Irish boys settle for runner-up spot again

BOYS' AND GIRLS' GOLF: Ireland finished in the runner-up spot for the second successive year in the Boys' Home International championship at Machynys Peninsula, Llanelli yesterday, this time to England.

However, Ireland finished in fine style by overwhelming Wales 10½-4½. They set their stall out by taking the foursomes 3½-1½ and then dominated the final session of the three day event by winning seven out of the 10 singles.

Captain Richard Cusack was full of praise for his charges. "They really could not have done more. It was just the narrow defeat by England on Tuesday that cost us the title but with five of our boys eligible next summer we must have a good chance then." England beat Scotland 12-3 to regain the trophy.

Meanwhile at Southerndown, the Irish girls were having a field day overwhelming Wales 7½-1½ - and they face England today in a battle likely to be for the runners-up spot after Scotland slammed the English after their demolition of Ireland on Wednesday.

WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES:The Irish women's soccer team led the charge on the opening day of the 24th World University Games in Bangkok yesterday, beating Germany 1-0 in their second pool match. However, Noel O'Reilly's men's side went down 3-0 to the hosts Thailand in their second pool game.

On the track Avoca's Deirdre Byrne qualified for Sunday's 1,500m final, finishing fourth in her heat in a time of 4:15.61. Orla Drumm also qualified as a fastest loser.

SOCCER: The Republic of Ireland's under-19 side suffered a 2-1 friendly defeat to an impressive Chilean side at Athlone for the second time in three days last night. The Irish took a 23rd minute lead through Alan Lynch before being pegged back.

Sebastian Barrientos was once more the key player for Chile as he scored one and set up the other for his side.

REP OF IRELAND: McKeown; Hughton, Spillane, Donoghue, Fitzgerald, Mahon, Carolan, Arter, Harkin, Corcoran, Lynch. Subs: Liddle and O'Toole for Mahon and Carolan (70 mins), Onwubiko for Lynch (78).