SOLO success in the York Union of Golf Clubs' final Cross Trophy tournament was almost the exclusive preserve of Forest of Galtres GC.

While the number 11 event was cancelled because the Heworth course was wet, conditions were fine at Forest Park GC to stage the 12th and ultimate event in this year's championship.

But rather than 'home' Forest Park golfers it was two Forest of Galtres pairings who dominated.

Nine-handicapper Chris Blagden and Ben Johnson (playing off 18) triumphed with 61, three shots ahead of club-mates Tony Young (11) and Sam Enwright (16).

In third place was the Kirkbymoorside duo of Mark Randon (10) and Mark Kerr (13), who were third on count-back.

That third placing proved quite crucial as it enabled Kirkbymoorside to win the overall competition with 1,765 points from the nine events played after three fell foul of the elements.

The trophy was presented by retiring YUGC president David Crossley to Kirkbymoorside captain John Palfreyman.

The final standings are on Page 29.

Kilnwick Percy GC's Joe Townhill was a worthy fifth after firing 76 in the Midland region Professional Golfers' Association pro-am at Forest Pines GC in Lincolnshire.

Elsewhere at Market Weighton Kilnwick Percy's Peter Williamson, Graham Martin, Mark Gatenby and Paul Hawkett won the stableford competition with 129.

The club's first medal event of the season was won by 20-handicapper Lee Eastoe with a nett 67 on count-back from Mark Gatenby (18). Peter Williamson (12) was third on 70 and shared the joint lowest gross of 82 with Tom Rastall.

FOUR of north Yorkshire's courses will host PGA north region championships this year.

The York at Strensall is the venue for the Glenmuir Club Professionals' Championship east qualifier on Monday, April 29, followed two days later by the Sunderland of Scotland North Region Masters (east) tournament at Malton and Norton. Harrogate GC will stage the PGA Assistants' Championship east qualifier on Thursday, May 16, while Knaresborough GC will be the setting for the De Vere Hotels' PGA North Region Championship east qualifier on Wednesday, July 10.

Updated: 11:03 Saturday, March 30, 2002