Sidmouth seniors’ visit to Vivary Golf Course in Taunton was a journey into the unknown for most of the team as it was a new fixture with them, writes Hugh Dorliac.

Everyone was looking forward to checking out the course and hopefully doing well, particularly as it was basically a flat course and some 15 per cent shorter than Sidmouth. The signs were good as the visitors were well received and the weather was good. However, hope was soon in short supply as there were many tree-lined holes to negotiate which proved a problem for most who were used to wider fairways!

Malcolm Couldwell and Dave Roberts were off first and it seemed that their balls found the trees with regularity, whilst their opponents just happened to know how to avoid them. Even with extra shots it was not enough to stop Sidmouth losing four-and-three.

The next pair, senior club captain Bruce and Glynn Hewitt negotiated the unfamiliar course better, but still lost two-and-one.

Sidmouth’s third pairing of Barry Jones and Brian Skittrall fared much better and won one up.

That was the end of the good news however, and the remaining three pairs continued to lose, albeit gracefully.

A good day out nevertheless and it is hoped that when Vivary come to Sidmouth on June 22, for the return leg, that local conditions prevail and a positive result for Sidmouth will ensue.