HOPES that the Irish could finally break back into the British Nations Cup winner's enclosure for the first time since 1937 were alive and kicking at the halfway stage in Hickstead yesterday, but when only Francis Connors could produce a second round clear, Britain stormed ahead to win by a clear 10.75 penalty margin from the Irish, with the French a further 1.5 faults adrift in third.

France, winners in both La Baule and Rome in the past month, were on level pegging with the British at the halfway stage, with the Irish a single fault off the pace in third after Francis Connors and Peter Charles were both clear over the fences but picked up a quarter of a time fault apiece.

Connors got both the jumping and the timing right second time around with the stallion Spring Elegance, but none of his team mates could follow suit.

But Britain really had the bit between their teeth for the second round, determined that the Prince of Wales trophy would remain at home for the second year running. A superb double clear from Geoff Billington and It's Otto not only boosted British fortunes but also sealed the Yorkshireman's Olympic place and made the shedding of a stone in weight well worthwhile.

A pressure clear from Di Lampard and the Irish export Abbervail Dream clinched victory for Britain, meaning that anchorman John Whitaker could leave his Olympic horse Welham in his stable. It only remained for the Irish and French to fight it out for the runner up slot.

There was encouraging news for Ireland's salvage operation for the 1998 World Equestrian Games however, with news that the International Equestrian Federation, which met at Hickstead yesterday, has given a further two week stay of execution to allow the Irish more time to finalise a proposed £2 million sponsorship deal from an as yet unknown backer.