The Sidmouth Palairet team [the Palairet Memorial Trophy is a Devon wide handicap foursomes knockout competition] travelled to Exeter Golf and Country Club to play against Bigbury in the second round of this year’s event, writes JP Lee.

Fine weather and a good crowd of supporters for both sides greeted the players. Sidmouth looked the stronger side on paper with generally lower handicaps

In each of the first four matches Sidmouth were conceding three shots, two of which were given in the first five holes so a tough start was to be expected. This certainly proved the case as Bigbury were soon into a strong position

In the top match, the quality pairing of Damion Gee and Duncan Taylor proved too strong and cruised to a comfortable four-and-three win.

In the second game, things were tighter, but Neil Holland and Michael Knight could never quite fully recover from a slow start and a three-and-two loss levelled the match score up.

Game three saw Lewis White and Moray Bosence keeping their noses in front despite some wild play from the tees by Moray, but he was able to straighten things out in the later holes and they came through by two-and-one.

Despite holding the lead things looked precarious as both the remaining pairs trailed by two holes and the crowd, many of whom are more used to playing than watching, were becoming increasingly tense.

Mark Thomas and David Pepperell managed to win the 17th to keep their game going, but both pairs found trouble on the final hole and a half was enough to allow Bigbury to level the tie.

News now came that father and son, Terry and Harrison Jones, had levelled the final game, but problems in a bunker at the 16th caused them to fall behind again.

Harrison holed a putt to keep the game alive on the 17th and produced a magnificent third shot over the water on the final hole to take the match into extra holes.

Both pairs were now in the unique and general unenvied position of playing extra holes with the crowd and both teams watching and great credit to Bigbury’s final pair who played the 19th hole like seasoned experts to secure the win

Thanks to Exeter for their hospitality and credit to all from both clubs for their efforts, support and generous spirit in the playing of the match.

Best wishes to Bigbury for the rest of the season and we will begin planning for next year.