TENBY UTD 2nds 71 pts. CARDIGAN 2nds 0
A fine mixture of youth and experience made the long journey to King Edward V Playing Fields for this much-awaited league fixture. Conditions were perfect, with a slight wind, and it was the Teifi-siders who started stronger, putting the United on the back foot from the kick off, but they failed to capitalise. It was time for Tenby to take control and with players of the calibre of Neil Powling, Justin Richards and Johnny Lane making hard yards, it wasn't long before points were on the board. It was stand-off Powling who started the scoring with a neat chip and gather to canter under the posts. With that score under his belt, Powling's confidence grew and he started to go through his bag of tricks and put big forwards like Richards, Lane, Ed Pritchard and Russ Milns into space. It was Russ who was next on the score sheet with a bullocking run. Even though it looked like it was in slow motion, the big Englishman finished off in style - reminiscent of Billy Beaumont! Tenby were now in full flow, running great angles and superbly keeping the ball alive in the tackle. This 'high tempo' play took its toll on the homeside and the floodgates opened. Delwyn Brace, brother of club captain Gavin, was full of running and linked well with Craig McGee, who showed great footwork that wouldn't have been out of place on 'Strictly Come Dancing!' But it was Brace again who took the ball up and jinked under the posts. Tries now came thick and fast, with Powling getting another, Richards (2), Neil Duffy, Gareth Nock, Johnny Lane and new-signing Ifan Davies, who scored on an impressive debut, all getting on score sheet. It was at this time that Bads and Faddy started making changes, along with Bads asking the referee if Powling could keep his kicking tee in his pocket, because he was tired of running on with it every two minutes! Young Ross McKenzie replaced the evergreen Gethin 'Clooney' Williams, Matt 'Ginger' replaced McGee and Jason Newell came on for Del Brace, but not before Brace skipped through Cardigan's flagging defence for his second. With such a big score, it's hard to believe anyone could be left off the score sheet. But speedy New Zealand winger Matty P. failed to make it over the whitewash, but assured Bads and Faddy that he set up most of the other tries. By this time, the home side's heads dropped and the game got very scrappy, but Tenby made one final surge as nice inter-passing by the forwards sent flanker Ratt scrambling over the line, only for the referee to disallow it because he couldn't see the grounding of the ball through Ratt's hair! Something that captain Duffy has never had a problem with! Neil Powling finished with a 26-point haul. It was an outstanding performance by all, but hooker Gareth Morgan, Matthew Johns and Milns must get special praise for their commitment and unseen work throughout the 80 minutes. Coaches Faddy and Bads' hardest job is going to be trying to teach Johns how to retreat 10 yards at penalties. The Seconds have a rest weekend this week due to the internationals, but have a vital must-win game on February 17 versus Neyland. The coaches and captain Duffy would be grateful if all boys train at least once next week please. Team: Del Brace, Craig McGee, Gareth Nock, Gethin Williams, Matty P, Neil Powling, Neil Duffy, Justin Richards, Jonny Lane, Ratt, Ifan Davies, Matthew Johns, Ed Pritchard, Gareth Morgan, Russ Milns. Replacements - Ross McKenzie, Matt Ginger, Jason Newell.