NATALIE EVANS was just two matches away from the final of the English Ladies Intermediate Championships this morning.

The 24-year-old Pleasington player reached the quarter finals of the competition last night -- on her home course -- after seeing off the threat of amateur Kirsty Taylor.

And if she won through the quarter final against Betchworth Park's Rebecca Prout this morning, she was due to tee off in the semi at around 1.30pm this afternoon.

After coming through the first and second rounds yesterday, she found that the two hot favourites for the contest were out, boosting her chances of success.

Rebecca Hudson, who finished as the top amateur in joint 32nd place at the Weetabix British Open at Sunningdale, qualified for the matchplay stage of the Intermediates in first place with rounds of 73 and 68.

But she fell at the second round stage yesterday. Alex Keighley, another favourite, also crashed out.

"I am confident after yesterday afternoon," said Evans, who won the Northern Women's title just weeks ago and would love to add the Intermediate title -- for amateurs aged 18 to 30 -- to her collection.

"It is such an advantage playing on your home course. Not only do I have lots of support from members, which is great, I feel more comfortable.

"I know that if I am down on the 16th I don't have to worry because the 17th and 18th can be so tricky anything can happen.

"And I know when I hit a ball whether I am in trouble or not. It makes it a lot easier."

Evans qualified for the second round by beating Kelly Hanwell, who qualified in fourth place, in the first round of matchplay.

She then beat Taylor -- whose temper flared toward the end as she lost her cool -- by two holes with one to play.

Evans was three up on the 10th, lost the 11th, won the 12th, lost the 13th, but halved each remaining hole to win on the 17th.

"It was a crucial match because it could have gone either way," said Evans. "But it went my way. I am so confident now.

"With Rebecca Hudson and Alex Keighley out of the way I shouldn't have anything to worry about.

"These are all the best golfers in the country in the 18 to 30 age group. But they are generally all the best golfers.

"I would love to win it."

The final is tomorrow.