The Sidmouth Seniors’ away match against Crediton started in cool and cloudy conditions and the predicted rain that fell about halfway round was probably welcomed by local farmers and gardeners, but by the golfers - not so much!, writes Hugh Dorliac.

Chris Grubb, captain for the day, and Brian Cole were first out and started well by winning the first hole and halving the next two and going two up after five.

By the halfway point they were still one up having lost the sixth, but then the forecast rain arrived, initially as a very heavy shower for 15 minutes and then intermittent heavy showers for the rest of the game, which changed the conditions underfoot and particularly on the greens.

The Sidmouth pair didn’t adapt well to the change of conditions and unfortunately slipped back, losing the 13th, 17th and 18th and thus losing their match by two holes.

Meanwhile, second pair Phil Spencer and Len Wright had a difficult game against solid opposition and lost heavily six-and-five.

The third pairing of Bruce Harcourt and David Millen and their opponents mutually agreed to a half due to the heavy rain and slippery conditions and prudently walked in. Charles Brown and Steve Nunn probably wished they had too, but were playing well and leading their match at the time.

Sadly, they lost the last three holes when they also succumbed to the wet conditions and eventually lost three-and-two.

Bob Winstone and Ray Gunston had a difficult time as Bob had been cut three shots following his excellent win on the previous Monday and found themselves four down by the halfway point and having to give nine shots to one of the Crediton players.

They lost heavily by a margin of six-and-five. Colston Herbert and David Bromage played well as a pair, but found themselves three down at halfway and then won four holes on the trot to take the lead. Unfortunately, they let their advantage slip, giving back 17 and 18, to lose their match by one.

The overall result was five-and-a-half to a half and so a very good home success for Crediton. The home match is set for Sidmouth on September 20.