SOLID START FROM U 16’s
The Boys Under-16s have made a solid start to their 2026 campaign, although there is still plenty of work to do if they are to achieve their goal of reaching the Regional Final.
The boys were quick out of the blocks in their opening fixture at Flackwell Heath, where they defeated Middlesex 7½–½ before overcoming the hosts BB&O 5–3.
The team spirit and camaraderie within this group are clear. That commitment was typified by the parents of Freddie Buck and Marcus Karim, who arrived back with their boys from the Belgium U14s at 2.00am on the morning of the match. Similarly, Alfie Kitteridge’s parents waited until all matches were completed before driving him to East Kilbride for the Scottish U16 Open Championship, arriving just before sunrise on the morning of the practice round. This level of commitment to the team is exceptional and greatly appreciated.
We were forced to make two late changes to our team for our second fixture, which took place at West Herts Golf Club. The incoming debutants were James McCann and Tanus Van Molendorff, with James finishing all square against both Essex and Middlesex, and Tanus securing a victory against Middlesex.
While the boys comfortably defeated Middlesex 7–1, the match against Essex was a contest of fluctuating fortunes. Victories from Marcus Karim, Jack Wilkins and Louis Batrick-Wren, together with a half point from James McCann, left the result finely balanced. We were ultimately grateful to Ollie Bannister, who produced a birdie to win the 18th hole and claim a valuable half point, securing a 4–4 draw against Essex.
Our final league match will be at Orsett Golf Club, where we will play Essex and BB&O.
Report by Graham Oram – Boys U16 Manager
