SILVERWARE just keeps on coming for high-flying Heworth GC.

After seizing the East Riding Winter Alliance for the first time in its 43 years - a feat celebrated in last week's golf column - the Muncaster House-based club will be making another raid on the Brasso.

They finished the winter programme by retaining the York Union of Golf Clubs' Cross Trophy.

Excitement in the 12-round series extended right through to the concluding holes of the last two rounds held at Forest of Galtres and Easingwold clubs respectively.

Heworth, however, finished the final day's play one point better than nearest rivals Malton and Norton, whom they eventually pipped to first place by six points overall to hang on to the crown they won last year.

In the individual rounds Forest Park GC's Andrew Garland and John Neal won the Cross Trophy number 11 event at Forest of Galtres with a round of 63, while the Cross Trophy number 12 honours at Easingwold were collected by Kirkbymoorside GC pairing of Andrew Ripley and Ben Pickles who totalled 66.

The final points placings (after 12 events): Heworth 1,965 points; Malton and Norton 1,971; Forest of Galtres 1,994; Kirkbymoorside 1,995; Fulford 2,001; Forest Park 2,006; Scarthingwell 2,010; The York 2,012; Easingwold 2,013; Pike Hills 2,026; The Oaks 2,041.

A VINTAGE show was produced by Kilnwick Percy GC's Brian and Sue Hodgson, whose stableford score of 38 points has earned them a place ion the regional finals of the Beringer Vineyards mixed foursomes championship.

David and Carol Kilford were second with Chris and Iona Buckle in third spot.

Success in the Beringer regional rounds propels couples to the British final to be held at the Celtic Manor resort in Wales in August.

Back at Kilnwick Percy, Peter Williamson led the club's stableford with 42 points to earn a handicap cut. Peter Wilson was second on 41, while Mick Addinall won the midweek medal and third place in the Sunday stableford with 39 points.

The Golf Foundation Starter Centre free golf lessons for small children will start during the Easter holidays aimed at attracting youngsters to the game.

The English Golf Union are also running a series of free lessons for adult beginners at Kilnwick Percy in April and May. For details ring the club tel 01759 303090 and quote 'Free Golf Coaching'.

Updated: 10:17 Saturday, April 03, 2004