THE eagerly-awaited annual seniors Devonians v The Rest of the World matchplay encounter on Monday, July 11, saw 15 4-ball matches tackle a course that was in superb condition.

The natives got off to a flying start by putting six points on the board without reply and claimed the bragging rights for the third year running by winning 11 matches to The ROW’s 4 taking the running total to 13½ to 9½ in favour of the Devonians during the 23-year history of this event.

Nearest the pin in two on the 9th was won by Brian Kelly for the Devonians and John Bundfuss for The Rest and on the par three 15th the closest tee shots of the day came from Martin Rutley for the Devonians and Paul Fricker for The Rest.

The match was followed by a delightful dinner and attendant camaraderie which rounded off a day that celebrated all that is special about seniors’ golf at Downes Crediton.

Wednesday, July 13 saw the Mid Week Stableford put on hold as Downes members competed for the annual Shiphams Trophy.

The winner with a fine 39 points was Paul Dorothy beating Paul Fricker (38pts) into second by a single point. Steve Knight followed on in third posting 37 points.

Downes Ladies hosted a Ladies Open meeting on Thursday, July 14, that attracted teams from across the West Country. The home team of Vivienne Bailey, Vivian Jordan and Annet Cole took top spot, scoring a team score of 78 points.

The leading away team were Janet Phillips, Christine Gilio and Jill Woodward, representing Ilfracombe Golf Club, who put together a 64 point total.

Downes members played in a three player team one score to count medal on Saturday, July 15 and winning with a tremendous 13 under par 57 were Peter Blinkhorn, Jim Dunlop and Tom Berry.

Richard Belcher, Mark Dafters and Eddie Yeandle followed on in second place, scoring a very creditable nett 60 with Chris Bruce, Mike Nott and Andy Frankum third with a nett 61.