THURSDAY, August 13 saw the second Newtown Football Club Charity Golf Day, which again was a huge success.

Michael Blinkhorn, a long time member of the club, reports: “Newtown Football Club’s second annual Charity Golf Day proved another fantastic success, with 18 teams of four returning for a memorable day of golf.

“The event was once again hosted by Downes Golf Club, with past and present players coming together alongside friends and supporters of the club to raise some vital funds.

“Players were greeted by a hot and sunny day, with the prolonged dry spell creating some particularly challenging approaches to the greens. However, the first challenge for many, came before they had even handled a golf club, with the closure of the road to the clubhouse making getting to the venue an adventure in itself!

“Once everyone had successfully arrived, the day was played in great spirits, with 72 golfers taking part and helping make the second running of the event another occasion to remember.

“Taking the honours with an excellent winning score of 98 was a team featuring Newtown’s current chairman Pat McDonagh, father and son John and Tim Cridland, and Sam Bairstow.

“Following the success of the inaugural event, the turnout for year two demonstrated once again the fantastic support that exists around Newtown FC.

“The club originates from the Newtown area of Exeter and was founded in 1973. They play their home games at Newton St Cyres with two male adult Saturday teams, an U18 side which plays on a Sunday and a veterans team also playing Sundays. The club still has founder members involved with the social side of the game, as important to many as the results on the pitch.

“The club would like to thank everyone at Downes Golf Club for their hospitality and continued support in helping make the day possible. The club thanks everyone who entered a team, provided sponsorship, helped on the day to support the event to ensure it was another successful Newtown FC Charity Golf Day. Here's to year Three!”

On August 8, the club held another regular annual event. The Submariners Shield is an annual in-house club golf competition first played for in 1977, just one year after the official opening of the club.

It is traditionally held alongside the club's August monthly medal event. Looking back into the origins of this trophy, there is a distinct lack of knowledge at the club.

It was almost 50 years ago. We wondered if there was anyone in our readership who might be able to throw some light on this for us.

Could it be linked in some way to the Submariners Association, perhaps initiated by a veteran of that association?

The winner this year was Steve Whyte, with an impressive nett 64, which also placed him 4th in the gross scores.

Well done also to David Cousins for coming 2nd with a nett 66, with Arthur Moughton a shot further back.

The top lady was Fran Shrubsole finishing 10th in a field of 93 - well done Fran.

In other news, the Downes Dartmoor League team beat Bigbury 5-0 on Sunday, August 9, whilst the East Devon League team beat Exminster 3-2 at Bovey Tracey to keep both teams well-placed in the respective competitions.