THE semi-finals of this year?s South West of England Foursomes competition was played at Yelverton Golf Club on Sunday in perfect conditions.

Firm fairways and remarkably quick greens for midwinter provided a good venue for this prestigious competition.

The pairing of Jo York and Tom Squire finally met their match, ending the dream of the youngest pair, and player, to reach the final.

Their opponents, Darren Mallafre and Mark Philp, from China Fleet, were receiving two shots and made the most of this advantage. From tee to green the match was even, but was lost on the greens, where the visitors adapted better to the quick greens. The match ended on the 15th green with a convincing win to the visitors of 4 and 3.

In the other semi-final the £1,000 prize for the last remaining professional was being fought and Martin Ruth, from Torquay, with son Jonathan was versus Nick Horrocks from China Fleet, with partner Adam Bridgewater from Yelverton.

Horrocks and Bridgewater played to par on the front nine and were one up at the turn; at the 12th hole they stretched their lead to 3 and looked to be cruising to victory. However, a one foot missed putt on the 14th let their opponents back into the match. Receiving a shot at the 16th the Ruth pair were back in touch, just one down. The 17th was halved,with all to play for on the 18th. A good drive from Horrocks left his partner with only 125 yards to the pin, but Martin Ruth was left with 185 yards to go, and just missed the green.

His son, who had chipped so well throughout the match, was unable to get the ball close enough for a chance of a par, and the hole was conceded with Horrocks poised for a 20 foot birdie attempt.

The final will now be a China Fleet dominated event,when local supporters were hoping for three out of the four players to be from Yelverton.

One plate semi-final was an all Yelverton affair, with Dave Wright and Graham Plumb beating Ian Cuthbert and Tony Rushbrooke for a place in the final against a Torquay duo.

The final of the main competition will be played over 36 holes on Sunday February 22, when the plate final, third and fourth place and 3/8th place playoffs will also be played, over 18 holes. Spectators are welcome.