Scotland’s Lynn Kenny and Clare Queen slipped back to joint 15th place after a disappointing second round 76 in the greensomes format at the Comunitat Valenciana European Nations Cup in Spain.

The American pair of Beth Daniel and Meg Mallon, with five majors between them, showed their experience with a great 67 and edged into the lead on 11 under par, two shots ahead of France’s Gwladys Nocera and Anne-Lisa Caudal, who had a 68.

The Scots had a flawless first round of 69, but the second day was a mix of three birdies, five bogeys and a double bogey at the par four seventh. The haphazard score put them on one over par and ahead of only four teams.

Defending the title for England, Laura Davies and Lisa Hall had a modest 74 and were tied for ninth place on three under par, while Wales’ Becky Brewerton and Lydia Hall were a stroke behind following a 72.

Kenny and Queen also played for Scotland last year when they finished joint 13th.