Monday saw the Sidmouth seniors take part in their new Autumn Cup golf competition, writes Hugh Dorliac.

Seventeen, three-man teams did battle in the two scores to count event and the teams, having been drawn so

that team handicaps were as even as possible, certainly ensured a close contest. There was only 10 points between first and last with the victors on the day being Malcolm Couldwell, Adrian Haysom and Roger Bawden.

Wednesday saw the seniors in action again, but this time the opponents were the Sidmouth ladies.

Despite giving a handicap difference of plus six extra courtesy shots to each of the ladies’ teams, the senior men came out on top in the annual contest.

It was a friendly game and a good camaraderie between all players.

Sadly for the ladies they had to concede defeat by four-and-a-half to eight-and-a-half to the seniors, but Maria Clapp, the ladies captain was graceful in adversity.

Thursday arrived, and the seniors were at it again!

The opponents this time were Dartmouth Golf Club, who fielded several of their Emerton Court finals team.

Not daunted by facing up to several single figured handicap players the Sidmouth senior’s team, led by Bruce Harcourt, senior’s captain, and partnered by Chris Grubb put in a sterling performance.

Bruce and Chris had a close round that swung both ways, but a birdie on the eighteenth by Chris sealed the first victory.

David Fish and Graham Rogers, second out, had a good start, but faced a strong fight back from their opponents team which included a six handicapper, but despite seeing a lead of three reduced to one by the 17th they holed out on the 18th to win by one.

Third out for Sidmouth were John Bainbridge and Glyn Hewitt who put in a good team performance, winning four-and-three. Glynn put the icing on the cake by getting nearest the pin on the 12th.

Colin Macklin and Steve Nunn were the fourth pair out and played extremely well against very strong Dartmouth pair that included their captain and despite being under dogs on paper, also came through with a four and three win.

Fifth pair, Mike Davis and ‘H’ Thompson, had one of the strongest battles of the day, but still managed a creditable three and two win.

Vernon Ruffle and David Stone were the last pairing who battled all the way against low handicap opposition only to concede on the 15th.

The score on the day being, Sidmouth five points, and Dartmouth one, and all that ended a perfect week for Sidmouth seniors.