Sidmouth s outstanding Emerton Court side lost to Churston 3. - 1., in the final played at Dainton Park.

Sidmouth's outstanding Emerton Court side lost to Churston 31/2 - 11/2, in the final played at Dainton Park.

On the way to the final, Sidmouth played the following matches on home and away courses: First match was against Staddon Heights, Sidmouth lost 4-1 away and won 4-1 at home. The first pair of Peter Spooner and Trevor Kerridge then won the match on the first extra hole. This set Sidmouth up for a brilliant run to the final.

Next up were near neighbours East Devon. The first leg was played at Sidmouth and ended with Sidmouth winning 5-0. In the return leg, the first pair of Merv Anthony and Trevor Kerridge were 1 up playing the 18th which ensured Sidmouth progressed to the next round.

Yelverton were next and came to Sidmouth with a big reputation of reaching the final four times in the last five years. Sidmouth again used home advantage to win 5-0. In the return leg Sidmouth proved they could also play away from home, eventually losing 3-2.

Crediton came to Sidmouth next, having beaten several good sides on the way. Winning 5-0 at home set Sidmouth up for an interesting match at the tricky Crediton course. Sidmouth were in good form, winning the match with ease without any of the sides in a losing position with the pair of John Game and Doug Goodall winning 5-4.

In the semi-final, Great Torrington was the opposition. First leg was played at Torrington on a course which not many Sidmouth players were familiar with and resulted in a 3-2 advantage to Torrington. In the home leg, Torrington proved to be a tough nut to crack, but home advantage eventually told with Sidmouth running out 41/2-1/2.

In the final, for the first time, all Sidmouth players received shots from their opponents. For the first nine holes in all matches Sidmouth were holding their own, but the strength of Churston began to tell and they gained the upper hand in matches 1, 3 and 4 to run out winners. The pairing of Bob Welsman and Alec Salway went through all the rounds unbeaten. Well done Bob and Alec.

Under the captaincy of Bob Webber the Emerton Court squad of Peter Spooner, Trevor Kerridge, Dave Hoare, John Rockey, Chris Ashley, George Carr, John Game, Doug Goodall, Bob Welsman, Alec Salway, Merv Anthony, Mick Munro and Mick Baden did Sidmouth Golf club proud and gave them the best results in this competition for many years.

l See picture back page.