Mike Smith – Bob Webber – Steve Ryder – Arnie Pigeon
Bob Webber is having his fair share of sunshine in his match year and today at East Devon was no exception. Arriving early at the golf club the Vice Captain Ben and Graham Heaman were sitting on the terrace enjoying a coffee and looking forward to our visitors arrival. The match against St Pierre Captains is one of our top matches in many ways, the camaraderie, the venues and importantly the renewal of friendships and fun. Eric Brown, Arnie Pigeon and John Jones to name but a few. The return to Budleigh, after a few years, was welcomed by all players. Once assembled and teams announced all were welcomed by club manager Julian Reynolds, in the absence of the club Captain.
The course, as one would expect at this time of year, was in excellent condition and a tribute to Paul Newcombe and his greenstaff. Some matches could have veered in either direction, but, with three comprehensive defeats our Welsh visitors had momentum and carried the day. One match however used a cunning plan to achieve a half! Our President, carefully protected by Peter Dunstan discovered a set of golf clubs on the seventeenth, within the bushes ! A “Clouseau” moment of inspiration followed. “These clubs are lost, or perhaps stolen” no one seemingly considered perhaps they were a “Provisional” set ! Continuing with the “Lost or stolen” possibility the clubs were uplifted and carried to the clubhouse by the venerable visitors President John Eede, match result HALF…. It became apparent that a journalist, visiting the golf course, had secreted his clubs in the bushes whilst he took some photographs for his magazine. Clubs and golfer reunited, a tasty dinner was served flavoured with the “Clouseau” story.
Thanking the golf club and its members for hosting the event both Captains reported how much they had enjoyed the day. Next year we look forward to playing at St Pierre and trying to reverse the result. I must end the report with the familiar request, with three substitutes having to be introduced for the match PLEASE let the Captain know, in advance of selection, that you are no longer available for a match you have requested, it’s not difficult and is respectful.
Malcolm Jordain
Devon v St PierreTeam & Result Sheet
