TENBY UNDER 35s 22 pts. TENBY OVER 35s 10
On a delightful Booking Day afternoon, several hundred spectators witnessed a very entertaining match at Heywood Lane. This was the third annual game in aid of the Gareth Scotcher Trust Fund and it was again sponsored by Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire, the leading holiday letting agency. Many of the players on both sides had earlier taken part in the Boxing Day Swim. The Under 35s team mainly comprised Tenby United's First XV. A few of the Over 35s are still playing rugby fairly regularly, albeit for many of the side it is their only game each year. The 'youngsters' got off to a flying start with two quick tries. Gareth Edwards touched down first following some good interplay between his colleagues in the pack. A few minutes later, fly-half Tom Lewis found himself in open space and broke away to double the Under 35s' lead. However, despite the grey hair and expanded waistlines, the 'old boys' fought back and were the stronger team towards the end of the first period. They were rewarded when winger Nicky Rees crossed in the corner for an excellent try. The Over 35s continued their momentum at the beginning of the second half. They claimed their second try following a well-executed rolling maul. The match commentator was not sure which player actually touched down and asked the scorer to show his hand. Instantaneously, and as if rehearsed, all eight of the 'old boys' pack raised their arms! Apparently, former Tenby United skipper Mike Evans had the ball in his hands when the maul crossed the line. The score was now 12-10 to the Under 35s and the 'old boys' came close to scoring on a few more occasions. However, as expected, the 'youngsters' fitness and stamina proved to be crucial in the final stages. Further tries were added by hooker Mike Lewis and centre Gavin Brace, the first one being converted by Tom Lewis. The final scoreline possibly slightly flattered the Under 35s, who must have been appreciative of the good work that they received from the 'old boys' as they have played very little rugby over the past two months or so. The teams in this annual festive fixture compete for the Denzil Griffiths Memorial Trophy. Denzil's children Shaun, Darren and Rachel presented the cup to Rob James, captain of the Under 35s. The Scotcher Cup for the man-of-the-match was awarded to veteran centre Neil Truman, although many of his team-mates also had fine games, including Gareth Thomas, Ross Llewellyn, Simon Griffiths and Simon Rossiter. In memory of the late Tyrone Edwards, his widow Teresa and daughter Menna presented the match ball. Although no entry fee was charged, a bucket collection was held at half-time in aid of the Gareth Scotcher Trust Fund. Apparently around £1,500 was collected and the trustees are delighted with and extremely grateful for the wonderful generosity shown by those present. They also appreciate the sponsorship of the match by Matthew Evans, of Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire, which included supplying the impressive kit for the Over 35s, as well as hats and brolleys for the crowd, although luckily these were not needed. The Under 35s team included Aled Griffiths, David Meyrick, Gavin Brace, Delwyn Brace, Harry Bolton, Tom Lewis, Will Crockford, Sam Smith, Rob James (capt.), Nicky Allen, Wyndham Williams, Gareth Edwards, Craig Hamilton, Mike Lewis, Scott Payne, Nicky Guymer, Rhys Thomas, Neil Powling, Justin Richards, Neil Duffy, Johnny Lane, Barry John, Craig McGee and Arthur M-M. The Over 35s team included Steve Hartland, Chris Evans, Simon Rossiter, Robert Thomas, Nicky Rees, Shaun Brace, Gethin Williams, Simon Griffiths, Matthew Evans (capt.), Richard James, Jeremy Rossiter, Niffy Brace, Ross Llewellyn, Chris James, Gareth Thomas, Mike Evans, Neil Truman, Mike Griffiths, Ginger Beynon, Louis Beynon, Anthony Guymer, Rez Brace and Mike Brown.