PIKE HILLS claimed the York Union of Golf Clubs’ Team Championship by the narrowest of margins.

They bettered runners-up Fulford by just a single shot following a morning of foursomes and afternoon singles at Flaxby Park.

Eleven of the Union’s clubs took part in the event and rounds of 71 and 75 for Pike Hills put them firmly in charge at the half-way stage.

Their score of 146 was ten shots better than The Oaks (76 and 80 for 156), with Fulford on 157 (83 and 74) and York on 158 (80 and 78).

As the singles progressed, though, Pike Hills’ lead was gradually eroded. Martin Brown’s 71 kept them in command, with Fulford’s George Forder managing a 74.

But Alistair Smith’s 78 for Pike Hills opened the way for Fulford’s James Cass, who hit a magnificent 70.

It was a round which included seven birdies and five bogeys and saw him claim the Issott Trophy for the day’s best individual round.

When Adrian Lount’s 78 was countered by Damon Coulson’s 74, Pike Hills only had a two shot lead.

Fulford’s Rob Moore and Pike Hills’ Craig Smith were playing together in the last group and while the former recorded the better score, it was only by one shot - which saw Pike Hills win the team competition by a solitary stroke.

Non-playing team captain Russ Chilton collected the trophy.

Sue Bellion, meanwhile, helped further boost the trophy cabinet at Malton & Norton GC when she claimed the ladies’ Fulford Rose Bowl.

The competition had been postponed in June, because of waterlogged conditions at Heworth, but was successfully staged with Bellion’s 71 putting her a shot clear of Forest Park’s Val Eccles.

Lesley Mather, also from Malton & Norton was a stroke further back and collected third place on countback.