Avila Golf and Country Club II were last night savouring the taste of victory while remaining mindful of the ultimate prize as the Lobster Pot Invitational gained momentum.

Club professional Jim Blanks and his trio of amateurs -- Cary Williams, Bill Garrett and Allen Reeves III -- seized the gross division title at Castle Harbour with a solid round of 144 which added to their first round score of 140 for a 284 total.

The result was a six-stroke triumph over Wannamoisett Country Club, who could only slice one stroke from the previous day's deficit. Salem Country Club was third at 291.

"I think it's great (to win),'' said Blanks, whose squad had to settle for second in the same division last year. "Two of the amateurs have never played here, Williams and Garrett, and it's marvellous for them, especially Williams, who has never been in a tournament like this.'' Although peerless on the gross side, Avila has formidable company in the net division, with stable-mate Avila Golf and Country Club I accompanying them at the top of the leader-board, both on 264.

Leading the charge for Avila I is Jimmy King along with fellow Floridians Don Lau, George Brown and Roger Ladd.

Two others, Font Hill Country Club and Oakland Country Club, are similarly tied a stroke back at 265.

Aside from those worries there is also the matter of Mother Nature, who has stirred things up a bit with untimely wind gusts and infrequent rain showers.

"I've been coming here for years and you can always depend on at least one day being windy and rainy,'' explained Blanks. "The wind is always tough in being able to get the ball on the green.

"We're also very concerned about Avila I. All the guys are really working hard to beat each other while Jimmy King (Avila I's club pro) and I are enjoying the run.

"We're thankful to be tied at this point. We figured to challenge them in the gross, but not so much in the net.

"Also, just to be able to come over and see Fritz (Reiter), Joan (Reiter) and John (Mason). John is so thorough in organising this tournament and they're all absolutely great hosts.'' The field was cut in half following yesterday's play with the top half continuing in the quest for overall net honours, while the remainder engage in a consolation round.

Meanwhile, today witnesses the 18 hole Charity Invitational Pro-Am for local amateurs and visiting professionals taking place with proceeds to go toward AIDS.

JIM BLANKS -- Club pro, along with his trio of amateurs, grabbed the gross division title yesterday.