WHILE Martin Brown has plundered enough silverware to keep Brasso-makers in business for several years, York Union secretary Eric Wainwright has ended a 26-year barren spell.

The 65-year-old is more used to detailing the achievements of a host of trophy-winners and being present at countless hand-overs of silverware.

But at last the 13-handicapper has come out on top and indeed had his name included on the honours-board at Fulford GC, where he has been a member since 1978.

The sprightly Wainwright won the Key Cup, one of the most difficult events to win as it is match-play and involves six matches before reaching the final. But he breezed through the event beating John Wake 3 and 2 in the final to seal his first victory.

He enthused: "I've spent all this time arranging competitions for others and seen trophies being handed out left, right and centre that I am absolutely delighted to have won my first trophy."

Keynote: The Key Cup was presented to Fulford by former founder member Captain W H Key in 1912. It was originally called the President's Cup but was then renamed in his memory.

PIKE Hills GC's Hannah Batty finished a creditable fifth in the final of the Health Perception Ladies amateur championship at Wentworth's feted west course.

The youngster, who was crowned Northern champion in the qualifier at Bedale in the summer, carded 29 points to lie just two points off the eventual winner Elizabeth Martinez-Grey (High Elms GC). She eventually won the title, for which more than 23,000 golfers originally entered, after beating Debbie Knight in a play-off after both scored 31 points.

FEW players could be more aptly-named than Heworth GC 17-handicapper Peter Long, who holed in one with a driver at the club's newly-modified 233-yard 11th hole - the longest white tee par three in York, though a par four off the yellow tees.

FOREST Park GC's Harold Crossley Cup was won by David Hunt, whose nett score of 63 was four shots clear of second-placed Anthony Knowles. Hunt's handicap was trimmed by three strokes after his cup success.

SWALLOW HALL (Wheldrake) GC's Captain's Day competition was won by Steven Bell ahead of Terry Hopcutt with Ed Nicklin in third. The ladies' event was won by Audrey Roberts ahead of Angela Johnson.

ONLY eight of 86 competitors achieved par or better in Fulford GC's extra medal won by Peter Buckley with a five-under nett 67. Mike Rudd's five-over par 77 was the best gross.

CATH Hewerdine won Fulford GC's Melville Trophy with rounds of 70 and 69 to finish five clear of nearest rival Judy Jones.

Updated: 10:42 Saturday, October 02, 2004