Sidmouth were host to Stover golf club in the second leg of the Emerton Court inter-club knockout competition run by the DMVGA for senior golfers, writes Hugh Dorliac.

Having secured two points away at Stover the previous week, the expectation was that home course advantage would see Sidmouth win enough matches to secure the necessary 3.5 points to take them through to the semi-finals.

By the 11th hole, Sidmouth appeared to be containing Stover as all except one match were either up or all square. Alas, Stover who had again fielded a strong team of predominately low handicap players and whose extra length off the tee and solid short game and putting skills on the excellent Sidmouth greens enabled them to take control of the matches over the closing holes cruised to a comfortable win. Graham Rogers with Pat McCormack won their match and Trevor Kerridge with Bob Welsman halved theirs to provide Sidmouth with their only points on the day.

Sidmouth captain Nick Bater, who had steered his team into the quarter-finals, thanked all who had represented Sidmouth golf club in all the matches and wished the Stover well in the semi-final.

The latest Sidmouth Jewellers Friday Stableford was won by Mark Bathard, writes Huigh Dorliac.

Bathard took the honours thanks to his excellent 41 point score which also resulted in his handicap being reduced by two shots.

There were also handicap reductions of a single shot for the players in second and third with Paul Hackett the runner-up and Mark Thomas, third after both returned a score of 37 points.

The latest Upper Crust Monday Stableford was won by Paul Murphy on 40 points.

Second, with a score of 39 points, was Ben Gibbs and yes, you’ve guessed it, Mark Thomas took third spot with 37 points.

This week the course was more gentle after the welcome rain showers throughout the day.