IT is said the meek shall inherit the earth – well, York’s Darren Meek ended a dearth to accomplish an unforgettable triumph.

The five-handicap golfer celebrated his first ever ace in 35 years of playing the game. But his unerring hole in one not only ended a barren run for which he had been good-humouredly chided, it also clinched victory in York Union of Golf Clubs popular winter competition, the Cross Trophy.

Acomb-based Meek was playing alongside his long-term golfing partner and fellow Pike Hills Golf Club stalwart Russ Chilton in the Cross Trophy number 11 event held at Aldwark Manor Golf Club.

They came to the final hole, the 125-yard par-three, knowing that barring a miraculous turn of events they were well out of contention for the leading prizes in an event in which they have featured for several years.

But then enter the ace-factor. Meek’s nine-iron shot clipped on to the green taking one hop forward, but to the left of the hole before spinning right and rolling smack into the cup.

Recalled Meek: “It was absolutely fantastic, not just about getting my first hole in one after all this time, but to win the event with Russ.

“If we had parred the hole, we would have finished well down the scores. If we’d have birdied it, the best we would have finished would have been about fourth or fifth.

“But the hole in one meant we won the competition on count-back.”

Meek and Chilton finished with a nett 62, as did the second-placed Fulford GC pairing of David Nunn and Sean Edmondson and third-placed Steve Faulkner and Chris Metcalfe, both of York GC.

The 50-year-old Meek said: “I’ve had a fair bit of stick about not getting a hole in one before during my 35 years of playing, so this was a great way to do it.”

One of those who have handed out the flak, Chilton, was delighted by Meek’s magic flourish to the Cross Trophy.

“He had a hole in one at the last and because of it we won the competition on count-back. That’s how good that ace was,” said Chilton.