The Irish Senior Ladies Team retained the Mary McKenna Perpetual Salver at Dunbar in an exciting encounter when the singles were shared but Scotland lost the opening four-balls by three matches to one.

The Irish Senior Ladies Team retained the Mary McKenna Perpetual Salver at Dunbar in an exciting encounter when the singles were shared but Scotland lost the opening four-balls by three matches to one.

The Scottish Veteran Ladies champion, Lorna Bennett, led the Scots with a convincing 6 and 5 victory over Pat Doran but the next three ties went to Ireland. Helen Jones played steadily to beat Sheena Wood by 4 and 3.

In the match between the two Marys, Ireland's Mary McLaren proved too strong for Mary Smith. Scottish Senior Ladies champion, Alison Bartlett, found herself opposite a barrage of birdies as Ireland's Laura Webb birdied the first five holes and went to the turn in 33.

Anne Ryan played very solidly for a 2 and 1 win over Carol Wickham. Debutante Gillian Kyle fought back from four down but eventually succumbed to Sheena McElroy by 3 and 1. Lesley Lloyd and Lorna McKinlay both had good wins versus Suzanne Corcoran and Gertie McMullen respectively but by then it was too late - Ireland had won by seven matches to five.

SCOTLAND VETS 5, IRELAND SENIORS 7

At Dunbar Golf Club
Sunday Four-balls: Scotland 1, Ireland 3
Monday Singles: Scotland 4, Ireland 4
Results (Scottish names first)
Lorna Bennett bt Pat Doran 6 and 5
Sheena Wood lost to Helen Jones 4 and 3
Mary Smith lost to Mary McLaren 5 and 4
Alison Bartlett lost to Laura Webb 5 and 4
Anne Ryan bt Carol Wickham 2 and 1
Gillian Kyle lost to Sheena McElroy 3 and 1
Lesley Lloyd bt Suzanne Corcoran 3 and 2
Lorna McKinlay bt Gertie McMullen 5 and 3

Photograph: The Irish Seniors Team with their Captain, Mary Madden holding the Mary McKenna Salver. Back Row: L to R: Sheena McElroy, Laura Webb, Carol Wickham, Pat Doran, Mary McLaren, Helen Jones, Suzanne Corcoran, Gertie McMullen.

CREDIT CAL CARSON GOLF