Prudhoe End Long Drought

Sep 4 2008 The Journal

IN A tense end to the season, and chased hard all the way by defending champions City of Newcastle, Prudhoe Golf Club won the Newcastle & District League title by just three points. This was Prudhoe's fifth title in the league's 57-year history but the first since 1996. Captain Gordon Garratt and vice-captain David Gilroy went into the current season determined to mount a serious challenge for the title and their team were going great guns as the season reached its climax (as we reported in the last issue of Golf North East).

"We've been one of the top clubs since 1996 but never quite managed to secure the title," said Gordon. "Myself and David introduced team disciplines and made sure we had new team kit, thanks to sponsorship from Speedline Tyres and Exclusive Estates Europe. Having Shaun Philipson and Kevin Robson back in the team also made a real difference in inspiring the team."

But the new season didn't get off to the best of starts with a 10-2 defeat away to Whitley Bay. After that, the top of the League table constantly changed with Prudhoe, City, Ponteland and 2006 champions, Morpeth all in the hunt at various stages.

With two matches to go, Prudhoe had a 10-point lead over the City but that was cut to just two points when City won 12-0 at home to Newcastle United and Prudhoe went down 8-4 at former champions, Tyneside. In the last match, with City away to Morpeth and Prudhoe at home to Westerhope, the odds seemed to be in Prudhoe's favour. But City had an excellent 10-2 win meaning Prudhoe had to secure at least nine points to avoid a play-off.

David said: "We knew that if we won 11 points, it didn't matter what the City did. In the event, that's exactly what we achieved but our congratulations go to the City for pushing us so hard all the way."

Fittingly, Shaun Philipson was last man out on the night and, with all the other players having won and secured the title, sportingly conceded the last hole to Paul Souter for a halved match and the 11 points. Gordon was understandably delighted that the club had won the league after a 12-year gap and added: "I would like to congratulate the players for their dedication throughout the season. However, I would also like to thank the large number of supporters who followed us home and away through the season. Season tickets are on sale for 2009 already!

"Sincere thanks too to our green keeping team, our sponsors, the clubhouse team and the committee. They all played their part in this success and making sure that Prudhoe consolidates its position as 'The Home of Champions'."