A better-ball competition was held at Sidmouth Golf Club on the final Sunday of 2013, writes George Carr.

Well, here we are at the end of the year and it seems a minor miracle that the above competition survived the battery of storms passing through to be reported upon. Nevertheless, eighteen brave souls set forth to compete on a sodden course, no doubt to the relief of the same number of wives/girlfriends/partners, for it is no great pleasure being housebound with a frustrated golfer, however festive the season.

Carl Sheehan and veteran Dave Cowler ‘showed the way’ across the many temporary greens with an admirable 44 points, their respective handicaps 14 and 8, obviously complementing each other.

Chris Roberts (CC) off 15 and Ray Gunston off 18 (yes I know!) who have, between them, explored the course most thoroughly over the last year, took a well-earned second place with 42 points, but this only on count-back from Graham Rogers (14) and Derek Platten (17) who carded the same score.

Nearly all of the above mentioned are ever-present on Sunday mornings and so it is no surprise to see their names prominent when reporting on the Winter League.

Carl Sheehan’s five points for winning this week lifts him to top spot with a total of 22 points.

Derek Platten, a fast improving golfer, is tied in second place on 19 points with Gunner Gunston whilst Simon Knowles presses close on 17.

Fred the Bread is a mere point behind him and Mark Thomas two adrift on 14. One thing is certain folks, the more Sunday Golf you play, the better your chances in the league - next Sunday’s individual is worth 10 points to the winner, so get your names down do!

As I come to the end of this report I am aware it will be the last for the foreseeable future as I am stepping down as club reporter.

It has been a pleasure (for the most part) and I don’t doubt the job will fall into capable hands.

And so farewell to you all, and may I wish you a very happy new year.