Welcome to this week’s Team News. This week we were at home to Barnard Castle Golf Club. This was a tough game this week against the champions with our own chances of promotion depending on other results around us, but unfortunately, we didn’t get the result we required and were beaten into second place by Darlington Golf Club, congratulations to both teams.
In the scratch section, Billingham lost by 10 points to 2. Our win was by Phil Chadwick, 2&1. Our losing players were Josh Thompson 3&2, Jacob Brown 6&5, Andy Hood 2&1, Tom Lee 5&4 and Paul McGrath 1 Down. I must congratulate everyone of them as every they played against players off far lower handicap’s but they all just get on with it and never moan, always enjoying every game they play, the point in question is the scratch section of Barnard Castle was +2, +1, 1, 1, 3 and 3.
In the handicap section we won by 7 points to 5 points. Our winning players were Marc Symington 2&1, Daniel Spence 4&2, Will Bellerby 3&2. Our half point was gained by Nic Winstanley coming from 3 down with 4 holes to play and very unlucky not to win, well done Nic. Our losing players were Steve Smart 3&2 and Darren Hurst 2 down.
The final result being Billingham 9 points, Barnard Castle 15 points and guaranteeing their promotion as champions.
Both Neil and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who played for the team this year. You are an amazing bunch of players who, either win, lose or draw are always encouraging each other regardless of how you got on. The camaraderie and craic between you all is something to be proud of. I have been included in some very good teams in my time, both in football and cricket, but as a team you are by far the best set of lads I have had the pleasure to be part of, always sticking together know matter what. Well done to everyone of you, you are a credit to Billingham Golf Club.
Now some thank you’s to our team players who were not involved on Wednesday night, but showed up to support their fellow team players; Taylor Briggs helping and caddying for Will Bellerby in the absence of Steven Lowth, Dave McGreal, Craig Ewen, Phil Earl, Graeme Speight, Liam Butler, Tony Littlefair and Graeme Nimmo also going around with Jacob and a few more offering words of encouragement from the seasoned expert. A big well done to you all.
Thank you to our magnificent supporters. Neil and I were amazed how many of you came along to watch the team, starting with Captain Glen Brocklesby, Vice-Captain Albert Spence BEM, our President Stewart Openshaw, coming straight back from playing at Richmond to encourage the team, cheers for all your help when either myself or Neil were not available to step in and offer your help with team sheets and food orders, we appreciate it very much. Thank you to Colin Spence for keeping Daniel under control while caddying for him, a calming influence on a young man, Steve Carter, Terry Buckley, Mike Lee, Mark Odath (complete with new hairstyle ha), Dave Lieshman, Chris Hall, Dave McCue, Mark Heslop and not forgetting Terry Conlon, again fresh from playing at Richmond, James Collins and not forgetting Beth and Holly. Thank you to only one of our OAP,s Howard Gill as his other OAP was away in Scarborough and not allowed to travel back, family orders from the boss the wife of Robert Scotson Smith but he never missed out as he was kept well informed by text message updates on what was happening. Not forgetting our regular wildlife expert at Billingham Golf Club Kirsty Smart, the players really appreciate your support every week well done to everyone of you, if I have missed anyone out it was not intentional!
Now a big thank you to our excellent staff for looking after us all season. The food every week has been exceptional, from the parmo’s, all the different curries, salt and pepper chicken, not forgetting our Suzannah’s special home made lasagna, it is some of the players favourite. Not forgetting Porchy our chef, who puts up with some funny requests for food from both home and away players. A massive thank you to Beth, Holly, Kasey, Max, Ann-Marie, Archie, Katy, Suzannah and Ava; you have looked after a lot of hungry and thirsty home and away players, you are all a credit to Billingham Golf Club.
Massive thank you to John Dales and his team of greens staff. The course has been excellent for all the team matches gaining many compliments from our opponents and officials every week.
Last but not least, a huge thank you to Peter Caswell on his continued support of the team kit this season. Everyone was very grateful for your generosity and they all looked great in their team shirts and overtops, well done top man Peter.
Finally a big thank you to Neil Kerr my fellow team manager it has been a pleasure once more working with you and looking forward to many more seasons with you at the helm unless we get the sack! Good job we are on a rolling contract ha ha.
Well, this is my final Newsletter of the year as Wednesday night was our last game of an excellent season. I hope you have all enjoyed the Newsletters and can’t wait till next season. Next week you can all look forward to getting back to watching the soaps and not forgetting Love Island on the TV!!!
I’ve had a blast entertaining you all with our team news, so here is to next season, hope you get your jobs done at home so the boss of the house doesn’t moan when you tell them you are off to watch the team matches!! Your support next season will be much appreciated.

With Thanks
Tony The Tiger (Grrrrrrrrrreat) & Neil Kerr