THE strongest team ever to represent York Union of Golf Clubs is determined to go one better in the Inter-District Union six-man team championship tomorrow.

Martin Brown, Jamie Miller, David Hague, Julian Taylor, James Walker and James Cass will represent the city when the best of Yorkshire's unions collide at Bingley St Ives.

For York, who so narrowly missed out on retaining their IDU League title against Sheffield last week, there is a chance of immediate redemption as they look to better their runners-up finish to the South Yorkshire side in the strokeplay competition 12 months ago.

And with their handicaps ranging from plus three to plus one, Brown, the eight-time York Amateur champion, is confident the sextet have the talent and the poise to become champions.

"We felt like we got a bit robbed," Brown said, reflecting on the 18-18 draw with Sheffield that closed out the league season at Hickleton last weekend. "They holed a few putts and chipped in at the last. As for the six man, we were second last year and we have got a stronger team this time. Everyone is playing really well and, fingers crossed, we can do the business.

"We will have a practice round this afternoon at Bingley and, overall, this is the lowest group I have ever played in. I have played well over a 100 games and this is probably the strongest ever six-man side.

"If we prepare well then that is half the battle and, hopefully, we will do it on the day."

Union president Martin Greaves reckons the disappointment felt by coming so close in the league season will be harnessed by the six who go into battle against the unions from Bradford, Sheffield, Teesside, East Riding, Halifax and Huddersfield, Harrogate and Leeds.

"In some ways, what that result did was spark off the six lads that are playing," he explained."It made them think 'we are going to do our utmost'. Straight after the game, Martin Brown came up to me and said they would definitely win (the six-man).

"They are confident. They are good players and this is a different format - strokeplay as opposed to matchplay. These lads are experienced and I think we have got the strongest side that York has ever been able to field in the six-man team event.

"We have got experience in Jamie Miller and Martin Brown, who have played in a lot of these competitions. We have got youth in James Cass, who is striking the ball so well and could be our little ace in the pack.

"I am confident. I am so proud of what they did last week and over the course of the season. This could be the icing on the cake."