GOLFERS from Haydon Bridge High School have excelled while representing Northumberland on the national stage.

The school’s senior golf team lined-up in the English Schools Team Golf Championships at Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire, alongside youngsters from 34 other counties.

First to tee off was 17-year-old Alex Heppell, who held his nerve to score a very respectable 26 points.

He was followed by fellow sixth-former Jack Johnstone, who put together a strong back nine on his way to 31 points.

Twelve-year-old Haydn Rutherford scored 24 points from the opening 10 holes.

His 32-point total was one of the highest individual scores of the day.

The combined scores saw Haydon Bridge finish in 22nd place.

Their place in the final was secured back in April, when they won the Northumberland Schools Championships at Prudhoe Golf Club, an event which saw Johnstone crowned county champion in gross competition.

PE teacher Liz Hicks said: “This represented a commendable first appearance on the national stage where they were excellent ambassadors for both their school and their county.

“The experience they gained in this competition where they were pitching themselves against the very best will stand them in good stead for the future.”

At Tynedale Golf Club in Hexham, the Ken Mewse Memorial Trophy was won by Rita Barber with 35pts. Angela Gilhespy (33pts) was second, and Jayne Jones (33pts) was third.

In the George Robinson tournament at Tynedale, Gavin Todd (82-18=64) was the winner. Tony Hornsby (77-9=66) was second, and Nick Collins (82-15=67 was third).

Hornsby won the Mayor’s Trophy with 40pts, finishing ahead of Stephen Plemper (38pts), and Cliff McKay (37pts).

Mike Stonehouse (77-11=66) was the winner of the September medal, finishing ahead of Hornsby (78-5=67) and Colin Gilhespy (78-8=70).

The ladies’ September medal at Tynedale went to Sally Weir (91-21=70). Second was Barbara Younger (102-31=71), and in third was Jayne Jones (100-27=93).

Countback was required to separate the top four pairs in the R.A.F.A. competition at Tynedale.

All four pairs finished the competition on 45 points. The winners on countback were Martin Lamb and Barry Thompson.