Robin Hagley, captain of Tenby’s A team in the South Wales Seniors Classic, had limited personnel available for this first match, but still felt he was able to leave himself out of the team of six to face a very strong Clyne team, eager to repeat their prowess in the competition a few years back.

Playing at home should have given Tenby the edge, with a rapidly drying course and fast greens, but it proved not to be the case.

All matches were very close over the first nine holes, with Roger Barton and John Stevenson ahead by one and Jerry Whitehouse and Alan Jones falling behind by one. Behind them, Stan Hudson and Des Stone had been down one and up one, but ended the first nine all-square.

Consistency and concentration played its part on the back nine. While Stan and Des hit their mid course crisis on holes nine to 13, Berwyn drove the 13th green, Roger and John Stevenson forged ahead to open up a similar gap. Both matches finished on the 15th, with Roger and John earning a five and three win, while Stan and Des disappointed themselves, losing by the same margin.

In between these two matches, Jerry Whitehouse and Alan Jones were engaged in a much tighter game, but they too failed to fully use home advantage and walked off the course two and one down.

The rubber went to Clyne, who now look forward to their next encounter in the cup competition. Tenby will now go into the plate competition and perhaps look for another home draw.

The spirit and friendship between the two clubs was evident as they all sat down for a sandwich, following which Robin congratulated Clyne on their victory and wished them well in the next round.