Northern Ireland beat the Republic by 33 victory points to 27 in the home international bridge match (Camrose Trophy) at the Dunadry Inn, Templepatrick, Co Antrim. Each session consisted of 30 boards. The first and second were drawn 10/10. The home side crucially won the third 13/7.
The teams were - North: A.T.R. Anderson, I. Lindsay, C. Burns, J. Murchan, Dr H. Campbell, T.G. Mackenzie, K.Y. Singleton (non-playing captain.) Republic: T. Hanlon, Dr H. McGann, D. Garvey, M. O Briain, J. Carroll, T. Garvey, J. Comyn (npc).
Meanwhile, England beat Wales 34/26, so the table now stands: 1, Republic, 75; 2, Scotland, 48; 3, Northern Ireland, 45; 4, Wales, 38; 5, England, 34. England and Scotland have a match in hand.
The Ennis congress will take place in the Auburn Lodge Hotel from January 29th to 31st. Programme: Friday (7.30 p.m.) mixed, and novice pairs; Saturday (2 p.m.), two-session major, and intermediate pairs; Sunday (11 a.m.), two-session teams; open pairs throughout. Entries: Brid Vaughan (065-682-1133).
One of Dublin's biggest clubs, Templeogue College, reaches its 30th birthday this year. To mark the occasion open pairs will be run on January 31st (7.30 p.m.). Among the prizes will be the Anniversary Cup, and special awards for intermediate A, B, and novice players. Entries close on January 28th with Maura Dowling (01-493-3390).
Waterford congress in Jurys Hotel: Major pairs: 1, N. Hickey, P.J. O'Dea; 2, M. Bolger, M. Brennan; 3, E. O'Hara, G. Watson.
Best A: A. O'Keeffe, S. Connolly. Best Bridge Centre: N. Foley, J. Richardson. Sessionals: D. O'Donnell, B. Tucker; C. Holland, A. O'Sullivan.
Mixed pairs: 1, A. Heffernan, M. Prendergast; 2, S. McGuire, J. Collins; 3, M. Cowman, C. Tuohy. Centre: K. Byrne, D. Kearns.
Inter B pairs: 1, G. and N. Pender; 2, T. and M. Galvin; 3, M. Heylin, B. Collins. Novice: M. Hogan, J. Tobin. Centre: F. Starmer, S. Roche. Sessionals: T. Lawler, D. Russell; D. O'Keeffe, A. Murray.
Teams: 1, E. and A. Cleary, B. Kirby, G. Connolly; 2, N. McManamy, D. Noonan, D. McGrath, T. O'Hara. Best A: V. and H. Fitzgerald, A. White, P. Kavanagh. Centre: J. Richardson, A. Heffernan, H. and M. Prendergast. 2nd session: M. Boland, D. Dowling, Bolger/ Brennan.