The oldest club match in Welsh golf, first contested in 1896, was played once again on Wednesday 24 September at Ashburnham Golf Club.
On a crisp autumn day, eight pairs took to the fairways to battle for the historic Ashburnham Putter. Leading the way for Tenby were Ben Childs and Neil Thomas, who faced Huw Dixon and Andrew Leahy. Despite giving shots, the Tenby duo held firm, and with a steady par on the 17th secured a 2&1 victory to put the visitors ahead.
That lead was quickly doubled when Wyndham Collins and Richard Ormond stormed to a commanding 6&4 win. Momentum seemed firmly with Tenby, especially after Phil Young and debutant Chris Stephens secured a half in a tightly-fought contest.
But as often happens on a seaside course, the tide soon turned. Ashburnham rallied, winning the next two matches as the pairings of Paul Northam/Richard Harris and Roger Schooling/Steve Allen were both beaten 3&2. With the scoreline levelled, tension grew in the clubhouse. Non-playing captain Brian Jones, nicknamed ‘Luke Donald’, paced the course anxiously, checking progress on every match.
His nerves proved unnecessary. Experienced duo Austin Davies and Chris Doyle held on for a 2 up victory, swiftly followed by Ian Duke and Jon Large with the same margin. Richard Davies and Rob Hall then sealed the overall win with yet another 2 up success.
The final scoreline read Tenby 5.5 – Ashburnham 2.5, ensuring the visitors retained the Ashburnham Putter. Tenby Vice-Captain Brian Jones warmly thanked Ashburnham for their hospitality, while Andrew Leahy looked ahead to the return fixture at Tenby, promising his side would be seeking revenge.
