After scraping a heavy frost from their car windscreens, those late night Divot revellers leaving the St. Valentine's Day dance last Saturday were pleasantly surprised when a few short hours later they returned to the clubhouse. Light cloud cover and a gentle wind had cleared the course, providing near perfect conditions for week 10 of the 13-week Winter League programme.

First away this week were championship hopefuls Chris Hughes and Matthew Evans playing against Vince Shaw and Rob Hall. Both teams had much to play for, Chris and Matt anxious to remain in contention, while Vince and Rob were equally determined to move from the foot of the table. It was, however, the title chasers, claiming a comfortable 5 and 4 win, who found a welcome return to form to move back to second place in the table.

Another 'eagle' this week, this time accomplished on the par five 14th hole by David Ayers and Ian Jarvis. A long drive by David followed by an equally long approach shot to the front of the green by Ian, set up the opportunity for David to hole out in one, which he duly did, to earn the eagle three.

However, as last week proved, such an achievement does not guarantee victory, and it was their opponents, Loz Phillips and Divots captain Steve Evans, refreshed by a week's golfing holiday in Portugal, who ran out the eventual winners 2 and 1, in a closely contested match.

No such luck for fellow 'Portugeeser' Nigel Ayers playing with partner Richard Morton. Nigel had apparently become adept at using trees to bounce his shots onto the fairway at Estoril. Without trees to prevent the odd wayward drive, the hidden dangers of Tenby's wide open links proved their downfall. Even so, the game was hard fought and opponents Laurence Lindsey and Steve Sharma, substituting for Richard Chapman, were taken to the final hole before they earned their victory.

Adam Joseph and Graham Waring faced Gareth Rees and Martin Durham in a match Adam and Graham needed to win to keep alive their championship hopes. Gareth and Martin, so long anchored to the bottom of the table, have seen their form improve recently, and had other ideas.

The pressure must have taken its toll, for Adam, who is arguably the longest driver amongst the players this winter, could not always find the fairway. His drive on 15 was typical; the ball was directed left of centre, hit the railway line and was last seen passing Penally ranges at great speed.

As a result, Gareth and Martin eventually coasted to a 3 and 2 victory.

After last week's poor performance, David Douglas-Law and Barrie Frayne were out to prove their ability. Playing against Nick Rogers and Ken Goldsborough, they again got off to a poor start, finding themselves three down after only five holes. They kept at it, maintaining the 'status quo' in a close match where birdies and pars were the norm.

At 13, big-hitter Nick drove to the front of the green, but unfortunately finished in the greenside bunker. Winning two of the next four holes, David and Barrie found themselves one down playing the last. With both teams parring the final hole, Nick and Ken finally won the match by one hole.

And so to our league leaders, Nicklas Thomas and Neil Dickinson, playing against Alan Yates and Kenny Breaker.

Kenny had also joined the Portuguese tour to prepare for this important match. The games abroad had been followed by numerous 'apres golf' sessions at the 19th hole where everyone involved, including half the members of the Estoril Golf Club, had offered advice as to what tactics Kenny should employ to upset the league leaders.

Perhaps the conflicting advice may have confused Kenny, or some key element was lost in translation, or the talents of Nick and Neil had not been fully explained, for it was all in vain. On the greens, young Nick demonstrated why he is now being called Tenby Golf Club's answer to Tiger Woods, sinking their opponents' aspirations as each long putt went inevitably into the centre of each hole.

Alan and Kenny survived until the 15th hole before losing 4 and 3.

Next week, the league leaders have their bye, which will give the chasing pack an opportunity to close the gap at the top. While at the bottom, four of the teams anxious to avoid the wooden spoon play each other.

Finally, the hand of friendship between Divots and Rabbits knows no bounds. One good natured Divot jeopardised his own chances of winning his Sunday match by agreeing to escort the wife of a Rabbits League championship contender back to her home - a two-hour round journey - after the St. Valentine's bash. The Rabbit concerned - no names mentioned - having sent his children off to bed early, was able to spend the evening studying golfing strategy books, before a cup of hot chocolate and an early night ensured he was suitably refreshed for his match.

Results were as follows: C. Hughes and M. Evans bt V. Shaw and R. Hall 5 and 4; N. Thomas and N. Dickinson bt K. Breaker and A. Yates 4 and 3; G. Rees and M. Durham bt A. Joseph and G. Waring 3 and 2; L. Phillips and S. Evans bt D. Ayers and I. Jarvis 2 and 1; S. Sharma and L. Lindsey bt R. Morton and N. Ayers one hole; N. Rogers and K. Goldsborough bt D. Douglas-Law and B. Frayne one hole.

This Sunday, the following matches are scheduled: K. Breaker and A. Yates v G. Rees and M. Durham; V. Shaw and R. Hall v D. Douglas-Law and B. Frayne; L. Phillips and S. Evans v C. Hughes and M. Evans; D. Ayers and I. Jarvis v A. Morton and G. Field-Thomas; R. Chapman and L. Lindsey v A. Joseph and G. Waring; R. Morton and N. Ayers v N. Rogers and K. Goldsborough.

B.F.