The third of our matches was another home game, welcoming neighbours Axe Cliff, and, having played in both I was again struck by the compliments paid to the course, clubhouse and the catering.

The third of our matches was another home game, welcoming neighbours Axe Cliff, and, having played in both I was again struck by the compliments paid to the course, clubhouse and the catering.

However, I felt a major boost to our reputation was the Seniors' Captain Dieter Ritz.

He was as usual an excellent host, and it was clear that our opponents had enjoyed their visit to Sidmouth. After dinner he told us all that as they arrived on the tee he was referred to as a kraut, but to show no ill feelings he gave the culprit a 4ft putt on the first green.

No mean gesture, as Dieter has told me before that he doesn't understand what a gimme is. Anyway, that was where the generosity ended, as he and Brian Le Masurier raced to a 4 and 3 win. Mike Humberstone and Peter Emery were next off, and Mike was in such fine form that Peter felt like his caddy as they recorded a three and two point.

In the third match out I was partnering new member Tony Bentall, and we secured another point in a closer 2 and 1 win. Tony has had Seaton connections, but for some reason when he decided to settle in the South West chose Sidmouth instead.

Very perceptive Tony, and good news for the Seniors as he struck the ball well.

Fourth out was John Hicks and John Edwards, and, together with our next pair Tony Crow and John Bainbridge, picked up the points with two more 4 and 3 wins.

This left the last match with the opportunity to secure a whitewash, and in a very close encounter, only settled with the last putt, Trevor Bradley and Colin Burford halved.

Result: Sidmouth 51/2 Axe Cliff 1/2