Friendlies Announced: Derby Dates to Kick Off the Season
Billingham Stars are excited to reveal two mouthwatering ‘friendly’ fixtures to kick off their 2023-2024 campaign – a home-and-away series against local rivals Whitley Warriors over the weekend of the 2nd and 3rd September.
Credit: Colin Edwards, CJE Photos
With the League fixtures announcement imminent and the start of the season little more than a few months away, both sides felt it was important to plan accordingly and get some game time sorted ahead of the campaign ‘proper’. Expectations are high on the Tyne and the Tees for the season coming – the Warriors have been busy building a new squad and a new era under the watchful eyes of Head Coach Tony Hand and General Manager Wille Dunn, whilst the Stars are looking to continue their progress with great strides made last season to secure second place in the League. With Solway Sharks stepping up to the National League, the Moralee Conference now looks wide open and both sides will want to make an early impact in their respective quests for silverware.
Credit: Colin Edwards, CJE Photos
The two sides are still announcing squads so the preseason games will be a first chance for a look at how the new rosters are shaping up. With a little bit of derby spice in the mix, ‘friendly’ may not be the correct term to describe what should be two hard-fought encounters.
Credit: Linda Crabtree
Stars General Manager Allen Flavell, busy securing the names he wants on the Billingham roster, commented:
“What a fantastic way to start the season! This is an excellent opportunity for both sides to see what sort of teams we have both put together and a real test for us both ahead of what should be a really challenging League. It’s a new start for the Warriors so a great chance for both sets of fans to see what they can expect. I can’t wait!”
New Warriors Head Coach Tony Hand had this to say:
“I’m looking forward to our guys getting back on the ice and the two games against Billingham are exactly the kind of tough pre-season games that we will need. These games will give both sets of players a good test before the season starts. I very much look forward to experiencing the derby atmosphere at two packed houses.”
Credit: Colin Edwards, CJE Photos
Preseason Schedule
Billingham Stars v Whitley Warriors, Saturday 2nd September 5.30pm
Whitley Warriors v Billingham Stars, Sunday 3rd September 5pm