Ireland won the Senior Women's Home Internationals title at LLandudno (Maesdu) Golf Club, North Wales for the second year in a row - but only after a games-won countback with England

The last-day title decider between the two teams with 100 per cent records, defending champions Ireland (also the European Senior Champions) and England, drew 4-4.

England won the last two singles to finish to level the scoreline but it was all to no avail, Ireland's superior games won advantage (1 1/2pt better than England after two days) meant that a draw was always going to be enough for skipper Terry Sexton’s team to retain the Sue Johnson Trophy.

“I’m so proud of them,” said Terry Sexton (pictured above with the Sue Johnson Trophy. “To win the European senior team championship gold medals in Slovenia a few weeks ago and then come here and retain the title, was a tremendous achievement. It’s privilege to captain a team of this quality.”

At Llandudno on the final afternoon of the three-day programme, Ireland led 4-1 at one stage of the singles so, at that point, the Irish were entitled to start singing in the rain which came on at lunchtime and stayed on through the remainder of the day.

Ireland had the MVP of the tournament - senior rookie Laura Webb (East Berskhire Golf Club), Irish women's amateur champion in 1994 - with six wins out of six. She was closely followed by team-mate Carol Wickham (Laytown & Bettystown) who won five out of five.

Wales beat Scotland 6-2 on the last day to finish third with the Scots relegated to last place in the table.

Ireland team: Suzanne Corcoran (Portumna), Pat Doran (Donabate), Helen Jones (Royal Portrush), Sheena McElroy (Grange), Gertie McMcMullen (The Island), Laura Webb (East Berkshire), Carol Wickham (Layton & Battystown). Captain - Terry Sexton.