The Republic beat England by 58 victory points to 30 in the home international bridge match (Camrose Trophy) in Derby. The test was decided over 90 boards in sets of 30, with a maximum of 25 points available on each set. The first set was closely fought, the Republic going under 14/16. However, they ran riot in the second, winning 25/3, and then won the third 19/11.
The Irish team was: T. Hanlon, Dr H. McGann, Dr G.M. Keaveney, R. Timlin, R. Boland, N. Toibin, and M. Moran (non-playing captain). Wales beat Scotland 56/34 to leave the table standing as follows: 1, Wales, 113; 2, Republic of Ireland, 111; 3, England, 63; 4, Northern Ireland, 37; 5, Scotland, 34. Both Northern Ireland, and Scotland have a match in hand.
In the annual friendly (An Corn Cairdis) between the Republic and England - also in Derby - the hosts won 211/149. The Irish teams were: County: P. O'Neill, J. Moran, S. Dowling, M.Keane. Club: M. Atkinson, M. Kennefick, B. and D. Cotter. Officials: C. Pippet, J. Cunningham, P. Buckley, M. O'Connor.
Clubs, or groups of clubs, may compete in an all-Ireland simultaneous pairs tournament on February 9th or 10th. Those proposing to participate should notify, without delay, Mr I. Lindsay, 5 Marmont Park, Belfast BT4 2GR (08 01232 763113).
The Ennis congress will be held in the Auburn Lodge Hotel from January 28th to 30th. Brochures: Brid Vaughan (065-6821133). The Ballina congress dates, and venue have been changed. It will take place in the Downhill Hotel from February 11th to 13th. Brochures: Josie Cawley (09670055).
A gala open two-session pairs tournament, confined to B and novice players and carrying generous prizes, including £150 for first, will be held in the Templeogue Centre, Dublin, on February 5th (2 p.m.). Entries: 01-4943255.
Waterford congress, in Jury's Hotel - Major pairs: 1, K. Byrne, D. Kearns; 2, P.J. O'Dea, N. Hickey; 3, P. Flynn, P. Gibney. Best inter A: N. and A. Grant. Local: M. Phelan, I. Reynolds. Sessionals: G. Connolly, B. Kirby; G. Lessells, E. Cleary.
Mixed pairs: 1, G. Watson, E. O'Hara; 2, A. Power, C. McInerney; 3, K. Phelan, P. Kelly. Local: G. and J. Aylward. Inter B pairs: 1, M. Healy, C. Kelly; 2, D. and R. White; 3, M. Brennan, S. Houlihan. Novice: M. Cremins, L. Warner. Local: S. Roche, F. Starmer. Sessionals: T. and M. Galvin; M. Treacy, B. Dunphy.
Teams: 1, Lessells/Cleary, Connolly/Kirby; 2, P. Flynn, J. Spratt, L. O'Donnell, J. Phelan. Best A: R. and C. Latham, P. Hogan, M. Quinlan. Local: J. Richardson, H. and M. Prendergast, A. Heffernan. Second session: M. Brennan, M. Bolger, M. Boland, D. Dowling.