Houghton so close in title battle

Houghton finished as gallant runners-up in the Durham County Teams Handicap Championship at Hobson.

The Copt Hill club ended just two shorts shy of winners Darlington in the three-to-count competition.

Ryan Ford’s four-underpar round of 67 inspired Darlington, backed by Philip Wake (70) and Alex Bore (71) for a total of 207.

Houghton posted 209, led by Ben Riding’s threeunder-par 67, with Ian Cassap carding a level par 70 while Steve Britton and Stuart Grayson both went round in 72.

Ryton were third on 211, ahead of South Moor on countback.

Durham City finished 14th on 220, thanks to Lawrence Bradley (69), Ron Bradley (75) and Anthony Liddle (76), a shot better off than Seaham, in 15th, who relied on Alan Blaney (70), Paul Murray (73) and Albert Nugent (78) for their counting scores.

Washington were 17th on 225, courtesy of Lee Johnson (73), Connor Binney (76) and Thomas Milligan (76), with Wearside 19th thanks to Trevor Clinton (72), Nichol Smith (74) and Barry Coe (79).

Boldon came home 23rd on 230, with their scores coming from Chris TooChung (71), Neil Raine (79) and David Hall (80).

Meanwhile, Eaglescliffe won the Clubs Mixed Team competition at Brancepeth Castle, with a total of 85 stableford points, two ahead of Whickham and Bishop Auckland. Durham City were fourth on 81, with Wearside 11th on 77, Houghton 15th on 76 and Chester-le-Street 16th (75).