Sunday, June 25, 2006

SCOTTISH YOUTHS STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - McEwan fades as spaniard takes title.

16 year old Francisco Pintor became the first Spanish winner of the Scottish youths’ open amateur stroke-play golf championship at Mortonhall Golf Club in Edinburgh this weekend.

Four shots off the pace at the halfway stage, Pintor forged a two hole lead with a four-under-par 68 in the third round. A closing 74 was good enough to see him win the title by two shots with a four-under-par total of 284.

Scottish boys match-play champion James White (Lundin) and Ross Kellett (Colville Park) were joint runners-up on 286.

Best finisher from Ayrshire was the halfway leader Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock Barassie) who faded with closing rounds of 74 and 76 to a level par total of 288, for a joint fourth place.

Final scores for the Ayrshire players who qualified to complete all four rounds were :-

288 - Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock Barassie) (68-70-74-76)
292 - Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) (71-74-74-73)
292 - Robert McKnight (Kilmarnock Barassie) (70-71-75-76)
293 - Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) (73-76-73-71)
306 - Cameron Gray (West Kilbride) (75-73-73-85)
308 - Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) (74-75-81-78)

Saturday, June 24, 2006

Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock Barassie) - the halfway leader in Scottish Youths Championship Posted by Picasa

SCOTTISH YOUTHS CHAMPIONSHIP - McEwan and McKnight lead the field at halfway stage

Steven McEwan and Robert McKnight of Kilmarnock Barassie lead the field at the halfway stage of the Scottish youths’ open amateur stroke-play golf championship being held at Mortonhall Golf Club in Edinburgh this weekend.

McEwan, who won the Scottish Under-18 boys’ stroke-play title last year had a two-under-par 70 in round two, to add to his opening round of 68 for a six-under-par total of 138 for the opening 36 holes.

McEwan leads by three shots from Kilmarnock Barassie clubmate Robert McKnight, who returned scores of 70 and 71 for a 141 total.

50 players on 149 or better qualified for Sunday’s final two rounds.

Ayrshire Qualifiers are :-

138 Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock Barassie) (68-70)
141 Robert McKnight (Kilmarnock Barassie) (70-71)
145 Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) (71-74)
148 Cameron Gray (West Kilbride) (75-73)
149 Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) (74-75)
149 Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) (73-76)

Friday, June 23, 2006

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - 11 clubs will contest 2006 Club Championship event

11 member clubs will contest the 2006 Ayrshire Club Championship competition at Ballochmyle Golf Club on Sunday 9th July.

Holders Prestwick St. Nicholas will be represented by the same trio who won the title last year, Gavin Lawrie, Gavin Paterson and John Ashton. The other clubs contesting the title will be Ardeer, Ballochmyle, Kilmarnock Barassie, Largs, Loudoun, New Cumnock, Irvine Ravenspark, Prestwick St. Cuthbert, Tam O Shanter and West Kilbride.

The Order Of Play for the Championship is :-

1415 hrs
J. Shanks (Ardeer) (2)
N. McCormack (New Cumnock) (3)

1422 hrs
P. Forbes (Ardeer) (3)
T. Keddie (New Cumnock) (5)

1430 hrs
S. Hillins (Ardeer) (3)
D. Bryson (New Cumnock) (7)

1438 hrs
S. McBlain (St. Cuthbert) (+1)
A. Leggate (Barassie) (1)
B. Moore (Largs) (+2)

1445 hrs
K. Fergusson (St. Cuthbert) (0)
D. Evans (Barassie) (1)
B. Fisher (Largs) (1)

1452 hrs
D. Glass (St. Cuthbert) (0)
N. Sinclair (Barassie) (1)
C. Kerr (Largs) (3)

1500 hrs
J. Ashton (St. Nicholas) (1)
I. Brown (West Kilbride) (0)
N. Tindall (Tam O Shanter) (0)

1507 hrs
G. Paterson (St. Nicholas) (1)
P. Gossman (West KIlbride) (3)
K. Russell (Tam O Shanter) (3)

