Hi everyone Welcome to Team News Week 9. On Wednesday evening, we hosted Middlesbrough Golf Central, also known as the Muni, in what proved to be a challenging evening weather-wise. The match began in bright sunshine before the familiar English rain arrived a few hours later. Despite the changing conditions, our players remained focused, and our supporters continued to give the team excellent backing throughout the evening. We began with the scratch section, where our players were matched against opponents of similar handicaps. This made for a very competitive contest, with some excellent golf played by both teams. Our winning players on the night were Tom Lee, 5&4; Andy Hood, 5&4; Graeme Nimmo, 2 up; Taylor Briggs, 4&2; and Marc Symington, 4&2. Jake Crowle was narrowly beaten, losing 2 down. Final scratch section score: Billingham 10 points, Middlesbrough Muni 2 points. In the handicap section, our players again faced the challenge of giving shots away to their opponents, with differences ranging from 2 to 4 shots. The winning players were Nic Winstanley, 4&3; Steve Smart, 1 up; Will Bellerby, 3&2; Darren Hurst, 5&3; and Graeme Speight, who stepped in as a late replacement and secured an impressive 7&5 win. Daniel Spence was narrowly defeated, losing 2&1. Final handicap section score: Billingham 10 points, Middlesbrough Muni 2 points. Final score for the evening: Billingham 20 points, Middlesbrough Muni 4 points. Congratulations must also go to BGC seniors team, who produced an excellent away performance at Seaton Carew on Monday, winning 10 points to 4. Well done to Colin Steer and his team on a superb result. A sincere thank you goes to the squad players who came along to support after the England game had finished, including Paul McGrath and Craig Ewen, who arrived well prepared for the weather with dog and brollies in hand. Our thanks also go to our caddies, Steven Lowth and Colin Spence, for their commitment and support throughout the evening. We are also very grateful to all of our supporters who attended and remained with us despite the rain. Our Captain, Albert Spence BEM, was there from the start, and we were also joined by President Stewart Openshaw, Terry Conlon, Mike Lee, Howard Gill, and Robert ‘where’s my team sheet’ Scotson Smith. Thanks must also go to John Dales and the greenkeeping team for presenting the course in excellent condition, particularly given the current staffing pressures due to holidays and a recent departure. Their efforts were recognised and praised by both our opponents and team managers. A special thank you goes to Beth and her team, Katy, Archie, and top chef Porchy, who managed an exceptionally busy evening with both the football and the team match taking place. The clubhouse was very busy, but everything ran smoothly and professionally throughout. The food was excellent, with the salt and pepper dish proving particularly popular, alongside the ever-popular Parmo’s. The players’ refreshments were also looked after superbly. Well done to everyone involved, with excellent feedback received from our opponents and managers on the quality of the hospitality provided throughout the evening. Looking ahead, we are at home again next week against Castle Eden GC on Wednesday 8 July. It would be fantastic to see as many supporters as possible coming along to watch the team and cheer them on. It will be fantastic to see as many supporters as possible to watch and cheer the team on, lets be fair, its got to be better than watching the football at the moment. The players greatly appreciate the support, and it makes a real difference on match nights. Finally, thank you once again to every team player for your outstanding efforts. Your team spirit, camaraderie, and support for one another are second to none. The way you rally around each other, particularly when results do not go our way, is excellent to see and reflects very positively on the whole squad. It makes us extremely proud to be associated with such a committed group of players representing Billingham GC. Your dedication to the club is outstanding, and we look forward to many more positive experiences together. Regards Tony ‘Tiger’ Evans & Neil Kerr Team Managers