McElroy slips to third as Ireland take fifth at Sotogrande

Ballymena’s Dermot McElroy had to settle for a share of third place in the individual battle at the European Nations Cup in Sotogrande.

The talented 17-year old, who began the day tied for the lead with Austria’s Lukas Nemecz, closed with a disappointing four over 76 to finish four shots behind the winner Julien Brun of France on three under par.

Brun carded a magnificent 67 to win by three strokes from Nemecz (75) on seven under as England claimed the team title by two strokes from France with Spain a shot further back.

Ireland finished fifth in the standings, 18 strokes behind England, with Banbridge’s Rory Leonard saving the best for last as his 67 equalled the best round of the day, boosting him into a tie for 45th on 16 over with the likes of Rathmore’s Alan Dunbar, who closed with a 78.

Portstewart’s Paul Cutler carded a level par 72 to finish tied for 25th on seven over.