EUROPEAN YOUTHS

SCOTLAND OVERPOWER NETHERLANDS

Defending champions Scotland sailed into the semi-fnals of the European youths team championship at San Roque 2 on Spain's Costa del Sol today.

They beat Netherlands 6-1 and now play Spain for a place in the final. The other last-four tie will pitch England against Italy, conquerors of Ireland 5-2.

Scotland took a 2-0 lead by winning both foursomes through Lloyd Saltman and Jordan Findlay in the top tie, and Paul O'Hara and Steven McEwan in the other which they won at the 19th.

Saltman, O'Hara, McEwan and Findlay all won in the afternoon singles which Scotland took 4-1. Scott Henry was Scotland's only loser. Russell Knox, off form in the stroke-play qualifying rounds, was given the day off.

Details:

CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT

ENGLAND 6 1/2, FRANCE 1/2.

ITALY 5, IRELAND 2.

SPAIN 4, WALES 3.

SCOTLAND 6, NETHERLANDS 1

Foursomes: L Saltman & J Findlay bt J Luiten & T Sluiter 3 and 2; P O'Hara & S McEwan bt W Besseling & T Bierenbroodspot at 19th (2-0).

Singles: Saltman bt Luiten 2 and 1, S Henry lost to Besseling 1 hole, O'Hara bt R King 4 and 3, McEwan bt Bierenbroodspot 6 and 5, Findlay bt Sluiter 3 and 2 (4-1).