Italy v Germany surprise final - and

Scotland pile on misery for Ireland

Underdogs Italy and Germany - the seventh and eighth qualifiers for the match-play stages - will contest Friday's final of the European senior women's amateur golf championship at Dun Laoghaire.
Another surprise in Thursday's play was Scotland's 3-2 victory over Ireland who have now been beaten twice since heading the eight qualifers for the championship flight. The Scots will finish fifth if they complete their programme with a win over France.
In the semi-fnals, Germany shocked title favourites England with a 3-2 victory while Italy were not expected to win 3 1/2-3 1/2 against Spain.
Scotland's winners in the match against Ireland were the foursomes pairing of Heather Anderson (Alyth) and Fiona Hunter (Baberton) who beat Valerie Hassett and Violet McBride 3 and 1, and also, in the singles, Mary Smith (Tain), who beat Marilyn Henderson 2 and 1, and Lorna Bennett (Ladybank), who won by 3 and 2 over Phil O'Gorman.

FROM THE ENGLISH WOMEN'S GOLF ASSOCIATION WEBSITE:
England lost a close battle with Germany 3-2 in the semi-finals of the European senior ladies’ team championship at Dun Laoghaire in Ireland. Friday's final will be between Germany and Italy, while England’s target is to win the bronze medal by beating Spain in the play-off for third place.
England captain Sue Westall commented: “We are very disappointed but we will re-group and we will go all out to win the bronze medal.”
Once again, bad weather dominated the event. The players had to contend with strong winds, squally showers, sleet and hail – but they all rose to the occasion.
“Given the weather, the standard of golf was phenomenal,” said Sue.
Germany took the first point, with a comfortable win in the foursomes after England’s pair started nervously and were quickly three down. They rallied, but were unable to make up the deficit.
Janet Melville and Sue Dye put England ahead when they both scored comfortable singles victories. But the honours were again even after Jo Ashmore lost on the 17th.
The outcome of the day depended on the match involving double English senior champion Chris Quinn, who was battling through the worst of the weather. Her on-form opponent won the 18th to take the match into extra time and eventually secured Germany’s place in the final with a birdie on the 20th.

THURSDAY'S RESULTS:
Semi-finals

GERMANY 3, ENGLAND 2.
Foursome (1-0).
Karin Gumpert & Nicolle Elcke-Huth bt Lucy Newton & Rozalyn Adams 5 and 3.
Singles (2-2)
Edeltraud Jacob bt Chris Quinn at 20th.
Chris Utermarck lost to Janet Melville 6 and 5.
Carnelia Schmidt-Stuetzle bt Jo Ashmore 2 and 1.
Tessa Oldenbourg lost to Sue Dye 4 and 3.

ITALY 3 1/2, SPAIN 1 1/2
Foursome (0-1)
Nicoletta Cacciatore Boiaffi & Francoise Colmant lost to Pia Allende & Ana Vilella 5 and 4.
Singles (3 1/2-1/2)
Marina Buscaini bt Marta Estany 1 hole.
Clotilde Fasolis Costa bt Christina Marsans 4 and 3.
Francesca Christillin halved wth Vicky Pertierra.
Guenda Preti Moavero bt Caralina Castillejo 3 and 2.

Other results

SCOTLAND 3, IRELAND 2
Foursome (1-o)
Heather Anderson (Alyth) & Fiona Hunter (Baberton) bt Valerie Hassett & Violet McBride) 3 and 1.
Singles (2-2)
Mary Smith (Tain) bt Marilyn Henderson 2 and 1.
Fiona De Vries lost to Helen Jones 3 and 2.
Lorna Bennett bt Phil O'Gorman 3 and 2.
Moira Thomson (Gullane Ladies) lost to Sheena McElroy 4 and 2.

FRANCE 3, SWEDEN 2.

Second Flight results:
Switzerland 4, Finland 1.
Belgium 4, Netherlands 1.
Austria 4, Slovenia 1.

FRIDAY'S MATCHES

Championship final - Italy v Germany.
Bronze medal play-off - England v Spain.
Fifth place play-off - Scotland v France.
Seventh place play-off - Sweden v Ireland.