1515 hrs
G. Lawrie (St. Nicholas) (+2)
C. Gray (West KIlbride) (0)
J. Sloan (Tam O Shanter) (1)

1522 hrs
T. Loy (Ballochmyle) (0)
T. McInally (Loudoun) (+1)
J. Cairney (Ravenspark) (+1)

1530 hrs
C. Hamilton (Ballochmyle) (0)
S. Cox (Loudoun) (2)
G. Robertson (Ravenspark) (0)

1537 hrs
W.F. Wilson (Ballochmyle) (2)
P. Denim (Loudoun) (2)
D. Mallinson (Ravenspark) (1)

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Champion Of Champions Trophy quarter final draw

The 2006 Ayrshire Golf Assocaition Champion Of Champions event has reached the quarter final stage.

A number of matches have been completed recently, to secure places in the last eight of the event.

Chris Harkins (Ayr Belleisle) continued his run in the competition with a 4 & 3 away win against Stuart White (Girvan).

Malcolm Pennycott (Corrie) and Warren Blair (St. Meddans) were also winners away from home, recording wins by 5 & 4 and at the 19th over George Robertson (Ravenspark) and John Sloan (Doon Valley) respectively.

Matchplay Championship finalist Tommy Loy (Ballochmyle) overwhelmed his visitor Gordon Bettany (Saxone) by 9 & 7 to reach the last eight whilst Henry Thomson (Irvine) had a 2 hole victory at home against last seasons beaten finalist, Tony Fraser (Annanhill).

In the other match, Brian Moore (Largs) came out on top in the local derby against Alan Harrington (Routenburn) securing a 7 & 6 win to march on to the quarter finals.

The quarter final draw has been made. Matches, which are due to be played by 23rd July 2006 are :-

JOHN SHANKS (Ardeer)
Vs.
HENRY THOMSON (Irvine)

COLIN CRAIG (Troon Welbeck)
Vs.
MALCOLM PENNYCOTT (Corrie)

WARREN BLAIR (Troon St. Medddans)
Vs.
CHRIS HARKINS (Ayr Belleisle)

BRIAN MOORE (Largs)
Vs.
TOMMY LOY (Ballochmyle)

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - League Championship latest

The four sections in the 2006 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship are nearing a conclusion, with the top teams in each section at the end of July progressing to contest the semi finals.There have been no recent match results in section A and Present positions are :-

TEAM / P/ W/ D/ L/ PTS
BALLOCHMYLE /4/4/0/0/16
BEITH /5/2/0/3/8
ARDEER /3/1/0/2/4
TROON WELBECK /5/1/1/3/4
ANNANHILL /3/1/1/1/2

In Section B, Troon St. Meddans were held to 3 – 3 draws in their two home matches, against Prestwick St. Cuthbert and Caprington, recently. Present positions in Section B are :-

TEAM / P/W/D/L/PTS
KILBIRNIE /4/3/0/1/12
CAPRINGTON /4/2/2/0/12
PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT /5/1/2/2/8
TROON ST. MEDDANS /3/0/2/1/4
PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS /2/0/0/2/0

In Section C, Largs recorded two home wins recently, with a 4.5 – 1.5 result against local rivals Routenburn and a 4 – 2 win over section leaders Ayr Belleisle. In the other match played recently Routenburn had their first win of the season, beating visitors Kilmarnock Barassie by 5 – 1 at Largs. Present positions in Section C are :-

TEAM/ P/W/D/L/F/PTS
LARGS /4/3/1/0/14
AYR BELLEISLE /4/3/0/1/12
KILMARNOCK BARASSIE /5/1/1/3/4
LARGS ROUTENBURN /5/1/0/4/4

In Section D, Loudoun lost both their 100% record and their undefeated status inn their two recent away matches, losing 4.5 – 1.5 at West Kilbride and drawing 3 – 3 at New Cumnock. Present positions in Section D are :-

TEAM / P/W/D/L/PTS
LOUDOUN /4/2/1/1/10
WEST KILBRIDE /2/2/0/0/8
IRVINE RAVENSPARK /2/1/0/1/4
NEW CUMNOCK /4/0/1/3/2

Thursday, June 22, 2006

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Latest Fourball Knockout results

Four teams have now booked their place in the quarter finals of the 2006 Ayrshire Fourball competition, with the remaining ties due to be completed by 2nd July.

