OVER recent weeks Downes Crediton golf articles have mentioned most sections of the club, with the exception of the Junior Section.

This week it is their turn to be highlighted. The club has a fairly small, but growing, Junior section.

This last week Downes Crediton Junior section took a team of three juniors to Honiton Golf Club to play a very well-established side Exminster team in the Basil Steel Trophy.

The team consisted of Ed Shorey, Liam Whittlestone and Alfie Swain. Our Junior organiser, Nigel Hoskins, recorded the following report on the match.

“It was a very good start for Downes Crediton with two of the three winning the first hole and one of the groups two up through three holes.

“The team continued to play well and through nine holes the halfway point the team were up in one match, down in another, and all square in the third, a tight competition!

“One match was all square after 18 holes and went down the first extra hole, Downes won the match with a very good par levelling the match to one all.

“It was then it was up to Liam, who was one down playing the 18th hole.

“Both players played the hole well, with the Exminster player knowing he only needed to equal Liam for his team to win.

“Liam‘s putt was sent on its way hit the flag stick, rattled in the hole, but stayed up.

“The Exminster player, Declan, then had a put to halve the hole, which he sunk and therefore won his game and Exminster won the match.

“A great effort from all three team members in their first match of the season.

“We are looking forward to a fantastic season with the junior section.”

Back at our own course, the first of our Junior Trophy competitions was held on Sunday, April 12.

This was the Shrubsole Trophy, awarded to the best score for handicaps between 0-28.9.

The event was well attended with a good mix of ages and handicaps and some great scores were achieved.

There were several 36’s and a couple of 37’s but the overall winner, with 38 points, was Alfie Swain. George Lewis-Evans won the Twos competition with the only two of the day. Congratulations to him.

This was a great start to the season, and there will be a regular Sunday morning club stableford competitions for Juniors.

Anyone wishing to take part please contact Nigel Hoskins using the IG app, if you are a member, or through the office/pro shop at the club.

There is also a regular opportunity for young people to try their hand at golf on Sunday afternoons, just contact the club to find out more about this.

In other news, the club would like to congratulate Tracey Chandler for her outstanding performance in the Rosemary Parker Trophy on Saturday, April 11.

Tracey shot a gross 75 (+2), in doing so she set a new course record for a DCGC lady member. Sharp shooting indeed, very well done Tracey.

There were the usual number of competitions over the last week. Once again the Saturday event had well over 100 entries.

The winner was Ian Gresham, 43 points with Matt Trennaman second on 40 points, and William O’Leary third with 39 points.

Mike Palmer