PERFECT conditions greeted the competitors for the third round of golf?s South West Foursomes, played at Yelverton Golf Club.

Ten-year-old Joe Yorke continued his progress into the fourth round. With his partner Tom Squire they beat fellow Yelverton players Kevin Northcote and Dean Taylor (2 up), after the match being all-square on the 17th tee.

Local professional Bobby Moore and partner Andrew Welch enjoyed the greens and putted well to beat the Teignmouth father and son pair of Richard and Chris Armitage 2 and 1.

This year the ladies have been required to play off the same tees as the men. Results so far have been encouraging, with all mixed pairs that played in the second round getting through.

This round saw the exit of some mixed pairs, Becky O?Donovan from Elfordleigh, and Dean Harrison from China Fleet, losing 3 and 2 to Darren Mallafre and M Philp, also from China Fleet Club. Ian Marshall and Doctor Jane Stribley from Staddon Heights, lost narrowly, on the 19th hole, to county player Adam Bridgewater and China Fleet assistant professional Nick Horrocks.

Laura Eastwood, fresh from setting a new ladies? course record at Yelverton, paired-up with host professional Tim McSherry to beat Christine Clayton and Churston secretary Simon Bawden 2 and 1. The highly fancied pair of Mark Taylor and Colin Nolan were knocked out by a mixed pair. Joe Hicks-Beach and Jason Hampton from Stover made the most of their opponent?s indifferent putting to win 2 up.

Some home players enjoyed the weather so much their matches were extended past the 18th hole. Home club captain Paul Creaven, with partner Derek Silk, went all the way to the 21st hole, to beat Richard Pascoe and Stuart Kedge from Stover. But Bryan Blaber and Brian Gullick lost to the Holsworthy pair of Barry Megson and Stuart Smith at the 20th.

The fourth round will be played on Sunday November 30, when the Plate Competition will start.