AN incredible season for James Cass hit a new high as York Union of Golf Clubs' juniors put in a highly creditable display at the Yorkshire Inter-District Union 31st Junior Team Championship.

The Fulford ace, crowned the Union's junior champion just a few weeks ago, shot 73, 72 for a 145 total to pick up the John Peet Bowl for the best two-round score at the prestigious tournament, which was staged at Pike Hills Golf Club.

He led the way as York, last in the six-man tournament 12 months ago, produced a significant improvement to finish fifth in a competition won by the Leeds Union.

Cass's overall excellence was matched in the second round by Easingwold's Simon Morley, who produced a round of 72, and, in the morning, from the home club's Matt Jagger with a fine 73.

York finished on a total of 933. Leeds' overall score of 903 put them five shots clear of runners-up Harrogate.

Cass, who backed up his junior championship win with a strong performance at the Yorkshire Amateur Championship at Fulford last week, was thrilled to come on top as the best of the 48 competitors.

He said: "I wasn't expecting to do that. They were two solid rounds and I hit it really well. The front nine was definitely better than the back - I played it in two under both times. You can get a score going on the first six or seven holes.

"I am really pleased. The year is getting better. I didn't think three over would win and it just proves how tricky the course was playing. To be the lowest in Yorkshire is nice, and in my last year (as a junior).

"The last couple of weeks have been really good and it is nice to see hard work pays off. If you practise hard, it is nice to see results."

Sian Statters, the Union's junior organiser, said the side's improved result showed the progress which was being made in the organisation's junior set-up. He added: "The lads have knuckled down and all gelled well as a team. It helped that it was a home course. I am really pleased with the lads. James Cass has been very good this year.

"He has excelled throughout and he has been an excellent ambassador for the York Union junior section. We have got a very good, strong, section coming through. There is a lot of young talent which is looking promising and that I am looking forward to coaching."

Martin Greaves, the York Union President who handed out the prizes at his home club, said he was delighted with the way the tough par 71 course had performed.

"I think the course was absolutely fantastic in terms of the way it played considering we had some horrific weather at the weekend," he explained. "It was in splendid condition. The greens were superb and the comments coming back from the players were fantastic.

"All in all, it was a great day for Pike Hills and a great day for the York Union. We passed our position of last year and could very easily have been fourth so I am very pleased with that."

On Cass, he added: "To have the best score over two rounds is a fantastic achievement for a York player and caps off a fantastic year for him. He's junior champion, course record holder at Aldwark and now has done this. 48 players and he is top of the tree."