Keri Allchurch – Peter English – Stephen Butterfield – Graham Heaman
The final match of the season and just two weeks prior to Graham’s Captain’s Day at Exeter G&CC, the venue Teignmouth and our welcome visitors, Somerset Captains’. As always familiar faces, together with some very welcome new players in our visitors team, it was also very nice to see Trevor Tape back in Devon colours after some while. Two players from the home club, Peter English currently Captain at Teignmouth, who warmly welcomed our guests fom Somerset and a Teignmouth legend, Ian Bulpin. Following tasty soup and sandwiches play got under way, once the visiting players absorbed the excellent views from the first tee both seaward and to the hinterland;
With a mere zephyr ruffling the trees, always appreciated at the highest course in Devon, the course looked very inviting to the players. As predicted by the home Captain, the greens were of good pace and with the MacKenzie greens offering acceleration with a downhill putt, a deft touch was required on some chips and putts. Whilst unwelcome in some quarters the lack of rainfall meant that the greens were quite firm and a running shot often secured more success than a direct pitch. Having said that most games had fairly decisive results so a number of players soon adjusted to the skill required to suit the conditions.
Finished games, showered and refreshed, enjoyed a beautiful evening with strong sunshine enhancing the views already mentioned, fro the comfort of the clubhouse. An excellent carvery provided the perfect end of day to wish our guests a safe journey home replete and refreshed. The presentation of the trophy for this match, by Stephen to Graham, for Devon to retain for another year, Graham also presented our usual cheque to Peter English for use within the club’s Junior section. The final event of the season is of course Captain’s Day at Exeter G&CC, I’m sure we would all like to wish Graham great success and hopefully good weather.
Malcolm Jordain