Sidmouth seniors captain Hugh Dorliac took a strong team to Dartmouth to face the challenges of a tough championship course in some fine dry weather, writes Chris Grubb.

He and partner Lawrence Hill did their best against strong opposition and despite going quickly behind, kept the game going until the 17th then finally going down three-and-one.

The next pair out, Bob Johnston and Tony Crow, were giving plenty of shots and it told! Losing six-and-four doesn’t always provide the complete picture of a hard-fought match with their opponents also winning the nearest the pin prize, which highlighted the form they were in.

Chris Grubb and Ken Rothwell played well, but were always up against it after losing the first two holes to birdies despite Chris and Ken battling back, to get back to level they eventually lost two-and-one, as did Nigel Sharp and club president Roger Bawden, also losing two-and-one.

John Bainbridge and Barry Jones played well and, after a close match, were sadly beaten on the last hole.

Pat Kenny who the previous day had a poor round in the club stableford came bouncing back to give Sidmouth their only win with partner David Stone, winning by one to prevent a whitewash.

This all left the final score, Dartmouth five, Sidmouth one.

Two days later Hugh Dorliac had to rally his team to take on Ilfracombe at home.

Partnered by Brian Cole they went two ahead after three holes however it didn’t last as they were giving 16 shots away and eventually lost on the 17th.

John Townsend and Rob Owen who had gained a credible half in the away leg couldn’t unfortunately repeat the magic and lost four-and-two.

George West and Jack Stokes did much better and won their match three-and-two as did Bob Winstone and Colston Herbert.

Unfortunately, Sidmouth’s other two pairs also succumbed on home soil, which meant Sidmouth disappointingly losing on home soil by 4-2.