Elliott seals County title by two shots

Bishop Auckland’s David Elliott clinched the Durham County Second Division Championship at Darlington on Saturday.

The six-handicapper posted a gross 74 to take the title by two shots from club-mate Darryn Veal, with Whickham’s Michael Hodgson third (77) and another Bishop Auckland member, Kevin Waterhouse, fourth.

Sean Donkin carded a round of 79 to claim seventh place for Wearside, ahead of Durham City’s Alan Walton on countback.

Seaham’s Ian Bell finished 10th with a round of 80, a score matched by Boldon’s Gary Critchley in 13th, Wearside’s Alan Sanders (15th) and Houghton’s D. Tempest (16th).

Champion Elliott also had the best nett score, 68, two ahead of 10-handicapper Tempest, Woodham’s Ian McKenna and Roseberry Grange’s Chris Lumley.

Spain’s Adrian Otaegui produced a brilliant fightback to win his first European Tour title and break German hearts by beating Marcel Siem 2&1 in the final of the Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Match Play.

Siem looked to be in command of the contest as he moved three up after just eight holes, but missed crucial short putts on the back nine as his 24-yearold opponent took full advantage.

Otaegui said: “I’m just so happy. I played good golf and Marcel missed a couple of shots but I was very, very focused. I knew I could do it and the way I finished was just the perfect finish.”