Stover travelled to Torquay for their latest South Devon League encounter. 

With Torquay missing several players away on county duty, it seemed on paper the ideal time to play the hosts. 

Mark Hayes returned to the Stover team, partnering Craig Lamble for the first game out. They fought back well from being down early but eventually suffered defeat on the final hole. 

Torquay controlled the second match to race into a two-nil overall match score. 

Al Hewings and Rob Phillips steadied the ship for Stover by coming from behind to win their match. They clawed back some early hole losses to take control and secure victory on the short par four 17th 2&1. 

Game five saw Rob Batten and Mike Copperwhite lose their 100 per cent record for the visitors – the pair slipping to a 6&4 defeat to Danny Relph and Mike Critchly. 

The bottom two games on the startsheet did not get any better for the away side with Chris Greenberry and Matt Lyne, and Paul Mcglinchey and Ryan Wheeler both suffering 4&3 losses. 

This left just one match on the course.

Stover’s Jamie Booth and Paul Silk against Owen Williams and Gary Passmore for the home side.

The game score was 2up with three holes to play in Torquay’s favour. On the 16th hole Silk made a great birdie to reduce the deficit.

Stover then won 17 as well to bring the game score back level.

On the 18th, Booth showed no nerves by rolling in a tricky 6ft putt to complete the turnaround thus securing the vital point for the away side. 

Overall match result was still a loss for Stover, with Torquay prevailing 5-2. 

For the latest news from Stover ladies’ section, see the Friday, May 18 edition of the Mid-Devon Advertiser.