THE York Union junior scratch golf team have started the season where they left off last year.

They have won their first two fixtures despite losing the likes of scratch player Matthew Lord (Fulford), four-handicapper Ryan Easterbrook (Pike Hills), Mark Christie (5, Easingwold) and Chris Farnsworth (8, Heworth) to the senior team in the winter.

York did well last year and built on that in their opening fixture at Sand Moor when they beat the Leeds Union 23-13 in the first match in the Yorkshire League

The 12-strong York team trailed 7-5 after the morning foursomes but they hit back in the singles.

Alex Wiggins lost 6 and 5 to Ashley Smith, but Tom Parry turned on the pressure winning 2 and 1 against Robert Ellam.

The York boys then had a winning run losing only one of their next ten singles matches.

Their 19-17 victory over the East Riding at the Oaks was a much closer contest.

Parry and Ashley Simpson won their foursomes 6 and 5 while new boys James Wake and Thomas James came out on top 3 and 2. However, East Riding led 8-4 after the morning foursomes.

Once again York rose to the occasion in the singles with Parry, playing at his home course, beating Jamie Coughlin 4 and 3. Nick Marchant, from Fulford, defeated David Woodhead 5 and 4 and the York boys pushed on and lost only four of the 12 afternoon matches.

York, the early league leaders from Bradford, now have a two-month break in fixtures and will be attending a series of team-building and coaching sessions with the England coach Graham Walker and his team at the Oaks.

York junior team manager Steve Forsey said: "I have been very impressed with the team's attitude and ability this year. They have played at two excellent venues, in varying conditions against two strong and experienced teams.

"We still have a long way to go and with five remaining fixtures during the summer holidays need to keep focused on the games ahead. Our next fixture is against the Teesside Union in July at Pike Hills."

Updated: 10:43 Saturday, May 13, 2006