Ireland defeated Wales 6-3 at Burnham and Berrow yesterday, to finish in second place in the women's amateur home international golf series. Ireland were left to reflect on Wednesday's unfortunate 5-4 defeat by England, a result that so nearly went their way. As it turned out, England clinched a seventh consecutive title following their 6-3 win over Scotland.

Ireland virtually guaranteed themselves a winning send-off as they won all three of yesterday morning's foursomes.

Alison Coffey and Michelle McGreevy, who formed a useful partnership throughout the week, once again held their nerve in a tense match, defeating Curtis Cup player Becky Morgan and Natalie Evans on the final hole.

Ireland required just two points from the singles to be certain of overall victory and they came at the top of the order.

Irish champion Lillian Behan, normally a slow starter, won three of the first six holes against her Welsh counterpart, Louise Davis, on her way to a 5 and 4 success; while Coffey recovered from losing an early hole against Evans to win 3 and 2 and settle the issue.

New cap Patricia Mangan marked an encouraging debut with her second singles win, by two holes, against 15-year-old Rebecca Brewerton.

England shared the foursomes with Scotland but proved to be a class apart in the singles, where they were beaten in only one of the six matches.