YORK and North Yorkshire's top clubs will go head-to-head tomorrow at Fulford Golf Club.

The famous Heslington course is hosting the York Union of Golf Clubs team championship with 11 of the organisation's outfits sending four of their best players into battle.

Players are paired up to compete in a foursomes medal off the white tees in the morning before a singles competition takes centre stage in the afternoon. The six scores are then added together to produce a final total.

The best individual afternoon score sees that player awarded the Issott Trophy.

The pre-tournament favourites include the host club, who have selected a strong team of Damon Coulson, James Cass, Charlie Thornton and Ben Plaxton, along with Malton & Norton, who have David Hague (the lowest handicap in the competition at plus three), Richard Brown, Alex Wiggins and James Walsh representing them.

Pike Hills, with Alistair Smith, Adrian Lount, Martin Brown and Lee Bond, will also be strong contenders for the crown.

Martin Greaves, York Union of Golf Clubs president, will have his fingers crossed for Pike Hills, where he is a member, but he said: "I'll have two hats on that day. I am very hopeful that Pike Hills can do it. Normally, Martin Brown is thereabouts as far as the Issott Trophy is concerned and it is held in the same format as the Union games - foursomes in the morning and singles play in the afternoon.

"I know Fulford have a very strong team out and Malton will also have a very good outfit. They have exceptional strength. It is a very good event for the Union. There are so many good friendships among the squads and all around the clubs.

"It's great to see them all together and it is competitive but, at the same time, it is played in the right way."