Ella Crang was crowned Durham County Ladies champion with an extra time win over Stacie Morton at Seaton Carew.
On a challenging and blustery day on the Teesside links, Wynyard-based Ella, 23, beat South Moor’s Morgan Bailey 5&4 in the morning semi-finals as Stacie (Hobson) overcame leading qualifier Amy Sutheran (Wynyard) 2&1.
The final was a close affair and although Ella was never down in the match, she never had more than a 2up lead. Having reached the 17th tee 2down, Stacie clawed back Ella’s advantage to force the final into extra holes.
In the playoff, Ella holed her putt as Stacie narrowly missed to become Durham’s county champion for the first time.
“It’s a little surreal to be county champion given how little golf I get to play now compared to when I was a bit younger,” said teacher Ella.
“The final was very close and it’s always hard playing against a good friend like Stacie, especially when you know each other’s games so well. We both played some great, gritty golf in the final and I’m so happy to have added my name to the county championship trophy.”
