England sail through to the semifinal

As the European Championship continues in Turin, England Captain Jonathan Plaxton reports from yet another long day at the office;

Thursday
A 5.15 a.m bus for a 7.40 tee time. One or two snoring on the bus tells a story!
Both foursomes were very close (we won them – 1 up and at the 21st hole! Both games were up and down and came to the 17th  hole ( a strong par 4 hole)  level. A great bunker shot from Chris at 17 was then conceded and a birdie 4 at 18 could not be beaten by the Italians.
Charlie and Matt salvaged a half at 17 and when their opposition missed from 4 feet at the last it was across to the 1st tee again for sudden death. Good drives from both teams left around 90 yds to go with a 2 tier green backed by a bunker with a stream skirting the front. Italy 1st and 20 ft past. Matt then hit the flag full pitch and the ball fell back down the slope 40 ft away and 3 feet below the level on which the hole was. Charlie then lipped out but Italy left it short. At the 20th after good tee shots Italy hit the green form 180 ydsuphill but Charlie blocked well right and hit a tree. From an awkward lie in thick semi Matt played to 6 ft despite being short sided and the putt for a half was never in doubt with Charlie on the money!
At 21st Italy raced a putt and missed the return from 5 feet with a good swing and Matt holed from 3 feet to win. A great result in line with the other 3 qtr finals which all ended 2 – 0.
A very good lunch and brief team meet prepared us for the Italian fightback which came too late in the round as we hit more fairways and greens to maintain the pressure and lead in all but 1 game through first 6 holes.
Steve and Charlie delivered the 2 vital points whilst Dale and Sam were always in control and only a birdie birdie finish cost Sam. Chris showed signs of fatigue in letting a good lead slip away and with Sam lacking putting confidence it was time for them to have a lie in perhaps?
Modest celebrations followed and a TV interview for me given the coverage afforded Team Italy who were history!
A good pasta dinner and team meeting whilst others ate and then back on the last ****** bus again!
Great to have so many messages of support by text and e-mail as well as ball spotters who have been invaluable to us and others!!
Friday pairings –
Haines and Ford
Whitnell and Uzzell
Whilst in the afternoon Whitnell rests.
A slight surprise to be playing France who recovered from 0 – 2 against Scotland just like last year’s semi final result at Western Gailes!
JP

The CNN weather forecast for today talks about possible thunderstorms again so another day with suspended play is seems likely. I have been told the live scoring isn’t excellent but hopefully the organisers will put some more effort into covering the semifinals today. Follow the England’s progress on this link http://www.golfbox.dk/livescoring/compDetails.asp?comp=%7BCA4B059F%2DF226%2D4454%2DBA72%2DEEFDB4AE04CC%7D&clubOnly=1&lang=1033.