CRAIGIELAW golf ace Grant Forrest played his part as Great Britain and Ireland retained the St Andrews Trophy.

Defending their title, won two years ago, the GB and Ireland team finished level at 12-and-a-half points all with the European team at Prince's in Kent, meaning they retained the trophy.

Craig Watson's hosts trailed 8-4 at the start of the second day, but won three of four morning foursomes matches, and halved the other to reduce the gap to one point ahead of the afternoon singles.

Ireland’s Stuart Grehan put GB&I back on level term, while Scott Gregory, the 2016 Amateur Champion, edged the hosts in front for the first time.

The visitors, though, went back in front, as Forrest was beaten by Sweden’s Robin Petersson (2&1), while Stefano Mazzoli beat Jack Hume.

Europe’s lead was extended shortly after when Victor Veyret saw off Jamie Bower.

Connor Syme and Matthias Schwab halved their match for a share of the spoils to leave Europe needing only one point to win the match outright.

However, Alfie Plant pulled a point back for GB&I withwin over Mario Galiano and, after Robert MacIntyre and Guido Migliozzi halved their match, the destination of the trophy came down to the result between David Boote and Ivan Cantero Guiterrez.

The Welshman secured a par on the 18th to beat the Spaniard by one hole, gaining the crucial point to secure a 12 ½-12 ½ final score and ensure that GB&I retained the St Andrews Trophy as holders following their victory at Barsebäck in 2014.

Watson, Great Britain and Ireland captain, was "absolutely delighted" at the result.