Nev Gardner and Sean Young had a tough encounter but eventually prevailed on the last and Ian Stranks and Dave Westwood battled gamely for a half against the ladies' best two players. So we were finally off the mark after two near misses against Leicestershire and Northants!

The match against the pros was fourball betterball format and finished in a 2-2 draw. Louis and Gary Cooper lost 2&1, Dave and Fred Jewsbury won 3&1 after being 4 under betterball - proper golf from the blue tees!!

Tom and Harry Ibbertson played well at first pair for a half and Ian Stranks and Rob Browning registered the same score.

So after four friendlies we have lost two, won one and drawn one. Not exactly what we would have hoped for but there are lots of positives to take from the pre-season.

Our next match is away against a talented BB&O side at Rye Hill GC on Sunday 10th and then we play a new fixture at Olton on the 17th which consists of the Over 25's v the Under 25's.

I will be taking a squad of nine players for a practice round at Sandwell Park GC to determine the final team for the county 6's on the 20th June. This will take place shortly after the amateur on the 21st May.

For the updated 2009 Bainbridge Shield Draw (after R1) CLICK HERE