Hi everyone, Welcome to Team News Week 10. On Wednesday evening, we welcomed our near neighbours Castle Eden GC for what turned out to be a glorious, if very hot, summer evening. The conditions were challenging, but our players stayed focused throughout and were brilliantly supported from start to finish. We begin with the scratch section, where our players faced opponents with handicaps ranging from +1 to 3. There was some excellent golf from both teams in the blazing sunshine. Our winners on the night were Josh Thompson 3&2, Tom Lee 2&1, Andy Hood 2&1, and Marc Symington 5&3, with Marc securing a great win against Castle Eden legend Graham Border. Phil Chadwick and Jacob Brown both battled hard but lost 4&2, with Jacob coming up against Chris Brown, the recently crowned Durham County Match Play Champion. The final scratch section score was Billingham 8 points, Castle Eden 4 points. In the handicap section, our players again faced strong opposition, with handicaps ranging from 3 to 7. Wins came from Nic Winstanley 4&3, Steve Smart 2&1, Darren Hurst 2&1, and Will Bellerby 5&3. We also gained two valuable half matches through Graeme Nimmo and Graeme Speight. The final handicap section score was Billingham 10 points, Castle Eden 2 points, giving a final score for the evening of Billingham 18 points, Castle Eden 6 points. A sincere thank you to our caddies and supporters, especially Jacob’s dad, Will, and unpaid caddy Steven Lowth. Will, when given advice on the 13th tee about which club to hit, it may be worth listening next time, it is far easier than playing your second shot from the 12th fairway! A good par was made regardless. As always, there are lots of people to thank, and apologies if anyone is missed. Thank you to Captain Albert Spence BEM, who we hope has a great Captain’s Day at Saltburn on Friday, President Stewart Openshaw, Terry Buckley, Terry Conlon, Craig Ewen, Mike Lee, Steve Carter, Jack Hurst, Christine and Brian Oakley, Kirsty Smart, Robert Scotson Smith, Howard Gill, Dave McGreal, and Daniel Spence. Your support was very much appreciated by all the players. Thanks also to John Dales and the greens staff for presenting the course in excellent condition despite the unusually hot weather. It was appreciated by both sets of players and management teams. A special thank you also goes to Facilities Manager Beth and her excellent team, Holly, Archie, and top chef Porchy. The hot roast beef sandwiches, chips and gravy were very well received, and the drinks were certainly welcome on such a warm evening. Castle Eden’s managers and players were quick to praise the friendly hospitality and kindness shown by everyone at the club. Looking ahead, we are away to Cleveland GC on Wednesday 15 July. It would be fantastic to see as many of you as possible come along and support the lads, we don’t know yet if England could still be in the World Cup, but we are sure that coming along to the golf will be much more enjoyable! The players really do appreciate it, and it makes a big difference on match nights. Finally, thank you once again to every member of the team for an outstanding performance on Wednesday. Your team spirit and support for each other is truly fantastic, and Neil and I are proud to be part of this squad. You represent Billingham GC with great dedication, well done to every one of you. Regards, Tony “Tiger” Evans and Neil Kerr Team Managers