Last Updated: Friday, July 4, 2008, 20:36

Irish amateurs in final again

Ireland will face England in the final of the European Amateur Team Championship after safely disposing of third seeds Germany today.

The defending champions won 5-2 at the Royal Park course in Turin, losing only their last match of the day when victory was already assured.

Shane Lowry and Gareth Shaw got the Irish up and running in the first match of the day with a 5-and-4 win which was followed by Jonathan Caldwell and Paul Cutler victory by 2 and 1 in the second of the foursomes.

The afternoon singles started with a half for Shaw, who turns professional next week, against Alexander Knappe.

Paul Cutler then saw off Stephan Gross by 3 and 2 one setting up a chance for Walker Cup player Jonathan Caldwell to secure victory.

The Clandeboye man obliged with a 3-and-2 victory over Sean Einhaus giving Ireland the four matches they needed.

Paul O'Hanlon's half in the next match made the score 5-1 and John Allen got a consolation win for the Germans over Shane Lowry.

Non-playing captain Michael Burns's team now have a chance of winning back-to-back titles having looked in trouble earlier this week.

"Our team really picked themselves up after the scare we had on day two. They realise the opportunity that lies in front of them and I have confidence in them to go on and do their best again on Saturday in what's going to be a tough encounter," he told Golfing Union of Ireland website.