said Greene.

James McCracken, with a 79, was the player whose card was discounted. "It was just one of those days when things didn't go right", said the Connemara teenager.

Scotland are in seventh place going into the second round today and they cannot afford any slip-ups either while Wales have no realistic chance of qualification for the first flight after finishing in 15th spot with a total of 387.