The world's first lifeboat was built in South Shields in the 18th century, and the South Shields GC team were in need of one as Woodhams Mens Scratch Team swamped them 12-2 in their North Durham Golf Union League Match on Tuesday.

Watched by representatives of their sponsors Turners of Sedgefield Ltd., there were comprehensive wins for Lee McCavanagh and Tony Stafford both by 5&4, Peter Moralee won 4&2 with John Banks recording a 4&3 win, James Ivil winning 3&2 and Mark Hodgson with a 3&1 win, completed the scoring. Shaun Goad took the South Shields Club Champion to the last hole before losing very narrowly.

This result consolidates Woodhams League position in one of the two promotion spots. South Shields were the greatest danger to the team's promotion prospects and this win leaves Woodham and close rivals Brancepeth GC, well clear of the chasing pack.

Club Captain Steve Haslam was delighted with the team's performance saying "These guys really know how to turn the screw on their opponents. We are in a great position at this halfway stage in the League and I am confident the team can keep up this good form in the remaining matches".

In a high quality match against Beamish GC, played on the evening of 7th June, Woodham were represented in the first round of the County Junior knockout foursomes by Mark Borsberry and Junior Captain, Craig Johnston.

Having been all square at the turn, and then losing the 10th the Woodham pair played some excellent golf to win the following three holes. The 14th was halved, but Mark and Craig made a solid par to win the 15th and go three up with three to play not quite dormie, as the match would have to play extra holes if it finished level. The 16th went to the Beamish pair but Mark hit his tee shot to within 12 foot on 17. Superb golf which Craig capitalised on by sinking the putt for a birdie, thus giving the pair a win of 3 & 1 and booking a place in the second round.

In the Mens Section it was the third monthly medal of the year on Sunday 6th June. Division 1 (Handicap 0-14) was won by Mick Kelly with a nett 68. Junior Section member, Daniel Young scored a superb nett 69 for 2nd place with Ian Rand on nett 71 taking 3rd spot. In Division 2 Nick Batey had the lowest score of the day with a nett 67, Neal Kiteley with nett 70 was 2nd and Keith Robinson with nett 72 came 3rd.

There were familiar names at the top of the leader board in the Ladies Section Medal & Journal Qualifier on Sunday 6th June. Liz Nelson recorded her second win of the season posting a nett 72. Recent winner Lesley Mullen was 2nd on the same score losing out on a count back. Tracy Pearse was one shot behind in 3rd place.

There was a popular success for Ladies Section stalwart Barbara Robinson & her playing partner Peter McNay who cruised home with 42pts, to win the Edmenson Trophy Mixed Competition on Saturday 5th June. Tracy &Wayne Pearse secured second and Jean & Phil Sutton figured once again in the placings with third spot.

Just like the buses, none for ages then two come along together. Congratulations to Michael Greener who scored his ace on Saturday morning (5th June) on the 17th, and also to Ken Dawson who holed out on the 8th in the Edmenson Trophy Mixed Competition on Saturday afternoon.

Fifteen juniors were keen enough to turn up at 8 o'clock on a Friday morning on 4th June to play for the S.H.A.G.S Trophy.

Defending champion, Grant Parker made a valiant attempt at retaining his trophy with a round of 33 Stableford points. Unfortunately this was not quite good enough on the day to hold off the challenge from the pack.

The winner, with a magnificent 44 points was Dan Moorhouse. Although Dan failed to score on the first hole, the rest of his round saw him 6 points clear of his nearest rival, Tom Maddison on 38, who was closely followed into 3rd place by Michael Adcock on 37.

The subsidiary 9-hole competition, for juniors who have a handicap higher that 28, was won by Thomas Luder on 16 points- well done Thomas.

Just to keep son Daniel out of the news, CharlieYoung walloped the rest of the field posting 45 points in the June Midweek Stableford. Two Junior section members filled the next places, Steven Dart was second with 40pts and Junior Captain Craig Johnston was third on 39pts.

On Sunday 30th May it was back to stableford competitions after a spate of medals. Stephen Phillips with 44pts won the Harry Stafford Rosebowl narrowly defeating Lee Wren who finished with 43 pts, the same as third place man Martin Shires, but with a better back 9.

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