Scotland’s amateur golfers were facing a fight to avoid the wooden spoon today after a singles collapse cost them victory over Ireland during the second round of matches in the Fairstone Home Internationals at sodden Nairn.

The hosts, who were edged out by England on Wednesday, stormed into a 4-1 lead against defending champions Ireland during the morning foursomes yesterday.

But their hopes of re-igniting their Raymond Trophy ambitions were wiped out in the afternoon as Ireland went on the rampage to claim an 8 ½ - 6 ½ victory.

Glasgow trio Craig Ross, Calum Fyfe and Jamie Savage had all played their part in Scotland’s purposeful foursomes session as they emerged with maximum points from the matches they were involved in.

But it was a different story in the singles as Ireland upped the ante and claimed the session with a 7 ½ - 2 ½ rout.

Kirkhill ace Ross, the reigning South African Amateur champion, claimed a half point in his tight tussle with Tiarnan McLarnon but by that stage Ireland were well in command.

With Craig Howie, Liam Johnston and Windyhill’s new Scottish champ George Duncan all going down in the early ties, the beleaguered Scots needed something to cling to and they got it when Glenbervie stalwart Graeme Robertson, making his sixth Home Internationals appearance, fought back from three down at the turn to beat Paul McBride on the final green.

After a duffed chip on the short 14th, Robertson was fortunate to stay just one down after his opponent missed a short putt to win the hole. Let off the hook there, the Scot too advantage and lashed a fine drive down the 16th, plonked a wedge into 12-feet and holed the birdie putt to restore parity before winning on the last with another birdie, after his eagle attempt lipped out.

“It was a wee bonus point for us and one that was desperately needed,” said Robertson.

They needed more, though, but Ireland would not yield. Haggs Castle man Barry Hume the former Scottish Amateur champion who won this year’s Welsh Open Strokeplay, beat Rowan Lester by one hole.

But the experienced Renfrewshire man Matthew Clark was another Scottish casualty, losing by two holes to Colm Campbell as Ireland powered over the winning line.

The Irish, aiming for three successive Home International crowns were set for a title decider with England, who dumped Wales 11 ½ - 3 ½ .