Both the home side and Queensbury performed superbly to finish in the top four of the Halifax and Huddersfield Union Second Division Scratch Team Championship and thereby secure promotion to the main Scratch Team Championship at Dewsbury District on June 1.

Despite the damp conditions, there was some quality golf on display in the Huddersfield Audi sponsored competition, and though it was a powerful Crosland Heath side who clinched first spot with Hanging Heaton runners up, the host club were delighted to clinch fourth spot just behind Queensbury.

Indeed, the competition was so tight, Hanging Heaton, Elland and Queensbury all finished with a final combined total of 295, and though Queensbury were edged into third and Elland into fourth on a back nine countback, both achieved the aim of qualification.

"It was good to see two nine hole clubs doing so well in a good quality competition," said Elland GC professional Nick Krzywicki.

"There was a good standard throughout and though the course was playing long because of the weather, it was in very good condition and I doubt if there is a course in better condition in the area at the moment."

All the home quartet contributed to Elland's success, with youngster Chris Norburn and fellow five handicapper Nigel King both carding 75s.

Chris Walton, a seven handicapper who like King joined the club comparatively recently from West End, posted a 73 and Nick Smith rounded things off nicely, the former assistant professional, who currently plays off four, shooting a fine 72 to give his side a combined total of 295.

And there was even a strong Elland connnection from third placed Queensbury, with the highlight of their 295 total being a fine 70 from Karl Smith, a former assistant greenkeeper at the host club who now fills a similar role at the Queensbury course.
Ross Heslop, who shot 74, Duncan Scott with 75 and Richard Cockroft on 76 completed their efforts.

The best gross score was won by fast rising Union star Mathew Colcombe of Longley Park, who matched the 69 of Crosland Heath's Bob Wallace and edged the prize on a back nine countback.

Full results
1 Crosland Heath 292 (Bob Wallace 69, Michael Lawrie 74, Roger Morris 74, Terry Goldstein 75).
2 Hanging Heaton 295 (Tom Hill 70, Scot Minto 71, Tom Goodair 77, Phil Wood 77).
3 Queensbury 295 (Karl Smith 70, Ross Heslop 74, Duncan Scott 75, Richard Cockroft 76).
4 Elland 295 (Nick Smith 72, Chris Walton 73, Nigel King 75, Chris Norburn 75).
5 Longley Park 305 (Matthew Colcombe 69, Charles Ryan-Hicks 77, Ian Senior 79, John Doherty 80).
6 Ryburn 306 (C Rudd 70, J Burton 77, D Stock 78, Andy Kershaw 81).
7 Crow Nest Park 309 (Nick Day 75, Kris Richmond 75, Dean Wilson 76, Steve Smith 83).
8 Todmorden 310 (D Stafford 74, A Barker 75, K Fowler 79, M Hamer 82).
9 Willow Valley 312 (John Reddy 74, Lewis Howell 75, Mark Butters 81, Ian Howell 82).
10 Marsden 319 (Chris Thewlis 74, Steve Mozzley 78, Nicky Carr 81, Ethan Shaw 86).
11 Lightcliffe 321 (Andrew Turner 78, Robert Charnock 80, Richard Beaumont 80, Edward Pickles 83).