Jack Singh-Brar and Harry Ellis both contributed a point for England in today’s Boys’ Home Internationals clash with Ireland, but couldn’t prevent a narrow defeat for their country.

England, who crushed Wales in their opening match yesterday, were defeated 8-7 at Forest Pines, in Lincolnshire.

Meon Valley 17-year-old Ellis bagged a point in the morning foursomes, teaming up once again with Wiltshire’s Ben Amor to thump Alec Myles and Rowan Lester 5&3.

But Singh-Brar suffered defeat alongside Derbyshire’s Bradley Moore, with Sean Flanagan and Ronan Mullarney beating them 3&1, as Ireland grabbed a slender 3-2 advantage at lunch.

Brokenhurst Manor 16-year-old Singh-Brar stormed back in the afternoon session, though, cruising to a 5&3 success against Lester.

Ellis, in the last match out, became embroiled in a nail-biting back-and-forth encounter with Flanagan, but was eventually edged out 3&1 – his first lost point of the week.

Defending champions England now go into their final match, against Scotland tomorrow, needing a win, while hoping Ireland slip up against Wales.