Seniors Beaten in Torquay

Cornwall's Seniors Channel League team were beaten 9 -  6 this afternoon in their encounter with Devon at a sun drenched Torquay GC.

Having overcome Devon at the end of May and since then also beaten Somerset, the unbeaten Duchy team and County Seniors Captain Paul Clahane headed to Devon knowing a further win would probably secure them top spot in the Southern Division of this years competition. They knew though the old enemy would be wanting a revenge of sorts and despite a good Duchy fight that is exactly what Devon gained. Cornwall were ultimately left to reflect on a what might have been day.

After the morning 9 hole greensomes honours had been shared and whilst this was good in itself it could  have been so much better. The 2.5 points from the morning session could easily have been 4 as the team lost one game on the last green and halved another. Wins for Cornwall in the greensomes came from Gary Stone with Colin Kitt (2&1) and Warwick Holland paired with debutant Martin Trees (3&2). The pairing of Steve Barns & Richard Simmons gained the half point. Duchy defeats  were experienced by Kevin Mula with Mark Blaber (2&1) and also by Charlie Phillips with Andy Rowe (1 down).

So as is always the case there was everything to play for in the 10 afternoon singles.

First blood went to Devon as they claimed the two top of the order matches. Peter Bicknell delivered a bit of a drubbing to Trees (6&5) and Tim Aggett despatched Phillips (4&3). In the next game Mark Blaber was 3 up at one point but by the 15th his opponent Chris Audin was 1 up. Whilst he fought on, Blaber succumbed by that one hole. Rowe meanwhile was 4 down to Gary Passmore after 12 holes and was unable to gain a foothold losing 4&3. With Warwick Holland losing to Devon stalwart Paul Vicary (3&1) Devon already had 5 afternoon points on the board and knew they could not lose. A strong rearguard action was required from Cornwall and for a period it looked like this might materialise.Simmons was 2 up on Devon Captain Colin Papworth through 15, Barns was up on Tony Allsopp as were Kitt against Rick Osbourne and Stone against Darryl Day. With Mula all square in his game against David Eva, optimism reigned.

This was though to be dashed. Whilst Barns (2&1), Kitt (3&2) and Stone (2&1) won their games, Simmons was pegged back as Papworth claimed 16 & 17 on the bounce before the pair halved the last, and just behind them Mula lost by the odd hole.

It had been a good match with Torquay GC presented in excellent and beautiful condition. Seniors County Captain Paul Clahane was philosophical in defeat. 'This was another fine team effort with huge commitment shown. The games were closer than some of the results suggest but nevertheless this was a match we could and perhaps should have won'.

Cornish eyes now turn to their final divisional match against Somerset at Minehead in early September. A win there could still seal an appearance in the Seniors Channel League final for 2021.

SCL Devon v Cornwall Matchsheet

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