Sidmouth Seniors hosted Exminster Seniors on another very sunny and hot day at Sidmouth golf course, writes Mike Davies.

The condition of the fairways and greens were excellent, considering the lack of rain and are a credit to the grounds staff. The Exminster team played valiantly, but found the sloping lies difficult to contend with. The Seniors’ captain for the day, Mike Davis, with H Thompson, managed to get ahead early in their match and stayed there; running out four-and-three winners.

However, great driving by Graham Heaman (Exminster) kept the pressure on. Next out for Sidmouth were Chris Grubb and Bob Winstone and they were involved in a tight match which saw Exminster take an early two hole lead, but Sidmouth fought back to eventually hold a slender lead of one hole onto the eighteenth tee. Fortune favoured the home team and Sidmouth ran out winners by two holes!

In the third match, the Sidmouth pair was Brian Cole and Colston Herbert. They were four up after eight holes and went on to win comfortably at four-and-three.

Apparently lots of strange bounces for all players made it an interesting, but enjoyable match! Following behind were Colin Mitchell and Steve Nunn. A few crucial Exminster missed putts, very long driving from Steve and steady play from Colin ensured that the Sidmouth team won three-and-two.

The penultimate Sidmouth duo of Ken Rothwell and Steve Vernon Ruffle proved to be the star pairing of the day! They went four up in as many holes before resisting a fight back to win seven-and-five. Both Ken and Steve had birdies and, as a pair, were truly unstoppable.

The final pair, John White and Dave Millen were involved in a very tight match before winning two-and-one. Overall then, a 6-0 whitewash in favour of Sidmouth.

However, Mike Davis the captain and his team are under no illusion that the away match at Exminster will be much more difficult.

The Exminster course is par 66, with one par five (played twice) nearly 500 yards long and a number of tricky par three holes with one played over water, also played twice. It is a well maintained course with excellent greens. With the advantage of local knowledge, it is all to play for.