FOURTY-FOUR was finally banished as an unlucky score for Forest of Park GC pairing Julie Ashton and Davena Burn.

Back in 2001 and 2002 the duo posted scores of 44 points only to be relegated each time to the runners-up spot in the contest for the Aldwark Trophy.

But two years on from that second setback Ashton and Burn finished top of the pile at York GC to land the Aldwark Trophy - and this time with a score of...44.

The now good-fortune figure was enough to see off the challenge of a dual Malton and Norton challenge. Pat Duggleby and Joan Blythe were second on 42 points ahead of club-mates Janet Rushworth and Val McKendry on 41.

Enthused Ashton: "We were both absolutely thrilled to have won, especially with a score of 44 after what had happened when we came second twice.

"For us to have finished what effectively was eight-under-par for the day was very pleasing." Ashton plays off a handicap of ten with Burn playing off 17.

Ashton's delight was heightened because her son Gareth, in tandem with Fiona Crossley, had earlier this season won the Yorkshire Herald Trophy.

Updated: 10:08 Saturday, August 07, 2004