England in semi-finals at European girls' team championship
8th July 2011

England beat Italy to reach the semi-finals of the European girls' team championship at Is Molas, Sardinia, with another fine display in blazing temperatures.

The top seeds beat the hosts, Italy, by 5½-1½, and will now play Germany for a place in the final. "We have had an excellent day," said England national junior coach, Pat Smillie.

England set up their success by winning both foursomes matches and both pairs were two or three under par when defeating their opponents. Emily Taylor (Royal Lytham & St Annes) and Bronte Law (Bramhall) finished two up, while British champion Lauren Taylor (Woburn) and Georgia Hall (Remedy Oak) won 3/1.

In the singles, Lauren led the way, winning 4/2, while Emily followed her with a 4/3 win which sealed England's victory. At the time, Bronte was two up with two to play but the match was declared halved, as were the games of Elizabeth Mallett (Sutton Coldfield Ladies) and Georgia Hall.
The Italians took the last place in the championship matchplay draw but, said Pat Smillie, they played much better than their ranking. "The Italians played very, very well and our foursomes points were absolutely vital."

She went on: "It was 88 degrees today, there is very little shade on this course and temperatures are going to go over 90 tomorrow and on Saturday. The girls are coping exceptionally well and doing all the right things. They are fortunate that their captain, Julie Sparrow, is also their physiotherapist and she's doing a fantastic job to keep them hydrated and as cool as possible.

Results
England beat Italy 5½-1½
Germany beat Finland 4-3
France beat Belgium 5-2
Spain beat Sweden 4½-2½ 

Semi finals
England v Germany
France v Spain