7th July: Scots Snatch Bronze Medal from Rivals England

Richie Ramsay sealed the winning point with a 2&1 win over the veteran Gary Wolstenholme, after the Englishmen three-putted from just off the green at a critical moment on the 16th hole. Ramsay’s fantastic approach shot on the penultimate hole closed the door on Wolstenholme to leave the Scots celebrating in the Ayrshire sunshine.

Ramsay, who lost out to Wolstenholme this morning alongside partner Johnny King, was delighted with his team's efforts:

“We showed our will to win after yesterday’s disappointment. Any Scotland v England game will be a tough fight and it was important to the boys that we finished on a high. Third place in Europe is very respectable although obviously we’d have loved to go two places better.”

Lloyd Saltman once again demonstrated his thirst for victory over England with a fine 4&3 win over David Horsey to sign off in style in his last appearance in the dark blue colours. The 21-year old Craigielaw star, who was rested for the morning foursomes, was back to his best this afternoon and will be in confident mood going into next week’s Open qualifying.

“The guys were gutted last night after losing to the French but drawing England was a great pick up. We knew we had to play well against a very good team so it’s nice to end the week on a positive note,” said Saltman, who will turn pro after the Walker Cup.

With front men Kevin McAlpine and Keir McNicoll suffering defeats at the hands of John Parry and Paul Waring in the opening two singles, Jonathan King’s match took on extra significance. The Glasgow man showed his quality in the Scotland jersey with some fine iron play to see off Walker Cup squad member Gary Boyd with an excellent 3&2 victory, maintaining his excellent record for his national team.

After letting the Englishman back into the game, King pitched in from 25 yards at the 11th and never looked back from there to round off a good week for the West of Scotland Open champion.

Youngster James Byrne’s morning foursomes win with partner Keir McNicoll will boost the rising Banchory’s star’s blossoming profile in the amateur game and he heads off to Denmark tomorrow morning to lead Scotland’s U18s in the European Boys Team Championship.