The final tour of the season directed us to our friends from Worcester, this time at the 9 hole course Churchill & Blakedown. This match originated in 1978 played at Exeter G&CC, recorded on our History Web Page whereupon Devon won 4-2, Incidentally this match is also the source of our green blazers when the Devon team, years ago, admired the Worcester team’s green jackets and they revealed the supplier to us.
On this occasion our Vice-Captain Jeff Laing organised an optional game at Gaudet Luce Golf Club, on our way to the Premier Inn at Stourbridge. This had previously been done by a few members when our tour to Shropshire took place earlier this year, a very nice course and even with pin tining and groomers employed recently very enjoyable and played well.
Subsequent to an evening meal at our hotel, with ale and wine encouraging banter and good fun we rose early to breakfast and make our way to the golf course to watch the Lionesses’ in their Semi-Final and victory. Those few with knowledge of the 9 hole course warned our team mates that it was no pushover and accuracy more essential than many venues. Particularly on the first few holes positional driving from the tee a prime requisite to avoid being blocked out to the green, the result indicates we were not very successful. We enjoyed a simple meal of cottage pie and a scrumptious Pavlova and after thanks to all concerned by both Captains the Trophy was retained by our hosts, with an increased margin from Yelverton where they had won last year. The defeat was soon forgotten when returning to our hotel, just ten minutes from the course for soothing wine, gin and beer, most essential for a good night’s sleep !
Malcolm Jordain