David Muir and Murray Pringle (Muirkirk) had a 3 & 2 win on their visit to James Conlan & Kevin McCormick (Ardeer) and now await the winner of the tie between Doon Valley and Irvine Ravenspark.

The St. Meddans pairing of E. McFadden and F. Greer edged out their visitors, Glen & Scott Kelly (Tam O Shanter) at the 19th hole, and now face the winners of the tie between Ayr Belleisle & Caprington.

In the other match played recently, George Lyon & Jim Nimmo (North Beach) edged out their visitors, Denis Taggart and Paul Appleby (Malletsheugh) at the 20th hole, and nowface a trip to play Roger Thyne & Alastair Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie)

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Summer League update

In League 1, Tam O Shanter recorded their first win of the season with a 4.5 – 1.5 home win over Moorpark. In the other match played recently, West Kilbride lost their 100% record when they were held to a 3 – 3 draw at Turnberry. Present positions in League 1 are :-

CLUB / P/W/D/L/PTS
WEST KILBRIDE 3/2/1/0/10
TURNBERRY 3/1/1/1/6
MOORPARK 3/1/0/2/4
TAM O SHANTER 3/1/0/2/4

In the only recent result in League 2, Welbeck extended their lead in the section with a 3.5 – 2.5 win at Annanhill. Present positions in League 2 are :-

CLUB / P./W/D/L/PTS
TROON WELBECK 3/2/1/0/10
BALLOCHMYLE 2/0/2/0/4
ANNANHILL 3/0/2/1/4
TROON ST. MEDDANS 2/0/1/1/2

In League 3, Kilbirnie were held to a 3 – 3 draw by visitors Ayr Belleisle, whilst Caprington suffered a narrow 3.5 – 2.5 defeat at Ravenspark before bouncing back with a 5 – 1 win at home over Kilbirnie. Present positions in League 3 are :-

CLUB / P/W/D/L/PTS
CAPRINGTON 3/2/0/1/8
KILBIRNIE PLACE 3/1/1/1/6
IRVINE RAVENSPARK 2/1/0/1/4
AYR BELLEISLE 2/0/1/1/2

In League 4, the only recent result recorded was a 3.5 – 2.5 win by Loudoun on their visit to Kilmarnock Barassie. Present positions in League 4 are :-

CLUB / P/W/D/L/PTS
IRVINE (BOGSIDE) 2/1/1/0/6
LOUDOUN GOWF 2/1/1/0/6
KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE) 2/0/0/2/0

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

SCOTTISH AREA BOYS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - Ayrshire finish well down the field

The Ayrshire team of Cameron Gray (West Kilbride), John Shanks (Ardeer), Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) and Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) could only manage a joint 9th placing in the 2006 Scottish Boys Area Team Championship neld at Paisley Golf Club on Sunday 11th June, 20 shots adrift of winners Fife.

In the morning foursomes Gray & Shanks shot 81 whilst Stewart & Mackay recorded a 78, for a 159 total to leave Ayrshire trailing the pacesetters, Angus, by 13 shots.

In the afternoon Gray (76), Shanks (82), Stewart (75) & Mackay (77) returned a best three score total of 228 for an overall team score of 387, matchin Dumbartonshire for an equal 9th place amongst the 16 competing areas.

Saturday, June 10, 2006

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Under 16 Knockout Trophy quarter final draw

The quarter final draw has been made for the 2006 Under 16 Knockout Trophy competition.

Ballochmyle and Prestwick St. Nicholas claimed the last two quarter final places with home wins by 4 - 0 and 2.5 - 1.5 over Prestwick St. Cuthbert and New Cumnock respectively.

