Frank Donnelly’s men will need to replicate the efforts of the victorious 2012 European Ryder Cup team heading to the last day Singles in the Crail Golfing Society – Vilamoura Challenge.

John Howorth’s team secured 3 ½ points to ½ point on day three at the very impressive Vila Sol course and in superb scoring conditions on Portugal’s sun-splashed Algarve.

Biggest margin of victory was the 5 & 4 hammering Bernie and Craig handed out to Danny and Davy.

It means ‘Howorth’s Heroes’ lead the 2014 Challenge by 11 ½ to 4 ½ and now needing only to win just one match in the eight match Singles encounters on Sunday at the Ocean Course at Vale do Lobo to claim victory.

Two years ago Jose Maria Olazabal’s European side were down 6 points to 10 heading to the Sunday Singles at the Medinah Club in suburban Chicago.

However what unfolded led to the now famed Miracle at Medinah with Olazabal’s men storming to success in the opening five matches and then securing 3 ½ points from the final five for an historic 14 ½ to 13 ½ triumph.

While John, who was also delighted to see England defeat Ireland in the Six Nations encounter, is staring at a likely victory Frank and his ‘Frank’s Foes’ team will not hear of defeat.

“I have organised my team to gather tonight when we will look at video highlights of Europe’s 2012 Ryder Cup success,” said Frank.

“Now whether I can get my team away from the  many bars at Vilamoura is another matter.

“However I’m confident I can lead my side to what will be a memorable ‘Victory On The Shore’ at Vale do Lobo.”

And Bernie joined Joe Duddy to make it two Stableford wins apiece from four starts this week.

Bernie accumulated 27 points and two points clear of Crail’s Golf Hotel Graham ‘Stitch’ Guthrie, and a day after Joe scooped the prizes a day earlier at the Oceanico Victoria course.

A special thanks to Vila Sol for a wonderful day and also the kind offer of a complimentary logo polo shirt and cap.

Hereunder is a collection of snaps from day three at Vila Sol.

The guys gather in the pro shop at Vila Sol

Group shot of the visiting Crail golfers on the first tee at Vila Sol. Who’s head is that between Joe and Danny mid back row?

Crail Golfing Society members gather on 1st tee at Vila Sol.

Joe Duddy boasts he can see right through this woman – one of the many sculptures about the Vila Sol course.

The impressive-looking par five 6th hole at Vila Sol.

Davy Patterson watches the flight of his ball at the 7th

Davy Patterson gets up close with sculpture on 16th tee.

Peter Roger driving off the 17th at Vila Sol.

Danny, Craig and Davy on 18th green. Craig and Bernie stormed their way to 5 & 4 hammering of Danny and Davy.