Tiff Mills expects the Norfolk Ladies golf team to be very competitive this week when they will try to clinch the East region title for a third straight year.The side triumphed in the annual ‘County Match Days’ at Felixstowe Ferry in 2024 and repeated the feat in Bedfordshire 12 months ago.Mills, who secured the winning point last time, will captain Norfolk in the flagship championship, which takes place from June 12-14 at St Ives Golf Club in Cambridgeshire.Norfolk golf captain Tiffany Mills, who plays for Ryston Park. Picture: Rushmer PRThe Ryston Park golfers’ nine-strong side begins its three-peat attempt on Friday morning, lining up against Essex. Norfolk will go on to face Hertfordshire, Suffolk, Bedfordshire and Cambs & Hunts.Each match comprises two foursomes and three singles ties. And the winner of the round robin tournament will earn the right to tee up in late July in the English Women’s County Finals at Betchworth Park, Surrey.Mills, 35, joked: “I think we’re always going to have a target on our back being double reigning champions – everyone will be out to get us!“But we have strong singles players and it’s just getting those foursomes right. “Foursomes is tricky because it’s not something we practise throughout the year. But we’re lucky we’ve got some players from the same club that have played together before. “We’ve got a slightly different team to previous years. We’ve got a couple of rookies – Anita Booth and Ruby Reeve.“Anita played for the County 2s last year and she’s got a very steady game and a match play head, so I think she’ll make a good partner.“Ruby’s really determined and very committed to the county – and that’s what you want as part of your team. “We’ve also got Laura Todd, a player who came from Cambridgeshire and is now playing for us.”Mills is pleased to have talented Chloe Tarbard returning to the side. Also in the line-up is fellow teenager Amelie Marling, another fine young player to have come through Norfolk’s junior girls programme. Last year’s Norfolk Ladies county champion Harriet Allsebrook, former county captain Jo Herd and Ruby Patterson complete the team.For Mills, it will be the 20th significant tournament in which she has represented her home county. The career greenkeeper first played County Match Days in 2011 and, on five occasions, has been part of a winning team that’s progressed to the national finals.Captaincy brings fresh challenges but Mills is happy to embrace them as part of her journey within the Norfolk Ladies set-up.The 2024 women’s county champion said: “I did have to think hard about it because I still play golf quite competitively and to have the responsibility of everyone else is quite daunting. But obviously, I’ve been part of county golf for a long time and am giving something back.”Mills pinpoints team spirit as a key strength to Norfolk Ladies golf. And the team’s togetherness, alongside it’s undoubted ability, has led to a welcome association with insurance company Adrian Flux. Mills added: “We are grateful for the ongoing support from Adrian Flux, whose generosity has helped give us more opportunities. And, thanks to them, we are delighted to have some additional kit to wear this week.”*Scores from each match will be available to view via www.norfolkladiesgolf.co.ukNorfolk team: Tiff Mills (Ryston Park), Harriet Allsebrook (Hunstanton), Anita Booth (Royal Cromer), Jo Herd (Royal Norwich) Amelie Marling (Barnham Broom), Ruby Patterson (Royal Cromer), Ruby Reeve (Thetford), Chloe Tarbard (Royal Norwich) Laura Todd (Thetford). Non-travelling reserve: Tracey Williamson (Sheringham).Picture caption (credit Rushmer PR): Tiff Mills leads Norfolk Ladies in their bid to land a third successive East region crown
Ryston’s Mills chasing a unique county treble
