JAMIE BIRKBECK has set his sights on claiming county colours after ending almost eight years in Durham exile.

The 27-year-old Bishop Auckland golfer has been named by county captain Ted Kirtley in the team to face Yorkshire at Hallamshire this Saturday, when he is due to make his full debut.

Birkbeck, who will be joined in the side by fellow debutant Michael Finley from South Moor, was involved with Durham a number of years ago but all his appearances came in friendlies.

Now, after making his comeback in the warm-up win over the British Universities recently, Birkbeck is keen to represent Durham on a few more occasions to receive his recognition.

"It has taken me a while to get back into things but it would be great to keep playing so that I can claim my colours," said Birkbeck, who had to turn his back on playing for Durham when he was 19 due to work commitments.

"To come away with that individual honour would be nice because then you are known as a county player and everyone knows that.

"That's the main reason why I have decided to come back again and play.

"The captain rang me a few times over the winter and asked me if I would play again and, because I work better hours nowadays, I am giving it a go."

Birkbeck's call-up was actually bad news for Bishop Auckland, who were due to play Hartlepool in the next stage of the Mail on Sunday National Golf Club Classic, which they are aiming to win for the second successive year, on the same day.

Bishops are hoping to have the fixture arranged for a new date and Birkbeck is convinced his side have every chance of lifting the trophy again.

"There are six of us and only four of us can play in each round," said the assistant greenkeeper at the club.

"But whoever doesn't play gives the rest of the group encouragement and we have a great team spirit.

"Three of the four have to win their own matches and it's good because if one of us loses we know we can rely on the other lads to pull through. That's why we have done so well."

The Durham team selected to play Yorkshire on Saturday is: Hugh Hamilton (Seaton Carew); James Harper (Seaton Carew); Ricky Lee (Tyneside); Steven Dance (Ramside); Michael Curry (Brancepeth Castle); Bryan Ross (Heworth); Graeme Marchbank (Durham City); Danny Leighton (Darlington); Paul Oakley (Billingham); Tom Maddison (Castle Eden); Jamie Birkbeck (Bishop Auckland) and Michael Finley (South Moor).

* Masham pair Brian Hunter and John Holdsworth started the season in the best possible manner by winning the Harrogate and District Union Spring Greensomes stableford competition.

Hunter and Holdsworth picked up the Bill Dobson Trophy by recording a score of 41 points, three ahead of the Thirsk/Northallerton duo 0f Robin Prest and Jack Hunter. The next Harrogate Union competition is the Third Division Championships to be held at Romanby on Sunday.

* A new coaching course aimed at trying to increase the profile of junior golf has been launched across the region.

The PGA is introducing an entry level coaching programme to equip volunteers, including school teachers and junior organisers, at golf clubs with the basic techniques.

The first courses are being held at two North-East clubs on May 22-23 at Durham's Ramside and Newcastle's Parklands.

"This new course represents one of five different coaching levels as part of golf's national coaching structure and has been introduced to reinforce our focus of encouraging grass roots development," explained chief executive of the PGA, Sandy Jones.

The course fee is £94 and membership to the PGA Coaches Association will be compulsory for all coaches who take part in the course - the £35 annual subscription also includes public liability insurance while coaching.

Anyone interested, and over 18, should contact Dave Wadley on 01675 470333