Bob Beeson reports …
Rather indifferent weather greeted us at Exeter Golf & Country Club with the Cornish boys reporting flash floods on their journey east and phone calls from my Torquay contacts warning me to take my brolly with me. The teams enjoyed sandwiches and chips and after the pairings had been announced, they made their way to the first tee. Once there, they were greeted by the tail end of a ladies DCVLGA meeting with the last match including a 92-year-old using a single-seat buggy. I must report that play was not held up at all and a lot could be learnt by anyone watching or involved in the day.
Unfortunately, I was unable to participate due to an old war wound that had flared up but my Vice Captain Dave stepped in and playing with Exeter’s Vice Captain Justin, did not let the team down with a hard-fought win. The next match was a disappointing loss and so it went on and unsurprisingly it ended up as a 4-4 draw.
The other satisfying result was that I had no need for my umbrella as apart from the odd spot of rain, we all remained dry.
A splendidly tasty meal followed and after speeches, the Peninsular Shield was presented by Bob Webber, who provided the magnificent shield in 2017, the year of his DGC captaincy. The drawn match meant that Devon retained the Shield following last year’s draw at Looe and I gracefully received it against the “Old Enemy “.
Yet again, even though I did not play, it was another great game played in a competitive yet relaxed spirit and long may we enjoy the ribbing and humorous comments made. Onward to Tavistock next week for the match against Wiltshire.
