MARY McKENNA could not hide her disappointment at the heavy, 13-7 defeat suffered by her Britain and Ireland side at the hands of a hugely talented American team in the 35th Curtis Cup match over the Old Course at St Andrews yesterday.

But the Irish captain of the home side predicted the players would bounce back from the reverse.

There were great expectations for the team after some of the most carefully planned preparations ever for this biennial contest, but at the end of the day the hosts fell short of the mark.

And again the question is raised as to whether it may just be time to consider a European team taking on the US, as in the Ryder Cup.

But any similar thoughts a quarter of a century ago were dispelled when Britain and Ireland began a period of dominance starting with that famous win at Prairie Dunes in 1986, so maybe this reverse will spur them into serious action.

Both captains last night gave a firm thumbs down to any idea of Europe - instead of Britain and Ireland - taking on America, although US captain Carol Semple Thompson conceded that if they won 10 or 12 matches in a row it might have to be considered.

Reflecting on yesterday's golf, McKenna said: "Our girls gave it everything. It just did not go their way today, but their futures are great.

"As Carol (the American captain) said, this is one of the strongest teams the United States has had. But our team is strong too, and I am sure they will all bounce back from this defeat because they are smashing players."

She said the difference between the sides was very small and the standard of play was exceptionally high.

"We came here very focused and honestly believed we could win. And indeed the first two days could have gone either way - just one or two putts made all the difference."

Semple Thompson said: "I thought we would win but I did not expect we would win so clearly."

Yesterday was something of an anti-climax, as the US entered the eight singles leading 7½ to 4½ and took command from the start.

In the end the hosts recorded a mere two victories, by Florentyna Parker and Krystle Caithness, while Michele Thomson halved her match.

Galway-born Alison Walshe, playing for the US, won all her four games to the delight of the Irish contingent who travelled particularly to cheer her on.

Walshe, who left Ireland when she was five when her family emigrated to Boston, beat Sally Watson on the home green yesterday after being ahead most of the way.