PENALTIES for slow play were imposed at York Union of Golf Clubs' latest Cross Trophy competitions - and they will remain for the rest of the event.

After the first two rounds were characterised by slow play Union officials warned players they would be penalised for delays in Cross No 3 and No 4 at Forest of Galtres Golf Club and Easingwold GC respectively.

There was a good pace at both venues, but two groups fell foul in the Forest of Galtres competition, each receiving penalties. A Union spokesman added: "These rules will remain in force for the remainder of the competition."

Meanwhile, green staff were the heroes of the Forest of Galtres and Easingwold rounds as they provided good conditions despite heavy rain falling almost non-stop for the previous two days.

At Forest of Galtres, Kirkbymoorside continued their winning run with John Spanton (six handicap) and Ged Gaskell (14) posting a fine 63 to win.

They finished one shot clear of six groups on 64, Heworth's Peter Jackson and Chris Richardson claiming the runners-up spot on count-back.

Malton and Norton scooped the first prize at Easingwold in Cross No 4 in which club captain Chris Atkinson (11) teamed up with pro Steve Robinson to take advantage of the better afternoon conditions and return a ten-under-par 64. Fellow Malton members Richard Brown (4) and Ian Johnson (14) were second on 65.

That ensured Malton and Norton went to the top of the Trophy team rankings with 789 points from the first four rounds, seven shots clear of Fulford and Heworth. Early leaders Kirkbymoorside have dropped from first to fifth.

Rounds 5 and 6 of the Cross Trophy will be on November 6 at Fulford and Pike Hills respectively.

Players are advised that trolleys are likely not to be allowed, particularly at Pike Hills, so they should arrive prepared to carry their clubs.

REVENGE is fore-square in the mind of Fulford GC professional Martin Brown after a return to his formative roots.

Brown headed a 14-strong Fulford group to Royal Jersey, the club where he was assistant to ex-European Tour ace Tommy Horton.

Brown and club captain Melvyn Allison lost their match to Horton and the host captain on the final green with the Fulford party losing 6-1.

But said Brown, who is organising a return match at Fulford: "Royal Jersey hammered us, but maybe we will get our revenge next year."

Updated: 09:15 Saturday, October 29, 2005