Marchy Just Misses Out On Matchplay Title

Graeme Marchbank & Callum TarrenGraeme Marchbank came very close to completing a hat trick of County Matchplay titles at Seaton Carew. Playing in the final for the third time in 4 years, having won the tournament in 2005 & 2006, Marchbank met one of County Durham’s rising stars, 17 year-old Callum Tarren of Dinsdale Spa GC.
 
Having played almost flawless golf in very difficult conditions in the semi-final, beating Brancepeth’s Michael Curry 5&4, the challenge of Tarren would prove to be a bridge too far for Marchy.
 
As Marchbank struggled to reproduce the form of earlier rounds, Tarren continued to hit the ball prodigious distances reducing even the longest of par fours to a drive and a flick. Ultimately as the match wound its way through the links of Seaton Carew, shrouded by a heavy sea fret throughout the day, it was this power coupled with a deft short game that led to a 3&2 victory for the plus 2 handicapper from Dinsdale.
 
Although disappointed not to win the Matchplay championship in Durham County’s centenary year, Graeme represented Durham City in magnificent style as always. As the photograph shows by the time the presentation ceremony came round Marchbank had put any disappointment behind him safe in the knowledge that the season would have plenty left in store for him.