Report and pics By Steve Duckworth
Tenby Swifts U16s 24 pts.
Tenby Swifts U15s 13
Sunday, May 24, will be a day to remember for those who attended the inaugural match of the Ollie Cavill Memorial Shield, played in honour of a much loved, and sadly missed, young Tenby sportsman who loved rugby and whose memory will live on through what is hoped will become an annual event.
There was no shortage of willing players on this Bank Holiday weekend and the game was witnessed by about 150 enthusiastic supporters, including Ollie's family and many friends.
There was an emotional start, following the team photograph, when the players marched in single file from the changing rooms, each carrying a red or black balloon, to form a line across the pitch at the halfway mark, while Ollie's favourite song 'Chasing Cars', rang out across the ground.
As the song finished, so the balloons were let go to float high into the sun-filled, cloudless, blue skies over the silent Heywood Lane ground. On the sound of the referee's whistle, there then followed a minute's silence.
The whistle blew once again to signal the start of the match.
The Under 15s got off to a strong start, scoring an early try, which was converted. Then followed an onslaught by the Under 16s, determined to open their tally, but they were met by a formidable defence from the Under 15s. A converted penalty ensured that the Under 15s were 10 points to nil ahead at half-time.
The Under 16s came back strongly in the second half, due in no small part, to the fact that they had a squad of 25 players to draw on, ensuring a constant turnover of fresh legs, whereas the younger 15s barely had a full team and just one in reserve, so fatigue played its part.
Even the Under 16 coaches were heard to say that the Under 15s were playing the better rugby.
However, when the ball was moved out wide, this over-stretched the 15s and a number of converted tries ensued until the final whistle blew.
In a game like this, one is reminded of the adage, 'it is not the winning, but the taking part that matters,' and this was very apt on this occasion. The teams applauded each others efforts as they left the pitch.
There then followed a presentation of the shield to the winning captain, Joel Reed, by Ollie's father, James, who thanked the teams and supporters for making the occasion such a success.
The event was supported by the local members of PAPYRUS (helping to prevent young suicides), who carried out a bucket collection, and thanks go to those who gave so generously.
Photographs of the match can be viewed at http://www.imagicam.co.uk">www.imagicam.co.uk and entering the album name - Tenby Swifts. A donation of £1 will go to PAPYRUS for each photograph purchased, to help with their very important work.