The Upper Crust Trophy, kindly sponsored by past club captain Neil Faulkner, was played at Sidmouth Golf Club last Saturday, writes John Rockey.

This was a Two Flag Greensomes Pairs Competition with each pair having the option of holing at the regular hole on each green or gaining a bonus point by holing out at the more difficult hole. These difficult pin placements were on or very close to the tops of slopes, so it was a real risk/reward decision as to which pin to go for.

This being an all-day competition, players teed off from early morning to mid afternoon, the ones playing early had to battle heavy rain for most of the morning, whereas, those playing later got the luck of the draw and had dry conditions for their round.

It was surprising, therefore, that the winners and runners up played through the worst of the weather with Pat McCormack and Brian Rostron amassing an excellent 53 points to win the top prize.

Presumably Pat used his Royal Marine training to combat the elements and come in with the best score of the day. Second, on a countback, with 52 points, were Lewis Perry and Steve Barber who arrived back in the clubhouse soaked through, but their back nine was good enough to edge Damion Gee and David Pepperell, who played in the dry afternoon conditions, into third place.

It was good to see Damion back at the club for a fleeting visit as he now plays most of his golf in Monmouthshire.

Fourth prize went to Peter Spooner and John Carroll with 51 points. John, who narrowly missed out on a prize last week, got his revenge this time by edging out four other teams on 51 points on a countback.