IN just their second season in the league, Matfen Hall clinched the Northumbria Junior title.

Defeating reigning champions Whitley Bay in the final, the team impressed throughout and followed up recent success at county level in the scratch team and U14 boys' competitions.

Matfen made the final after a powerful performance against Stocksfield in the semi-finals, the team of Francesca Chilton, Jack Walling, Morgan Blythe and Alex and Angus Buchanan winning 8-4 against Stocksfield's squad of Sam Wilkinson, Josh McCutcheon, Sam Joyce, Josh Ward, John Clarkson and Archie Wilson.

Whitley Bay defeated Hexham in the other semi-final, with Hexham claiming third by overcoming Stocksfield 3½ to 2½.

In the final, Matfen were up against a Bay team fielding several county players, including England player and Northumberland champion Rosie Belsham.

But they eased to victory with a 9-3 victory with some outstanding golf, Alex Buchanan beating Rosie with comfortably at 4 and 3.

This was followed up with wins for Jack Walling, Angus Buchanan and Zara Naughton, with Matty Garvey achieving an incredible half by finishing birdie, birdie, eagle. Junior Dobson was unfortunate to narrowly lose his match-up.

The team were aided throughout by caddies Oliver Butts, Jack Naughton and Lois Blythe.