IN a ding-dong battle for Cross Trophy glory, Fulford Golf Club’s former king of the boxing ring Henry Wharton, was floored.

After the Cross Trophy 13 event at Heworth GC, holders Fulford struck first advantage to lead by four strokes on the day and one ahead overall from nearest challengers Malton & Norton GC.

Fulford’s last pair in the morning, Duncan McCarthy and Ashley Simpson, posted a fine 61 to take their club ahead in the aggregate at Heworth, though that score was only good enough for third place on the day as they were behind on count-back to Heworth GC’s pair J Flanagan and A Wilson, and Forest Park’s S Hardy and K Dawson.

The final tournament, Cross Trophy 14, was at York GC where wet conditions were to the fore.

Lee Grant and Dave Tysall started the day well for Fulford with a 64 to head the leader-board until mid-afternoon.

But two 66s from Malton & Norton pairings, the second being from Eddie Fisher and Ian Johnson, gave them hope.

Wharton, the one-time undefeated European, Commonwealth and British super-middleweight champion, partnered by Carl Tyrer, returned a 62 and moved to the top of the rankings.

Dennis Smith and Lee Bellion handed in a 64 for Malton to reduce the deficit, and then the knockout blow was delivered by Richard Brown and Malton club captain Peter Bailey. They carded a 61 late in the day to grab first place and also snatch back the Cross Trophy from Fulford, with an overall aggregate win by three strokes. AT the York & District Ladies Winter Alliance annual meeting at Kirkbymoorside GC, Heather Gott of York GC took over as president with Margaret Lukey (Malton & Norton GC) the new vice-president.