AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Wilson edges closer to retaining title

The semi finals of the 2010 Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Championship took place at Prestwick Golf Club on Friday evening with the title holder David Wilson (Troon Welbeck) - pictured left - edging one step closer to retaining his title when he defeated the new Ayrshire Boys Champion, and Order Of Merit leader, Charlie Macneal (Troon Welbeck) in an exciting clash.

Charlie Macneal, who has had a number of first place finishes in recent weeks, was three ahead after ten holes, and retained the lead through 14 when the match turned into Prestwick's famous finishing loop, which has been the scene of many a story of triumph and tragedy in matchplay ties over the years. Over the closing holes, David Wilson turned the tie on its head and won the final hole to square the match and send the match into extra holes.

The opening hole at Prestwick has been the scene of as many matchplay disasters as has the closing loop, and this match proved no different. Playing into a stiff breeze, david Wiolson struck a crisp four iron straight down the fairway at the first but Charlie Macneal looked on in dispair as his effort drifted over the railway wall and out of bounds.

This quickly brought a concession of the hole and the match to Wilson by Macneal.

In the other semi final, Graeme Ritchie (Troon Welbeck) faced Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie).

Like Charlie Macneal, Euan Walker - pictured right - found himself three ahead after 10 holes and also maintained his three hole advantage through 14. Graeme Ritchie, like david Wilson in the other match, staged something of a fightback over the closing holes but Euan Walker rallied and won through to the final with a 2 & 1 victory.

The final between David Wilson and Euan Walker is at 4.00pm on Saturday evening at Prestwick and supporters are very welcome to attend.