The quarter final matches, to be played by 16th July are :-

PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS Vs. LARGS ROUTENBURN
IRVINE RAVENSPARK Vs. KILMARNOCK BARASSIE
BALLOCHMYLE Vs. LOUDOUN
WEST KILBRIDE Vs. CAPRINGTON

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Champion Of Champions results and draws

At the recent AJGL Executive meeting, the draws were made for the quarter finals and semi finals of the 2006 Champion Of Champions Trophy competition.

Results returned recently included home wins by Mark Tait (Annanhill) and Ayrshire Boys Champion Jamie Mackay by 2 & 1 and 5 & 4 over Stuart Henderson (Kilmarnock Barassie) and Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) respectively.

Adam Sweeney (Largs Routenburn) had an away win by 6 & 4 over Blair Taylor (Ballochmyle) to reach the quarter finals whilst Steven McEwan (Caprington) had a walkover against Darren Kean (West Kilbride) to reach the same stage.

Three matches in round 2 were not decided by the closing date, being the ties between Jason Butler (Irvine Ravenspark) & Craig McCall (Prestwick St. Nicholas), Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Champion Euan Brown & Sean Fallows (Troon Welbeck) and Andrew Connell (Largs) & John Shanks (Ardeer).

Consequently, when the draw for the quarter finals was made, it was decided that three players would receive byes into the semi finals. In the draw, the one quarter final tie was drawn as

Callum Crowe (Kilbirnie)
Vs.
Steven McEwan (Caprington)

This tie is due for completion by 16th July.

The draw for the semi finals (to be played by 31st August) is :-

Jamie Mackay (Ayrshire Boys Champion)
Vs.
Crowe or McEwan

Mark Tait (Annanhill)

Vs.
Adam Sweeney (Largs Routenburn)

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - League Championship update

In the recent matches played in Section A, Beith recorded home wins over Troon Welbeck and Ardeer, by 5 - 1 and 4.5 - 1.5 respectively, and narrowly lost out by 3.5 - 2.5 on their visit to Annanhill.

Present positions in Section A are :-

TEAM / P/ W/ D/ L/ PTS
BALLOCHMYLE /4/4/0/0/16
BEITH /5/2/0/3/8
ARDEER /3/1/0/2/4
TROON WELBECK /5/1/1/3/4

ANNANHILL /3/1/1/1/2

In Section B, Kilbirnie had a narrow 3.5 - 2.5 over visitors, Prestwick st. Nicholas whilst Caprington shaired the spoils with a 3 - 3 draw at Prestwick st. Cuthbert

Present positions in Section B are :-

TEAM / P/W/D/L/PTS
KILBIRNIE /4/3/0/1/12

CAPRINGTON /3/2/1/0/10
PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT /4/1/1/2/6
TROON ST. MEDDANS /1/0/0/1/0

PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS /2/0/0/2/0

There have been no recent results returned in section Present positions in Section C are :-

TEAM/ P/W/D/L/F/PTS
AYR BELLEISLE /3/3/0/0/12
LARGS /2/1/1/0/6
KILMARNOCK BARASSIE /4/1/1/2/4
LARGS ROUTENBURN /3/0/0/3/0

In Section D, Loudoun gained ther second succesive win with a 6 - 0 home win over New Cumnock. Present positions in Section D are :-

TEAM / P/W/D/L/PTS
LOUDOUN /2/2/0/0/8
WEST KILBRIDE /1/1/0/0/4
IRVINE RAVENSPARK /2/1/0/1/4
NEW CUMNOCK /3/0/0/3/0

AYRSHIRE FOURBALL - Barassie secure quarter final place

Roger Thyne & Alastair Brown of Kilmarnock Barassie are the first pairing to secure a quarter final place in the 2006 Ayrshire Fourball competition.

