Back to Brisbane for the first time since 2018 and it was great to be at the Royal on the Park again and catching up with our interstate friends.

The weather forecast is pretty favourable, and it appears we won’t get too wet or be playing in the mud as we had to last time we were in Brisbane.

Each state has assembled strong looking teams with 15 players representing NSW, after the late withdrawal of Tim Hooper on medical grounds.

Welcome to our two virgins this year, Lance Neeley and Marcus Billyard who both looked fit and ready to go, and of course our veteran of 48 hornibrooks, Lynn Astley, was ready to play and of course catch up with his old mate John Mitchell.

The Sunday night opening dinner was well received and we were entertained by Mike Hutchison , who carried out an incite-full interview with local identity and two time Guinness Book of Records holder Mick McLaughin. The two records held by mick are the most 18 hole rounds in seven days ( 112 rounds !!!! ) and also the most number of balls hit in 24 hours. Quite amazing and inspirational to raise so much money for Ronald McDonald House.

Sad to say this course was not the best and the greens left a lot to be desired, but I guess it was the same for every one.

The Queensland sun warmed up to an uncomfortable level and many players were looking for shade and hydration toward the end of the game.

Best for NSW were Marcus Billyard with 37 points and Paul Nikitaras with 36 points with more than half the team scoring above 30 points to put NSW second just behind The hosts Brisbane.

We have been to this lovely course before and it was presented in perfect condition, probably on the orders of their President Bruce Weston.

A very flat track with water hazards on most holes as well as huge dams and the Logan River, and even a few bull sharks.

The fairways and greens were in excellent condition, and thanks to Bruce the renovation started on the practice green as soon as we were off it.

Another good day for the blues with nine players scoring 30 points or above, and the best being a 38 pointer from Greg Harris and a solid 36 from Laurie. The comp was still very tight with us and Brisbane neck and neck.

Tuesday night was the team dinner held at the Italian restaurant Olive and Angelo. Great fun and plenty of laughs and someone even requested a fluffy duck cocktail!?!?

A traditional lunch was organised at the nearby Port Hotel, the food was excellent and we were entertained by the really funny comedian Fred Lang.

This is a really good golf course and most players were a little nervous about the course difficulty and the predicted wind.

The wind did come up and the course proved tricky for the many who had not played it before, with many water hazards , bunkers and several internal out of bounds.

Laurie once again came in with 36 points and the captain chipped in with a 35 pointer, to keep us in the hunt for our first win since 1988.

We all assembled for the traditional final dinner and the presentation in the ballroom as the results were announced.

In the individual category Victorian, Brian Bakof, scored a total of 111 points followed by our own Greg Harris with 105 points and Greg also picked up the NSW Merv Cross Medal.

The Hornibrook Cup went to the home side, Queensland with an average score of 32.08, followed by perennial bridesmaids NSW with an average of 31.36, only 0.62 of a shot behind.

Another chance of victory snatched from us even with nine players from NSW scoring a total of more than 90 points.

Never the less, a great time was had by all and we once again thank Brett and the team from Brisbane for putting on another great Hornibrook.

Safe travels and happy golfing to all.

Garry Gibson

Captain MB and E Golf Club NSW