Durham City, champions of the North Durham League, completed an emphatic victory in the Dixon Cup at Longhirst Hall.
City topped the leaderboard by eight shots in the event, which brings together the winners of the North East’s five men’s leagues. James Glenn led the way with the best individual score on the day – a six under-par 67 – as Alex Robinson and Andy Bell added rounds of 72, Craig Bell shot 73, and Graham Marchbank and Richard Lee posted rounds of 76.
In the individual scoring, Eaglescliffe’s Ryan Riley finished one shot behind James as Alex and Andy finished in a tie for third place with their one under-par rounds.
The Durham City team posted a total of 436 (six scores from seven counting) to beat Teesside champions Eaglescliffe by eight shots as Newcastle & District League winners Newcastle United (471) finished well back in third place, and North Northumberland champions Bamburgh (473) were fourth.
As well as winning the Dixon Cup and North Durham League, Durham City’s men’s team also won the North Durham Union knockout trophy this season. Having tied 2.5-2.5 after five 18-hole singles matches in the final, the title was decided on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff as David Bell defeated David Conway.
Last but not least, the club’s three-man team also won the Durham qualifier for the English Champion Club event at Lilley Brook – where the team of James Glenn, Jack Richardson and Andrew Bell finished 10th.
Club captain Colin Sturdy said: “I couldn’t have asked for a better year as captain of the club I’ve been part of for more than 30 years. The lads have been fantastic all year and I’m proud to have had the opportunity to captain them, and learn from them throughout the season.
“Winning so many times in a season is outstanding. Personally, one the many highlights was seeing David Bell win the knockout trophy in the sudden-death playoff. To have all his experience in that playoff paid off and our little chat afterwards was a great little moment for us.
“A special mention must also go to Alex Robinson, who was unbeaten in team games this season and won our players’ player award.”
