After being league champions in 2019, 2020 and 2021, long term rivals Eaglescliffe brought our reign as champions to a close in 2022, writes team manager, Mark Walker.
This season didn’t get off to the greatest of starts off the course with the passing of three members of the club who had a close bond and affinity with the team. However, on the course the players of Bishop Auckland hit the ground running.
After 14 weeks of playing home and away, we once again became league champions setting a new league record of 224 points in the process. The general observation is if you can win your seven home games, avoid any big defeats away and get around the 200 points total you’ll most likely than not win the league. Still, the season’s play has been nothing short of incredible seeing the guys win nine games on the spin and only losing two matches in 14 weeks.
In 2021, when we amassed 217 points, I said that would never be beaten, but to get 224 is obscene, so huge thanks and well done to all the players and supporters for making it such a memorable season. Four league titles in five seasons is an incredible achievement and we look forward to going again in 2024. All the team would like to dedicate this league title to John Wren, David Oughton and Dick Longstaff, who’s presence has been sorely missed.
Meanwhile, last weekend, the club completed the double when they added the Durham County Clark Cup to the trophy cabinet. Our final opponents were, of course, Eaglescliffe, with the event taking place at Chester Le Street Golf Club on a sunny afternoon packed with plenty of supporters from both clubs. An amazing day’s play saw Eaglescliffe race off to a 0.5 v 4.5 lead by mid-afternoon, but somehow the team pulled it back and sensationally took the title when Kevin Hamilton came back from one down on the 15th tee to win the next three holes and secure the Clark Cup for Bishop Auckland with a wonderful two putt from off the green on the 17th hole.
Thanks to all eight players used throughout the campaign, all the supporters and caddies, and Eaglescliffe for their top level of sportsmanship shown after the game. We wish them well in the national teams championship later this month.
Finally, I’ve had many a conversations with Dick Longstaff over the years and knew how much the Clark Cup meant to him. I always wanted to win it, but sadly he couldn’t be there to see it, but I know he’s been looking over us all season and that one was for you Dick.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
