The first away match for the Sidmouth seniors section was a visit to the delightful course at Teign Valley, writes Christopher Grubb.

The course had suffered badly as a result of the very wet winter, especially the back nine beside the river, however, the day was blessed with blue skies and sunshine.

Vice Captain David Bromage and partner John Bainbridge made a disappointing start to the match, five down after five holes and were never able to get back on terms and lost five-and-four. The next two matches produced some encouragement with John Billingsley/Vernon Ruffle and Doug Goodall/Bob Winstone both halving their respective matches. Unfortunately, the next two matches went against Sidmouth with Glyn Hewitt/Brian Le Masurier losing three-and-two and Colin Paddon/Hugh Dorliac, losing four-and-three.

The team’s secret weapon of playing two 25 handicappers Bob Cook/Paul Blay in the final match produced a fine win of three-and-one to boost the score line.