Mark Terry – Bob Webber – Peter Ward – David Barker
Our good friends from Sussex arrived at Saunton to find a rather calm day, compared to their previous two days at Mullion GC and Bowood GC in Cornwall. Cold and very misty conditions had apparently created a need for some Cornish beverages to forget physical suffering. The pleasure when playing Saunton is greatly enhanced when the weather is not part of the overall test, such was the case on Thursday. Playing the East course, many of our visitors for the first time, was a real pleasure for all. The greens, not far from their best, were a joy to putt on and overall the course in excellent condition, when considering the weather of late.
Mark Terry, the Sussex Secretary, partnered Peter Ward Sussex Captain against Bob Webber and David Barker who was standing in for the current Saunton Captain. David warmly welcomed all and expressed how much he personally enjoyed playing in these matches. After soup and sandwiches play began with many of us requiring only a sweater, a real bonus. With the exception of one match most home players had comfortable wins, another exception unfortunately my partner, Ron Bedford (Libbaton) and I lost our match mainly due to some excellent play by Nigel Wates (Nevill GC) off 8 handicap. With four home Captains playing for Devon Captains we had the basis for a good result. An excellent three course meal, one of the few counties still to do so, the closing speeches and result were declared. Bob Webber however introduced Trevor Reynolds and offered congratulations from us all on his recent award from England Golf, well done Trevor. Most of our visitors retired to the Thatch Tavern for samples of Devon ales before their long journey home the following day. For Bob Webber, nearing his ‘swansong’ and end of year, it was rather nice to actually play a match, two other matches previously cancelled because of atrocious weather. Finally Bob presented a cheque, in favour of Saunton Juniors, to acknowledge our thanks to the club for hosting the event so well.
Malcolm Jordain
Devon v Sussex Team Result Sheet
