THE finals of the South West of England Open Winter Foursomes competition, sponsored by DHS Tool Supply Ltd, were played at Yelverton Golf Club on Sunday . The competition had started in October, with 81 pairs competing, including 16 professionals and six ladies. The final was played over 36 holes, with the first round starting in gale force winds and horizontal rain, which tested the players in the early stages. Fortunately the rain abated after an hour. Home players Adam Bridgewater and Joe Yorke started well winning the first hole, but then conceded the second to their opponents Dave Burge and Mike Beveridge from Tavistock. However, they didn't lose another hole until the 13th and 14th. Burge and Beveridge had a resurgence after their lunch but the Yelverton pair re-asserted their dominance at seven and eight to build a comfortable lead of five after 27 holes. Two times county champion Adam Bridgewater was invariably straight and long off the tee, and Joe Yorke, only 13 years of age, hit some superb iron shots close to the pin but it was their short game that gave them victory. The match was concluded on the 13th green, with a victory for the Yelverton pair seven and five. Joe Yorke had reached the semi-finals in 2004 when aged 10, and the quarter finals in 2005 and has now completed his apprenticeship in this tough competition with a win, and will be the youngest player to lift the coveted trophy. The plate final was won by John Crocker and Paul Hendy (Elfordleigh). Local professional Tim McSherry took the £1,000 prize as last professional,