The Barassie duo had a 3 & 2 win over their visitors from Glacier, John Elliot & Stephen Kirk, to reach the last eight.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - McInally remains in the lead in 2006 Doc Thom Salver

Tommy McInally (Loudoun) remains in the lead in the Doc Thom Ayrshire Order Of Merit at the half way stage, after the latest qualifying event, the Belleisle Cup.

Present positions in the Order Of Merit are :-

150 - Tommy McInally (Loudoun)
130 - Steven McEwan (Kilmarnock (Barassie)
130 - Michael Smyth (Royal Troon)
120 - John Cairney (Ravenspark)
100 - Tommy Loy (Ballochmyle)
100 - Brian Moore (Largs)
67.5 - Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle)
67.5 - Barry Crawford (West Kilbride)
67.5 - Chris Harkins (Belleisle)
67.5 - George Robertson (Ravenspark)
50 - Ross Dixon (Kilmarnock Barassie)
50 - Ian Walker (Brunston Castle)
50 - Neil Black (Caprington)
20 - Kevin Fergusson (St. Cuthbert)
20 - Alastair Leggate (Kilmarnock Barassie)
17 - D. Booth (Turnberry)
17 - Stephen McBlain (St. Cuthbert)
17 - Alan McLean (Kilbirnie)

The remaining counting events are

The Viking Krus (Largs)
The Welbeck Links (Troon Welbeck)
&
The Arroll Cup (Prestwick St. Nicholas)

PALMER CUP - European team for match named

European Head Coach Peter Mattisson, the director of coaching for the English Golf Union, has named the team to represent Europe in the 2006 Palmer Cup.The annual Ryder Cup-style competition between American and European collegiate golfers will be played from June 29-30 at Prestwick Golf Club.

There are representatives from seven countries in the 8 strong European team.

Alejandro CaƱizares (Spain) of Arizona State University, the Palmer Cup all-time leader in victories and points will be competing in his fourth Palmer Cup and has a 9-3 career record in the event.

The full European team is :-

Alejandro CaƱizares (Spain) - Arizona State University
Rhys Davies (Wales) - East Tennessee State University
Oscar Floren (Sweden) - Texas Tech
Mark Haastrup (Denmark) - Georgia State University
Stephen Lewton (England) - NC State University
Joost Luiten (Netherlands) - Randstad Topsport Academie Rotterdam
Pablo Martin (Spain) - Oklahoma State University
Richard Ramsey (Scotland) – Stirling University

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION SUMMER LEAGUE - West Kilbride continue impressive start

West Kilbride secured a second successive 6 - 0 win in League 1 of the qualifying sections in the 2006 Ayrshire Golf Association Summer League championship this week, beating visitors Tam O Shanter.

After their whitewash by West Kilbride in their opening match, Moorpark bounced back with a 3.5 - 2.5 home win over Turnberry.

Present positions in League 1 are :-

CLUB / P/W/D/L/PTS
WEST KILBRIDE 2/2/0/0/8
MOORPARK 2/1/0/1/4
TAM O SHANTER 2/0/0/2/0
TURNBERRY 2/1/0/1/4

In the other match played recently, in League 2, holders Troon Welbeck were held to a 3 - 3 draw at home to Ballochmyle.

Present positions in League 2 are :-

CLUB / P./W/D/L/PTS
TROON WELBECK 2/1/1/0/6
BALLOCHMYLE 2/0/2/0/4
ANNANHILL 2/0/2/0/4
TROON ST. MEDDANS 2/0/1/1/2

Leagues 3 & 4 remain unchanged. Present positions are :-

CLUB / P/W/D/L/PTS
KILBIRNIE PLACE 1/1/0/0/4
CAPRINGTON 1/1/0/0/4
AYR BELLEISLE 1/0/0/1/0
IRVINE RAVENSPARK 1/0/0/1/0

CLUB / P/W/D/L/PTS
IRVINE (BOGSIDE) 2/1/1/0/6
LOUDOUN GOWF 1/0/1/0/2
KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE) 1/0/0/1/0

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Craig and Shanks book places in Champion Of Champions quarter finals

John Shanks (Ardeer) and Colin Craig (Troon Welbeck) are through to the quarter finals of the 2006 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions Trophy competition.

