Course knowledge is generally a major factor for the golfers at Sidmouth but the Seniors, for once, were unable to fully utilise home advantage, halving their match against Downes Crediton 3 -3.

John White and Chris Grubb saw the afternoon off to a victorious start by winning 3 & 2, and David Cowler and Keith James won the final four-ball by 5 & 4. Hugh Dorliac and Rob Reed (who won Nearest the Pin for the second match in a row) halved their game, as did the pairing of Brian Rice and James Scrimshaw. This was a fine result for James in his first match for the Seniors.

Phil Spencer and Steve Dymond, along with Mike Davis and Nigel Sharp both went down by 2 & 1 in closely fought matches.

The Sidmouth Jewellers sponsored Friday Stableford results are as follows: 10th June saw Jonathan Lee win with 41 points from Chris Lewis in second on countback from David Millen, both with 39 points apiece. Last week saw Bob Andrews score an excellent 42 to take top spot, again on countback, from Kym White. Third spot went to Steve Channing on 41.

Club Captain Alan Billinghurst had his annual captain's competition on Saturday featuring a well-stocked halfway house and pizza afterwards, as well as a Texas scramble competition where the drive selected was dependent on the throw of a dice!

The different format and the strong breeze made for an interesting day of competition, as players battled with the conditions.

Winning with a score of 48 and coping best with the wind was the team of Kevin Howe, Mike Temple, Martyn Crockett and S Wells. Second were the family of Chris, Charlie and Freddie Roberts on 50, with Tom Hodge, James Winchester-Smith, Harry Tinknell and Roger Winchester taking third with 51.

The top Ladies team of Ann Willoughby, Jane Renken, Lynette Lloyd and Catherine Waldren won with 53.

On Sunday, the Sidmouth B Team hosted Teign Valley in their second match of the season, having already beaten Honiton away. Led by captain Hugh Dorliac with playing partner Kym White, and despite the visiting captain Roger Carpenter having a 2 handicapper for support, the home duo proceeded to show how to play the Sidmouth course, winning on the 11th hole.

Colin Macklin and Pete Northcott went out next and won 2 up and the rest of the team had a similarly successful afternoon with the home team running out winners by a comprehensive seven matches to nil. The return match is on July 31, when Roger and his team will be looking for revenge on their home course.

The Upper Crust Monday Stableford winners of Division 1 were, in first place, Saju Patidar on 40 points, beating Martin Harris on countback and with Phil Grover in third on 39. In Division 2, Marc Jenkins triumphed with a solid 41, ahead of John Rockey and Kym White, both on 39.

Also on Monday, the seniors held a Three clubs and a Putter competition, where the selection of clubs is vital. Ray Gunston obviously picked well, running out the winner with an excellent 42 points. Brian Margison 39 and Bernie Millward 38 took the minor places, whilst Steve Nunn walked off with a litre of whisky for getting nearest the pin on the twelfth.

For the Sidmouth Ladies, it was another glorious day was had for the Warren Crocus Greensomes competition held on June 15.

Coming in first in Division 1 were Sheila Faulkner and Maria Clapp with 31 points. In Division 2, the winners were Marie Timms and Mo Kendall with a fabulous 43 points, winning on countback from Heather Cowan and Ali Godwin.

The winners from both divisions will go on to compete in the final at Dawlish Warren on September 26, so we wish them well in putting Sidmouth on the golfing map again.

Sidmouth Herald: Competition winner Ray GunstonCompetition winner Ray Gunston (Image: Sidmouth GC)