Golf:Ireland reached the final of the European Girls Team Championships where they take on Sweden after they defeated England 3½-1½ in today's semi-final in Kokkola, Finland.

Just as they did in yesterday’s quarter-final the young Irish team made a great start b y winning both their morning foursomes matches.

Lisa and Leona Maguire (Slieve Russell) defeated England’s Kelly Tidy and Heidi Baek 3 and 2 margin, while Laura McCarthy (Muskerry) and Stephanie Meadow (Royal Portrush) fought hard in an up and down match to beat Alexandra Peters and Haley Davis 2 and 1.

With just one point needed from the three afternoon singles matches, it wasn’t straightforward. Leona, who provided the vital victory in yesterday’s singles, was down throughout her match and eventually succumbed to England’s Alexandra Peters at the 16th.

However, Irish Champion Lisa stepped up to the challenge and booked Ireland’s place in the final with a crucial 2 and 1 win over Kelly Tidy.

Meadow was two down through eight holes but continued to battle, as she has done all week, and drew level with England’s Heidi Baek after 15 holes before being called in.

Tomorrow will see the Irish girls bid to win the European Team Championships for the first time when they take on Sweden.

Ireland will once again be led by the Maguire twins in the opening foursomes match which tees off at 6.50am Irish time and will be followed by the undefeated pairing of McCarthy and Meadow.

Matchplay Results (Semi Finals)

Flight A

Ireland 3½ England 1½

Foursomes:
Lisa Maguire & Leona Maguire defeated Kelly Tidy & Heidi Baek 3 and 2
Laura McCarthy & Stephanie Meadow defeated Alexandra Peters & Haley Davis 2 and 1

Singles:
Lisa Maguire defeated Kelly Tidy 2 and 1
Leona Maguire lost to Alexandra Peters 3 and 2
Stephanie Meadow halved Heidi Baek

Sweden 3½ Spain 1½
Switerland 2½ Belgium ½
Finland 2 Czech Republic 1

Flight B
France 2 Austria 1
Netherlands 2 Germany 1
Denmark 2½ Scotland ½
Norway 2 Wales 1

Flight C
Italy 3 Latvia 0
Greece did not play