By Dave Bruce

The Covid Cup competition at Axe Cliff Golf Club was the brainchild of last year's Lady Captain, Barbara Cummings. She found an old silver trophy and decided it should be played for in a mixed pairs competition to commemorate the dreadful virus which has affected us all in so many ways.

As last year, it was played for as a better-ball stableford event over two consecutive Mondays. The first Monday was played in breezy weather with an occasional hail storm thrown in, but it didn't stop all the couples producing good scores, leaving the final day well open.

Last year's winners Steve and Caroline Bond retained their trophy with a very solid 79 points. Steve usually caddies for Caroline, but this time he supported her to show he can play as well. Janet Dack and Paul Curtin pushed them all the way to take second spot.

Last Wednesday the Seniors entertained a strong team from Mortehoe in their home match in Round One of the Emerton Court Competition.

This annual event is Devon's version of the European Cup in which all competing clubs from the county are drawn out of a hat and play on a knock-out basis over home and away games.

The Axe Cliff men are much fancied this year by captain John Hanna and didn't disappoint with a fine 3.5 to 1.5 win. Mortehoe were well looked after by Clare and her catering team and many thanks must go to Rob Grove and Gilbert Cox who helped on the day with ball spotting support for both teams.

Last Friday, in reasonable weather with all buggies booked, the Axe Cliff Seniors played their first medal competition.

This is not a favourite event mainly because all competitors have to play off the white tees which add so much to the length of each hole, particularly on the second trying to get safely over the ridge, and they have to finish each hole even if they take one to get out of a bunker.

It provides a chance for the big hitters to shine and they did in Division One with Colin Hales taking top spot, closely followed by scratch champion Stuart Mackie and top caddy Steve Bond who took third place.

In Division Two, Octogenarians Sid Pember and Gilbert Cox, helped by their new generous handicaps, showed the youngsters how to play, taking first and second respectively. Relatively young Peter Casey had to be satisfied with a credible third spot.