JUNIOR golfers from the district excelled against national opposition in West Sussex.

The Hexham Golf Club members competed in the Junior Team Golf National Final, at Mannings Heath, on Sunday.

The team, with an average age of below 15, took on more experienced opponents in the U18 competition.

The club’s Paul Shrimpton paid tribute to Jake Reed, Haylie Phillips, Jamie Bone, Nairn Barclay, Zach Willis and Haydn Rutherford, who finished fifth in the tournament.

He said: “Over 1,000 teams entered this competition, and for our youngsters to go through regional qualifying, the semi-finals, and into the final, is a remarkable achievement.

“It was a handicap competition, although one gross score had to count. Scratch players were present, so our captain Jamie Bone, playing off a six handicap, was up against it because he was giving several shots away.

“But it was a fantastic experience. Everyone gave it their all, and played superb golf in a challenging environment. We have a young team, which will keep improving.

“They have all done themselves, Hexham Golf Club, and the county of Northumberland proud.”

An overall squad of 10 from Hexham won their regional qualifier at Carlisle, before succeeding in the semi-finals at Lancaster, to book their place at Mannings Heath.

Other players involved were Joseph Robson, Lois and Morgan Blythe, and Thomas Norman. The final was won by a team from Branshaw in Hampshire, with Windlesham, in Surrey, second.