This event was always going to be a tight and close affair. The structure ensures that there is very little between winning losing and drawing!
A very unfortunate situation meant Scotland were down to 3 team members which made a big task even harder. On "my" paper wales are favorites to retain their title as we head into this week long battle.

The first tests have all gone as the bookie might expect.
Wal beating SA 4-2
Irl beating Sco 4-1
Wal beating Sco 4-1
Irl beating SA 4-3
Some excellent entertainment and drama along the way which has meant this event continues to grow in stature. There were plenty of examples of nerves and pressure sneaking into some performances which kept the constant trickle of spectators that has been to visit during the week entertained.
A suspected fractured wrist while playing a hogan roll through a puddle forced patsy Fitzgerald out of the event for Ireland and Evan Newell nown has the chance to prove himself at the top level.
In beating SA, Ireland grab hold of the "Maureen Bamford" trophy which is played for every time the two countries meet in battle of either AC or GC code.
Wales continued to show there strength throughout the week but certainly not dominant.

The final and relegation playoff:
So as we head into the weekend Wales and Ireland will battle for the " division 2" title of the world team championship as I like to call it.

As always the doubles will be key. It should be a very close match and I'm hoping for a play off decider late on Saturday. Wales may have a little more energy which could be key. Ireland have battled late into the night on a coupe of occasions. I believe the match may be decided by the second and fourth seed singles matches tomorrow.

But nearly as important will be the SA and Sco battle to avoid relegation ! The prospect of seeing Reg playing in the third tier of this event is certainly intriguing.

Irl v Wal
A great start from an Irish perspective as Williams and Johnston despatch the Welsh top pairing, 2-0. Simon Williams has been in good form during the week and important part of the teams succes, i suspect he will return to the worlds top 20 again this season and is well deserved. A lethal combination of speed and accuracy when he gets going.

Wales are a game up in the other match and the pressure will build in that one as to go into the final day 0-2 down is touching on unrecoverable !

SA v Sco
South Afirca switched around there doubles pairings on the last day as we have seen in previous events. To good effect so far with them one game up in each.

Irl v Wal
Delicatley poised as 1-1 at the end of day 1 one.

SA v Sco
Reg still key in driving the SA points tally. They lead 1-0 and Scotland battling to win the second rubber with a full team for the first time in the event. Andrew Hope makes up their 4th team member.