Perfect timing

The Norwich Union worker was assured of a surprise conquest in the York match play championship final with his only birdie of a tricky day at Forest Park GC.

Conditions were windy and squally and as he and his opponent, 1999 champion Martin Brown of Pike Hills, approached the final hole they were all square.

But then the 33-year-old Brownlee - earlier the semi-final conqueror of Fulford GC's Jonathan Plaxton by 2 and 1 - popped up with his only under-par score of the day to carry off the trophy, a shining carriage clock.

Said Brownlee: "I could not have picked a better time to get my one birdie."

That was a modest verdict as with five holes to go he was two down to Brown, who, in the semi-finals had accounted for the man who beat him at the semi-stage last year, reigning champion Steve Dunn of Fulford GC.

But Brownlee, who hails from Middlesbrough originally before moving to York four years ago, won the 14th, 16th and, of course, the decisive 18th, holes to capture the coveted York Union of Golf Clubs' crown.

BROTHERS-IN-LAW Dave Friend and Steve Freer ended a ten-year barren run when they landed the Yorkshire Rabbit Golf Association's Fowler Trophy.

The duo - members of Malton and Norton GC - negotiated five rounds before reaching the final of the foursomes competition played for pairs in handicap categories between 16-19 and 20-28 at Knaresborough GC.

Friend (16 handicap) and Freer (20) beat rivals from Whitwood GC to become only the fourth pairing from north Yorkshire to have won the trophy in the event's 52 years of being. The last time the region prevailed was in 1991 when a Kirkbymoorside duo ruled.

Flamborough Head prevailed in the first fixture of the Flamborough and District Golf Alliance winter competition held at the Scarborough South Cliff GC of last year's winners.

The winners carded 185, Arthur Woodhouse and Bill Tose leading the way with their score of 60. They were supported by Alwyn Emmerson and Colin Norton with a 62 and Les Clarkson and Peter Reeve with a 63. The best individual score of the day was the outstanding nett 58 by South Cliff members John Thompson and Gordon Jenkinson. The next event is next Saturday at Whitby GC.

HOME knowledge paid off for Ganton GC professional Gary Brown who won the PGA north region centenary Challenge on his home course with a 74 that was two shots clear of the rest.

Knaresborough's Gary Vickers was joint third on 77 to follow on from his runner-up on 69 behind Roundhay's Jim Pape in the Yorkshire PGA event at Pannal GC.

CROWNED new Allerthorpe Park ladies champion is Christine Floyd. She posted gross rounds of 84 and 80 to win the title by 12 shots from Eunice Mouncey, a previous three-time champion.

But the runner-up bounced back to win the ladies' singles knockout-trophy beating Linda Wright in the final.

FORMER York women's squash champion Angela Johnson won the Swallow Hall GC September weekend medal with an excellent 71 (nett 52).

Her first medal success further trimmed her handicap to 16 after starting the season on 24.

THE first York Union Golf Clubs' Cross Trophy event was played at Boothferry and not at Scarthingwell as first notified to the Evening Press.

Pike Hills GC's Darren Meek and Martin Brown were the winners with a stunning eight birdies between them in their nett 62.

The first York Union Golf Clubs' Cross Trophy event was played at Boothferry and not at Scarthingwell as first notified to the Evening Press.

Pike Hills GC's Darren Meek and Martin Brown were the winners with a stunning eight birdies between them in their nett 62.

The Malton and Norton ladies' team of Wendy Allen, Judy Butler, Judy Fishburn and assistant professional Alistair Grindley won the Filey Pro Am competition with a brilliant score of 130. Grindley was second in the pro' event.

FOREST Park GC's Paul Gower notched a hole in one in the midweek stableford with a six-iron shot at the 144-yard 14th hole.

Updated: 10:58 Saturday, October 06, 2001