Durham City Win The Clark Cup

Clark Cup Winning Team 2008, Photograph from Left to Right: Lew Dawson (Vice Captain), David Bell, Graeme Marchbank, Chris Brown, Chris Park & Andy BellAfter several years of success in the North Durham Union League the club team finally added the Durham County Golf Union, Clark Cup to its list of achievements. With the County celebrating its centenary year Durham City lifted the trophy at Castle Eden, defeating Wearside 3-2 in a closely contested final. It has been a long-awaited victory in the event which encompasses the 44 clubs in the County Union.
 
Going into the new season and despite having not won the Clark Cup since 1962, there was a feeling amongst the players that this could be their year. A difficult away draw to newly promoted South Shields in the first round would test that belief. An outstanding 4-1 away win was followed by the same result in the next round at home to Brancepeth Castle. A third round tie against Blackwell Grange at home was the reward for this victory. Home advantage against the Teesside Union side proved to be too much and a comprehensive 5-0 result took Durham City through to the semi final.
 
The Clark Cup semi-finals & final are played on neutral territory, with Brancepeth hosting both semis, Durham City being drawn to play Tyneside GC, whilst in the other match Houghton Le Spring would play Wearside. Results of 3-2 in each of these games would pit Durham City against Wearside in the final tie to be played at Castle Eden.
 
To win the Clark Cup after a 46-year gap is another fine accomplishment for the club team. The continued commitment of the players in representing the club at all team matches and events is praise worthy in itself. To do so at the standard they continue to produce every time they pull on a club shirt is outstanding. Three league championships and now the addition of a county cup over the last six seasons is an unequalled achievement by this squad of players. As the Durham County Golf Union celebrates its centenary year let’s hope that Durham City continues through the next one hundred years where it ended this one.