The Tenby GC versus Ashburnham GC annual match is the longest established club fixture in Welsh golf. This year’s venue was Ashburnham’s famous championship links at Pembrey, a few miles west of Llanelli.

Unfortunately, last Thursday the weather was atrocious. Although the wind was not too strong, it rained relentlessly all day and was occasionally torrential. Nevertheless, this did not prevent 16 players from each club enjoying their rounds in the company of old friends.

Tenby fielded a relatively strong side which included two one-handicappers. However, both John Morris with Jon Bolter and Dave Morris with Roger Schooling lost their games. Home captain Alun Killa and Brian Williams won the opening game by three and two and the experienced Huw Dixon and Richard Thomas strolled to a five and four win.

Thus, the visitors were immediately two games down, albeit they were soon level. Gritty competitors, Jim Moffatt and Loz Phillips pipped Martin Timbrell and John Jenkins, next year’s captain, by one up and then Steve Sutcliffe and Chris Beecher also won a tough encounter on the 18th green, two up against Ian Binnie and Tony Washer.

The next two games were halved. Darren Thomas and Austin Davies were two down with three to play against Michael Jones and David Evans. Austin birdied the par three 16th and then Darren matched it with a three on the long 17th before the last hole was halved.

On the other hand, Gary McNeilly and Richard Ormond were two up with two to play and seemingly set to win against former Ashburnham captains Martin Hale and Peter Evans. Up until then, Peter had had a relatively quiet day, but he sank good putts to win both of the last two holes to claim a fighting half.

An excellent two and one win by Martin Neillan and Tony Key over Ion Murphy and Keith Williams ensured that Tenby retained ‘The Putter’ prior to another exciting half in the final game between Huw Roberts with John Gilman and Mel Williams with Anthony John.

Thus Tenby claimed the match by four-and-a-half wins to three-and-a-half by Ashburnham.

Following the golf, all those who took part enjoyed a fine meal and the hospitality afforded by the hosts. Players from both clubs are looking forward to next year’s fixture when Tenby will be seeking a fifth straight win.