GB&I claim Seve Trophy

Colin Montgomerie has lost the battle but won the war in the Seve Trophy at Druids Glen.

Great Britain and Ireland captain Monty was beaten once again by Continental Europe skipper Seve Ballesteros in the opening singles on the third and final day in Co. Wicklow.

But Montgomerie's players have risen to the challenge set by their 10-6 overnight lead as they gained revenge for Sunningdale two years ago.

And the Irish have been to the fore in victory for the home side.

Darrel Clarke made amends for Montgomerie's one hole defeat to Ballesteros when the Ulster man saw off old friend Thomas Bjorn 4&3.

Paul McGinley repeated that victorious scoreline over Mathias Gronberg.

And when Padraig Harrington shut out Jose Maria Olazabal at three up with three to play it meant Lee Westwood's two hole win over Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin was enough to secure victory for the Great Britain and Ireland side.

Harrington went on to win his game 3&2 to seal a memorable afternoon for the Irish players on the Great Britain and Ireland side.

Europe had picked up three wins before the result became academic with Miguel Angel Jimenez beating rookie Paul Casey 4&3.

And Sweden's Robert Karlsson followed Seve's example when he defeated Scotland's Paul Lawrie by one hole.

The visitors made it four wins when Alex Cejka trounced Ian Woosnam 5&4.

"It has been a good week for us and it means a lot to the players to get this trophy back off the Europeans," said Westwood immediately after his win.

"I have enjoyed it. The conditions have been difficult but the course has been excellent and the nature of the competition has been good for the Ryder Cup players.

"It gives us invaluable matchplay practise in Ryder Cup year. I would like to see this become an annual event because the experience gained will stand to us when it comes to the Ryder Cup."