Heworth GC's hopes of a trophy double to illuminate a dazzling start to the season were eclipsed by North Yorkshire rivals Filey GC.

Bidding to retain the East Riding Alliance's President's Salver to add to their shining success in winning the Alliance team championship for the first time in 43 years last month, Heworth travelled to Ganstead Park GC in fine metal fettle.

But their hold on the Salver was loosened by Filey, whose three pairings posted a 15-under-par total after each brace of players shot a round of 67.

Heworth could only muster one 67 in return from Bernie Mennell and Duncan Bruce while the club's other two pairings of Nick Bissett and Paul Winterburn, and Jim Batt and Steve Lambert, shot respective scores of 68.

Said Heworth professional Steve Burdett: "It was a good day, but we were just pipped by Filey. But it's been a fantastic start to the season for the club and hopefully that sort of form can continue through the rest of the season."

Heworth players, meanwhile, will have to be in sharper form this year when they start the inward half of their rounds at the Muncaster House-based club.

Work during the summer has transformed the former par four 274-yard tenth hole into a more difficult par-three of 235 yards.

"It was quite a kind hole, but it's a bit more of a test now," enthused Burdett.

Updated: 10:42 Saturday, April 10, 2004