Colin Craig had a comfortable 7 & 6 win at Troon over Sammy Cox (Loudoun) in the last 16, whilst John Shanks also won at home, beating Doc Thom Salver holder Stephen McBlain (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) by 4 & 3.

Saturday, June 03, 2006

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP - results update

In Section A, Ballochmyle remain unbeaten with 4.5 - 1.5 wins at Annanhill and Troon Welbeck and a 4 - 2 home win over Troon Welbeck.

Ardeer opened their account with a 6 - 0 home win over Beith, but faltered in their next match, going down 4.5 - 1.5 at Annanhill.

Present positions in Section A are :-

TEAM / P/ W/ D/ L/ PTS
BALLOCHMYLE /4/4/0/0/16
ARDEER / 1/0/2/4
TROON WELBECK / 1/1/2/4

ANNANHILL / 0/1/1/2
BEITH / 2/0/0/2/0

In Section B, Kilbirnie secured the first away win in the section with a 3.5 - 2.5 result at Troon St. Meddans. After a good win in their first match, Prestwick St. Cuthbert faltered in two recent away ties, losing by 5 - 1 at Kilbirnie and 4.5 - 1.5 at Caprington.

Present positions in Section B are :-

TEAM / P/W/D/L/PTS
CAPRINGTON / 2/2/0/0/8
KILBIRNIE / 3/2/0/1/8
PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT / 3/1/0/2/4
TROON ST. MEDDANS / 1/0/0/1/0
PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS / 1/0/0/1/0

In Section C, Ayr Belleisle maintained their good start with a 3.5 - 2.5 away win at Kilmarnock Barassie and a 4 - 2 home win in the return match. Largs opened their challenge with a 3 - 3 draw at home to Kilmarnock Barassie and a 4 - 2 win on their visit to near neighbours Largs Routenburn. Kilmarnock Barassie secured their first win of the season with a 5 - 1 home win over Largs Routenburn.

Present positions in Section C are :-

TEAM/ P/W/D/L/F/PTS
AYR BELLEISLE / 3/3/0/0/12
LARGS / 2/1/1/0/6
KILMARNOCK BARASSIE / 4/1/1/2/4
LARGS ROUTENBURN / 3/0/0/3/0

In Section D, Irvine Ravenspark recorded their first win of the season with a 5 - 1 home win over New Cumnock.

Present positions in Section D are :-

TEAM / P/W/D/L/PTS
WEST KILBRIDE / 1/1/0/0/4
LOUDOUN / 1/1/0/0/4
IRVINE RAVENSPARK / 2/1/0/1/4
NEW CUMNOCK / 2/0/0/2/0

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Under 16 knockout trophy competition approaches quarter final stage.

With the second round matches in the 2006 Under 16 Knockout Trophy due for completion this week, 6 of the 8 quarter finalists have confirmed.

Kilmarnock (Barassie) and Caprington were the first two teams through to the last 8, and were joined recently by Irvine Ravenspark and Largs Routenburn, home winners by 2.5 - 1.5 and 3.5 - 0.5 over Ayr Belleisle and Annanhill respectively.

Also through to the next round are West Kilbride, 4 - 0 home winners against Beith, and Loudoun who drew 2 - 2 on their trip to Troon St. Meddans and won through on the countback over the individual ties.

The quarter final draw is due to be made next week.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Callum Crowe secures first quarter final place in Champion Of Champions

Callum Crowe (Kilbirnie Place) became the first player to reach the last eight of the 2006 Junior Champion Of Champions Trophy competition when he won by 3 & 2 at home against Craig Goodwin (Loudoun) in the second round.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION SUMMER LEAGUE - Update

In League 2, Annanhill travelled to St. Meddans and secured a share of the spoils with a 3 - 3 draw.

Irvine (Bogside) maintained their good start in League 4 with a 3 - 3 draw at Loudoun in their second match, to head the chase for the semi final spot.