The Tenby Golf Club team had two very important matches within three days last week. On Wednesday, August 20, they were unfortunately defeated in the semi-final of the Jeff Harries Bowl by Glynhir, but on Saturday, August 23, they claimed a rare victory at Ashburnham in the league. The semi-final was held at the neutral venue of Derllys Court, a maturing parkland layout west of Carmarthen. Glynhir A are currently in second place in Division One of the Dyfed League. Ben Childs and Neil Thomas fought hard in the top match, but went down two and one. The second pair of Dan Cope and Gary McNeilly fell behind early on and never recovered, losing four and three. Jon Bolter and Dai Cope were soon well ahead, but had to hang on to win two up. Ian Thomas and the evergreen Steve Sutcliffe then claimed a handsome six and five win to level the tie at two games all. However, Andrew Cope and Loz Phillips, although having their chances, lost by two and one and this was followed by a three and two defeat by Darren Thomas and Terry Davies. Thus the five and four loss by Roger Schooling and John Stenson in the last rubber was immaterial and the strong Glynhir side deservedly won the tie by five games to two. The main difference between the two teams seemed to be chipping and putting. Even the Glynhir players found the greens at Derllys Court much slower than they are used to, but they were totally alien to the Tenby team. Glynhir A will now meet Glynhir B, who beat South Pembs, in the final. However, Ashburnham last Saturday was more like the Tenby side is used to. In fact, the famous links at Pembrey were in an excellent overall condition, the super fast greens in particular. First out were Dan Cope and Andrew Cope who sneaked a hard earned one up win with Dan's birdie on the 18th hole. In the second game, Neil Thomas enjoyed a magnificent front nine and then Ben Childs holed several birdie putts in their three and two victory. Darren Thomas, whose golf was steady throughout, and Lewis Hurlow were one up with one to play. Ashburnham B skipper Dai Tovey almost chipped in. Lewis also executed a skilful chip and then took his time before holing a knee-trembling putt to win the match for the visitors as Chris Hughes and Dai Cope had already secured a fine three and two victory in the fourth rubber. Steve Sutcliffe and Ian Thomas won their tight game by one up after both of their opponents failed to finish the last hole. For once this season Tenby's tail failed to wag, but it did not really matter as the team were now five games ahead. Viv John and Gary McNeilly lost a close game one down, but felt it was one they really should have won. Loz Phillips and Neil Webb succumbed by three and one, but they were well satisfied with their play. This victory putts the Tenby team in pole position to gain promotion to Division Two. However, they entertain their title rivals, Cardigan, at Tenby tomorrow (Saturday), in their last league match. Tenby lost five games to two in Cardigan four weeks ago and thus a strong side and a competent performance is fundamental to ensure a happy ending to a successful season.