And Halifax and Huddersfield Union non-playing captain Chris Mear is hoping he will keep up that form when he makes a welcome return to the ranks for Sunday's vital Inter Union clash against East Riding.

Club colleague Andy Shaw, who edged out Fairhurst on a countback at that Captain's Day event, is also in a strong looking squad into which Mear has also recalled Richard Broadley, who is one of a trio of Fixby players in the side.

The only cloud on the horizon is that fellow Huddersfield GC man Danny Stocchero, who has been in great form recently, is unavailable as is Meltham's doughty campaigner Graham McLean, who has been something of a stalwart in recent years.

But Mear is unfazed and said the news had in fact solved a selection headache with Bradley Hall man Andy Appleyard now retaining his place

"With Richard Broadley and Jim Fairhurst back in contention I had a difficult decision and was looking at someone stepping down," Mear explained.

"But with Danny out Andy Appleyard stays in and I'm pleased about that because he's a very good young player," Mear explained.

The non-playing skipper knows it is important they continue the momentum gained from that ultimately convincing victory over Teesside at Bradley Hall in their previous fixture last month, a win which kick-started the team's season after narrow defeats by the Bradford and Leeds Unions in their opening two fixtures.

However, he admitted the venue for Sunday's clash, Driffield GC, which is a tree lined, parkland venue with a trout stream running through it and various water hazards, was unfamiliar territory to him and most of the squad.

But it is understood to be a fair test of golfing skill and Mear pointed out that his team chalked up a 22-14 success in the corresponding fixture last term so maybe have a slight psychological edge on their rivals.

And this year the squad was if anything stronger, so he was optimistic there was enough quality and experience in the ranks to see them through.

"East Riding are a good side when they have everyone available so a lot will depend on availability, but we are confident going into the match and I'm very happy with the team I will be putting out," said Mear.

Mathew Colcombe of Longley Park completes six matches and therefore gets his Union colours in Sunday's clash, when any travelling support would be warmly welcomed at the course, which lies just south of the town of Driffield.

As usual, the morning foursomes matches start at 10am with the singles starting at 2pm.

Halifax and Huddersfield Union (away to East Riding at Driffield GC)

Frazer Scholefield, Jared Ellison, Richard Broadley (all Huddersfield).

Andy Appleyard, Andy Shaw, Jim Fairhurst (both Bradley Hall).

Iain Powell (Hebden Bridge).

Ben Crowther, Edward Battye (Dewsbury Dist).

Frank Greaves, Sam Bridges (West End).

Mathew Colcombe (Longley Park).