On Saturday, the Tenby Golf Club Dyfed League team played their first match of the season away at Ashburnham.

The weather was beautiful and the course was in very good condition.

The welcome, as always, was warm and friendly. Ashburnham and Tenby have enjoyed a friendly rivalry for over a century, with 'The Putter' played for annually. Indeed, it is the oldest unbroken fixture in Wales, having been played every year for over a century.

In years gone by, when a horse and cart were required to get around, the Tenby team would head off in a sailing boat for Burry Port, and return four days later nursing huge hangovers!

It is very rare to secure an away victory at 'Ash', and Saturday was no exception to the rule. There were sterling performances at the top of the squad, with excellent wins from Brian Cramb and John Gottwaltz, playing together as the top pair, followed by another exceptional performance from young Dan Cope paired with Mark Heywood at number two. Now that Mark has focused on his golf, he is an exceptional talent, and a real danger man playing off a handicap of 7.

Further down the field, young Richard Morton paired with Roger Schooling also had a fine win playing at number six

The final result was six wins to 'Ash' and three to Tenby.

Tenby went home with three points from the fixture, which is actually a very good result for the first away match with one of our fiercest rivals, and current division one champions. So, well done to every team member for a very good overall team performance.

The next match is an away fixture in the new 'Knock Out' event at Milford on Sunday, April 27. The format is a 14-man team, seven pairs, playing Greensome Foursomes on three-eighths of the difference in combined handicap to a maximum of four shots. All matches to be played to a result.

It has been a couple of years since Tenby played Milford, following their relegation to division two, so there should be some fun and games renewing old acquaintance with the likes of Owen Picton and John Dibble.

Results from Saturday were as follows:

Wins for: Brian Cramb and John Gottwaltz; Dan Cope and Mark Heywood; Richard Morton and Roger Schooling.

Losses: Martin Morris and Allan Morton; David Douglas Law and Nick Thomas; Loz Phillips and David Ayers; Mickey Barrett and Nigel Ayers; Colin Murphy and Julian Thomas; Kenny Breaker (on his own).