Sidmouth B captain Steve Milton led his team to Dawlish for their latest outing that ended in defeat, writes Chris Roberts.

A pre-match battle cry from the captain sent the team into action full of confidence, but things did not quite go according to plan!

First out was Steve Channing performing the unpopular, but necessary task of carrying captain Steve ‘Invincible’ Milton around the course this week, a role which often results in minimal points in the B Team League and is best got over and done with.

The duo were paired against an in-form partnership and had to play particularly well to be just two down as they made their way to the 17th tee.

Fortunately, Steve (the Channing variety) managed a stunning up and down from 30 yards out to win the 17th and keep them in the game.

With Steve Channing just missing the green and the course by the odd 50 yards or so, it left captain invincible to attempt to halve the game. Unfortunately, he was unable to match the opponents par and the Sidmouth duo were beaten by two holes.

Next out were John Barnard and Lester Willmington who won three-and-two which keeps the former at the top of the B team league table. It is worth mentioning that Barnard has not yet played with captain invincible which should bring him tumbling back to the rest of the field!

Barnard was also ‘nearest the pin’ and won a large bottle of Cherry B for his efforts.

Hugh Dorliac and Mick Baden were narrowly defeated three-and-two which was partially offset by an excellent half from Mike Dommet and Peter Northcott.

Last in were Nick Bater and Jim Anderton who managed to fight back from four down with four holes to play to keep the game alive to the 18th tee.

After playing a magnificent second shot to the 18th green, Bater winked and whispered to the captain saying: “Don’t worry we’ve got the upper hand here’’. Famous last words indeed for he had not banked on their opposition holing a 30 foot putt to halve the hole and win the match one up.

That all left the final score as Dawlish Warren three-and-a-half to Sidmouth’s one-and-a-half.

However, with magnificent weather and perfect greens, a good day was had by all.