England retain title at St Annes Old Links

Even though the competition continued on Thursday afternoon, England, who had been in dominant form throughout, already had enough points in the bag already.

They clinched the title for the 16th time when they beat Scotland in the morning foursomes.

The defending champions were in full control overnight with wins over Wales and Ireland in their first two matches.

Charlie Strickland and Toby Briggs, members of last year's winning England side, got things rolling with a 4&3 victory over Eric McIntosh and Darren Howie, followed by Ben Jones and Joe Pagdin, who beat Callum Bruce and Jack Broun by the same score.

Jack Cope and Danny Daniels sealed what was a vital point when they beat Lewis Irvine and Greg Daziel 3&2 on the 16th before Conor Gough and Robin Williams claimed England's fourth point when they beat John Paterson and Campbell Gibson, two-up.

Scotland's Calum Scott and Aidan O'Hagan prevented a whitewash when they claimed a point with a one hole victory over Thomas Plumb and Alex Fitzpatrick.