The scrum of Irish players ambling up the 16th fairway told its own disappointing story for Ireland's chances of winning the Home Countries Championship at Carlow Golf Club. England, bristling with talent, had threatened to steamroll all of the opposition and so a spirited Irish team, missing their top player Alison Coffey to sickness, were defeated 51/2 to 31/2 in their second match of the championship.

All full-time amateurs, England need victory today against Wales to retain the title they have won eight times in the last 10 years. In theory, but improbable, Ireland could still win the championship if they have a high scoring win over Scotland today and Wales crush England.

Just two singles victories in the afternoon from Wexford's Elaine Dowdall and Dundalk's Yvonne Cassidy, after the morning foursomes ended equal, left Ireland with just the remanants of their usual upbeat smiles.

For Dowdall the grin was that little bit broader as she landed her first competitive hole-in-one on the 154-yard 13th hole. Dowdall then completed her match 4 and 3 against Fiona Brown with Cassidy defeating Kirsty Fisher 3 and 2.

As much as Ireland and non-playing captain Eavan Higgins tried to put a brave face on Coffey's illness, the team was critically damaged from the outset. Coffey was seen as one of Ireland's bankers in the foursomes and singles.

But the former player of the year and current Irish amateur champion turned up on the morning tee feeling sick and weak before embarking on what was an ill-fated morning foursomes match with Eileen Rose Power. They lost on the 18th to Rebecca Hudson and Kirsty Fisher. The 28-year-old Warrenpoint player was physically sick twice during the round and was ordered to bed ensuring she missed the afternoon singles matches.

From there Ireland were destined to struggle. Ireland's youngest player Martina Gillen, paired against Rebecca Hudson, probably one of the world's top-10 amateurs, faced relentless pressure and handled it well. But Hudson was overwhelming and finished the match on the 16th hole, four under par and having carded seven birdies.

"My birdie putts were skimming the hole, hers were going in. She was just so accurate," said Gillen.

Hazel Kavanagh, who was wrapped up after the 15th hole by the oddly-named Fame More, was three holes down after 12 and was always reaching. While More's parents obviously had a sense of humour, there was little to laugh about in her golf. More is one of England's rising amateur stars and could step into the shoes of Hudson if the Curtis Cup player turns professional.

Eileen Rose Power, four down at the turn gave away too much ground early on to Kerry Smith, finishing 6 and 4 while Claire Coughlan, three holes down after nine also lost 6 and 4 to Kim Andrew. It was left to Cassidy and Dowdall to share the crumbs of comfort as champagne popped beside the 18th green in honour of the Wexford player's ace.

"I've had two holes-in-one," she said. "Today I hit a five iron straight in. I didn't see it. There was just a great roar. I then had to try to settle myself on the next tee. The one before that was in the Curragh on a practice round with a pitching wedge. But people said that doesn't count."

Dowdall finished an approximate five under par for fifteen holes and was the only Irish player to win both matches yesterday.