July 2, 2017: The Continent of Europe won the Vagliano Trophy match with a 15-9 victory against Great Britain and Ireland at Circolo Golf Bogogno in Italy today.
It is the sixth consecutive victory for the Continent of Europe and capped a very strong second day performance in the foursomes and singles.
Starting the day level at 6-6, the Continent of Europe won all four of the morning foursomes matches to establish a commanding 10-6 lead going into this afternoon’s singles.
Facing an uphill challenge, GB&I needed to get off to a good start in the afternoon singles and they secured the first point. Sophie Lamb, the 2016 Ladies’ British Open Amateur Stroke Play Champion, defeated Linnea Strom 3&2 to reduce the deficit to three points.
The Continent of Europe maintained a grip on the match, however, when Virginia Elena Carta defeated Leona Maguire, number one in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, by one hole. That left the Continent of Europe requiring just one point to retain the trophy they won at Malone Golf Club in 2015.
“We played very well, probably better on the second day than on the first. Winning the foursomes 4-0 today was a terrific boost. I knew we would not be beaten after that” said, Anna Roscio – Continent of Europe Captain.
Despite Olivia Mehaffey giving GB&I their eighth point, after her one hole victory over Matilda Castren, confirmation that the trophy was staying with the Continent of Europe quickly followed when 2016 Ladies’ British Open Amateur Champion Julia Engstrom defeated Alice Hewson by one hole.
The Continent of Europe secured outright victory when Puk Lyng Thomsen completed a 3&2 victory over the youngest member of the GB&I team, Annabel Wilson.
India Clyburn recorded the final point for GB&I with a one hole win against Morgane Metraux but defeats for Maria Dunne (2&1 by Dewi Weber) and Gemma Clews (by two holes to Albane Valenzuela) enabled the Continent of Europe to claim a 15-9 victory.
In the Junior Vagliano Trophy match, the Continent of Europe achieved a comfortable 15-3 victory over GB&I.
R&A Media Release
