The winter approaches and that means there are some end of season events at Sidmouth Golf Club, writes John Barnard.

Five competitive men’s teams played for the Claret Jug.

It was a difficult day for golf. Recent rain and expected storm force winds meant the course was very challenging so it was decided to play ‘through the green’ which meant lift and place your ball wherever it landed and this undoubtedly helped the scoring.

The declared start times were abandoned as the weather forecast got worse as they day progressed so it was decided that the teams should get out whenever they could, with whoever they could, to make the best of the conditions.

It is usually won by the Palairet team, the elite golfers, low handicappers when there consistency gets them good scores. This year, they were consistent but not in the usual way, low average scoring saw them in last place, a most unusual state of affairs. This opened the door to the other teams and it was the B team putting aside their recent form, who won for the first time in many years (if ever?) by amassing 157 points. Lester Willmington and Steve Channing scored 44 points with Alan Malcolm and Keith Newton getting 43 it was just enough with their other two groups, to get them ahead of the Emerton Court team. Nick Bater and Graham Rogers also scored 44 points for ‘the oldies’ but their final score of 156 points just fell short by one point.

The East Devon League team managed 150 points, the same as the Captain’s chosen team. The Palairet team managed to get to 145 points.

As always, after the golf there was a great atmosphere in the packed clubhouse with much leg pulling, particularly concerning the captain’s advice on tees (that’s another story).

The B team toasted their victory by filling the claret jug with port (and then drinking most of it!) and making the most of their successful day; and quite right to, it may not happen again for a while.