Priests versus vicars in holy golf match

Two teams of North East clergymen are aiming for a 'holy-in-one' in a golf game across the Christian divide. Five Roman Catholic priests led by Bishop Kevin Dunn of Hexham and Newcastle - are to line up against the Anglican Bishop of Durham, Tom Wright, and clergy from the Anglican dioceses of Newcastle and Durham at 11am the High Plains Golf Course, Bishop Auckland, on 19 June, in a Four Ball Better Ball competition.

Fr Mick Conaty, Parish priest of St Anthony of Padua, Newcastle, is captaining the Catholic team. He said: "I haven't picked the team yet. I don't know who the Anglicans are and what the strength of their team is, and I'm having a difficult time getting the information!"

This is the first time in the North East that teams of clergy of the two Christian churches have met on the golf course. The match came about when both Bishops found they were keen on golf. Catholic Bishop Dunn was vague about his actual handicap but reckoned he could 'get round in about 100.'

Fr Conaty added: "It's just fun and it's not meant to be taken seriously. It's our first get-together like this and it's a great idea. We are hoping we'll win, and if we don't we'll be sent to Coventry!"