FRESH from lifting the Stressholme club championship, teenager Adam Bates is aiming to make it a Durham double.

Bates travels to Stockport today with the rest of the Durham team in preparation for the Northern Counties Boys Championship tomorrow.

It will be the first time the youngster has taken part in the event and it comes hot on the heels of his Durham seniors debut in the defeat to Lancashire on Saturday.

That loss was a far cry from the success enjoyed by Ted Kirtley's side's in the Northern Counties Championship last month and now Bates is hopeful of helping the younger generation follow in the men's footsteps.

Durham boys could only finish sixth, out of seven, in the Boys Championship 12 months ago but the Darlington golfer is confident of a better outcome this time around - with possibly a place in the National finals secured.

"We have certainly got a chance of doing well this year," said the 16-year-old, who already has his handicap down to 1.5. "Paul Oakley and Tom Maddison are both really good players and the rest of the squad are also strong so we should have a chance.

"It would be nice to win it and make progress but we'll just have to see and all we can do is make sure we all perform on the day."

Bates' first appearance for Durham did not go according to plan on Saturday in Lancashire.

The promising talent - a full member at both Blackwell Grange and Stressholme - may have halved his singles match at Stand Golf Club but still ended up on the losing side. The hosts winning 11-7.

But the most memorable thing of the weekend? "When I hit Hugh Hamilton (County champion) as he was teeing off on the first," said Bates. "I was just practising and I hit the ball straight at Hugh's legs.

"I couldn't believe it and then I went and hit another ball straight at the ladies' captain at Stand. It was incredible.

"But it was a great weekend and now I travel down to Stockport with the boys team. It should be great and hopefully we can do well."

Bates was first introduced to golf by his brother Dean, a former assistant pro at Stressholme. Now, three and a half years on, Bates is turning on the style around the greens.

At Stressholme on Sunday his 144 two round total crowned him club champion and he finished 15 shots clear of Fred Power. That success came on the back of Bates lifting the junior championship at Blackwell last month.

And now he has his eyes set on glory in the British Boys Championship. "Going there for just experience is not what it's about," he said. "I'm going there to give it a really good go. I want to win and I think I have a chance.

"I don't let nerves get the better of me and I'm looking forward to playing my part in it."

Boys team: P Oakley (Billingham), T Maddison (Castle Eden) G McLure (Whickham), R Mason (Durham City), A Bates (Blackwell Grange), M McAllister (Boldon). Reserve: S Gray (Crook).

* Harrogate were defeated in their match with Leeds at a municipal course close to Wakefield city centre. Leeds were almost at full strength, and included the newly-crowned Yorkshire amateur champion, David Appleyard, and two semi-finalists.

In contrast, Harrogate were missing several regulars, with three players making their debut. John Waring, the team captain, was forced to pick himself. Bedale provided five members of the team.

Published: 13/07/2004