Sidmouth progressed through to round three of the Devon Cup (Palairet Trophy) on Sunday with a hard fought win over Fingle Glen at Dawlish, writes Jonny Jonson.

Team captain, Neil Holland, had been forced into a last minute change after Damion Gee, a two time Devon Amateur Champion and newly installed secretary at Neath Golf Club, pulled out to revise for a Welsh oral exam re-sit the following day!

This meant that Dudley Taylor now partnered former Greenbank Trophy winner Holland at the top of the order.

In a tight match, their game of patience finally paid off as the bagged a 17th green success.

The latest off the Lewis production line of golfers, Chris, went off second with the returning John Jones, available again having finished his NVQ in clothes design. This new pairing gelled well and their solid golf was rewarded with a three-and-two win.

Lewis Perry and club vice Captain, David Pepperell, who were third out, returned the biggest victors of the day with a five-and-four triumph.

With Perry in imperious form with his irons on the early par threes and the opposition starting their round by shanking their opening tee shot into the car park, the pair’s solid golf insured their match was only going to go one way.

Jonathan Lee, the late replacement for Gee, partnered the evergreen Chris Ashley at fourth pair.

More affectionately known as ‘Uncle Chris’ due to having a nephew called Auntie, Ashley rarely makes mistakes and is the ideal partner for Lee who has been in the form of his life for much of the year. Unfortunately, this proved not to be their day as they lost a closely fought game on the last hole.

James Spiller and Timmy Gringle, the team’s bankers bringing up the rear, took a half from their game after the match had already been won. Just as well, as the pair had lost three holes in a row after car dealer Spiller’s wheels had come off to leave the pair all square on the 17th tee.

On behalf of the team, many thanks to all the spectators who made the trip to support them.

Next up for Sidmouth, a third round match against Saunton at Crediton on Sunday July 7.