With a range of individual successes, the Northallerton-based club’s junior section, sponsored by Simon Bailes Peugeot, have had to play in a very tough and competitive environment this year. Most clubs have a number of players with handicaps of 10 or less, with some of the competition playing off a handicap of 1. This high standard demonstrates the levels of commitment and skill required of the dedicated young players.

To top off a memorable season, Romanby won the Junior Jamboree Team Trophy, the Thirsk Shield, in an annual inter-club competition. At that event, Romanby players James Gaskell and Jamie Gledhill scored an outstanding 46 points to win the prize for the leading pairs.

The Romanby junior section is led by captain Bryan Wood, who, along with Michael James, has played for the Harrogate Union representative team this season. The Harrogate team won the inter-district title for the first time, which takes in most of the Yorkshire county area, while Bryan also played for the Yorkshire County junior team.

Other members of the Romanby junior team were vice-captain Adam Robinson, James Wallace, David Lloyd, Jack Stephenson, Callum Brown and Sam Hugill, while girl player Lauren Collinson made a big impression. Many also represented the Romanby first team and helped it achieve its highest league position since joining the Harrogate Union.

Junior section co-ordinator Vic Lavender said: “It’s been a successful season with some brilliant results. We are very thankful for the support and sponsorship from Simon Bailes. It has enabled additional coaching to be provided for some of the players and will be continued for the next two years.

Lauren Collinson became a regular team member this season and although there have been many players that have improved their handicaps, Lauren has reduced hers from 34 to 12 over the last two years and therefore deserves special mention.

Due to their young age it is hoped that the team will stay together over the next three to four years. Therefore, with additional coaching from the Romanby golf club professionals and continued backing from Simon Bailes, it is hoped that a few more players with single figure handicaps will emerge over the next few years.

Simon Bailes, managing director at Northallerton-based Simon Bailes Peugeot, said: “It’s great to be able to put something really tangible back into the local community. The Romanby juniors have again achieved excellent results this season and it’s great to know we are playing a part in their amazing, on-going success story.”

Picture caption: 
RISING STARS (Left to right): Some of the Junior Jamboree Team, Adam Robinson, James Gaskell, Simon Bailes (managing director), Callum Brown and Lauren Collinson with the Thirsk Shield).