A mixed bag this week, writes Lincoln Shaw. Some disappointments, but also smiling success that has kept those jaunty juniors in good heart.

Nigel Whelan is my chief supplier this week: his first report is on the West Devon Junior League Adults and Junior Foursomes, played at Staddon Heights in glorious sunshine, once the wind had blown off the sea mist and the course reopened.

Representing Thurle­stone were the pairings of Mark Chapman and Charlie Evans and Nigel Whelan with Fin Whelan. True to form, Mark and Charlie scored well, allowing Nigel and Finn to ­contribute sufficiently. They finished with the same score as the Staddon team’s, only to be beaten on countback to finish second.

Then came Champ­ionship Day at Stover, and Nigel tells me that the Thurlestone youngsters had an early start on what was to be a long day, beginning with a semi-final clash against neighbours Bigbury.

George Holland took full control from the outset and won ­comfortably six and four. Next up was Ethan Bellamy against a Devon county player. He lost what turned out to be a close match on the 18th.

Finn Whelan fought hard against a strong 11-handicapper, and after being four down after four holes fought back to one down, only to lose three and two.

Ben Woods had to give 11 shots, but an amazing approach shot on the 17th saw him one up, only to lose the 18th and shake hands for a half.

The foursomes pairing of Charlie Evans and Toby White was strong from the start, with Toby playing the bunker shot of the day to come up an inch short, but still good enough to win the hole.

The match finally closed out 3-2 in Thurlestone’s favour, which meant the contest ended in a draw, with a sudden-death playoff between the two captains. They both hit great drives down the first. George’s approach shot was going straight at the flag, but got a hard bounce, while his opponent cleverly closed out the hole, and the match, in Bigbury’s favour.

So came a playoff match against Tavistock, with George Holland leading out the team, only to lose three and two. Ethan Bellamy won his match early, four and two, and Finn Whelan also won.

Charlie Evans ­followed with a two and one win, but the foursomes pairing of Ben Woods and Lucas Bellamy fought hard, only to lose on the 16th.

This meant that Thurlestone won the playoff, and in the afternoon they also defeated Tavistock to secure third place.

Special thanks were owed to all the parents, relatives, club pro and the lady captain for their support on the day.

Good weather favoured the ladies for a change and their ­stableford attracted 50 entries. Jan Brooking (17) topped division one with 36 points, one more than both Gill Hicks (12) and Mary Rawsthorn (15). In Division two Caroline Newton (24) scored 42 points – and earned a handicap reduction to 22 – with Sally Rossiter (24) second with 39 and Val Favis (16) third with 37. There was only one two, scored by Wendy Laud on the third.

Disappointment for the ladies’ Sheelah Creasey team, who played Bovey Tracy in the quarter finals at Staddon Heights: they lost by four and a half to two and a half matches.

Nevertheless, they have had a great season and deserve plaudits from everyone.