They've done it again! Huw Lewis's friends went ahead with the six-a-side soccer tournament in Huw's memory last weekend despite the adverse weather conditions. An early morning decision had to be made and they knew that if they postponed it, the tournament would not have the same impact. Everything was in place and teams were due to arrive, so they agreed that they should listen to the forecast and proceed with this annual event. They have had some wonderful weather in the four years that they have held it on the Kingsmoor Sports Association playing fields, with the blessing of Kilgetty Football Club. This year, the cold northerly wind kept everyone who was not playing huddled under the eaves of the clubhouse with the heaters going full blast. The strong hot tea dispensed by Mandy and Joanne from the dressing room was a welcome warmer in between matches. Those who didn't partake shivered mercilessly trying to maintain body heat. Even the hardy referees were seen to be wringing their hands as they reported their results to Richard, friend of all referees! The four leagues of five teams were all competing to end up in the final eight, while the remainder entered the plate competition. In league one, The White Horse team were delighted when they scored a goal. It was not enough, however, to win them a game and so they departed with beaming smiles heading for a hot shower. The Posties managed one win and three draws which put them above Basil's Babes who lost one game. Winners in this league were New Hedges Park who won two and drew two matches to edge out Raith Rovers who could only win two with one draw and one loss. In the second league, the Kilgetty team failed to win a game, but they did manage two draws and lost the other two. Marginally better was Temple Bar, who tied for points with a reserve Kilgetty team, scrambled together at the last minute due one team dropping out. A better goal difference put the Kilgetty team in front. The only team to be unbeaten in the league was Tangerine 11, giving them 12 points and pushing Templeton into fourth. In the other two leagues Tenby Youth were on a roll, edging out Saundersfoot, who equalled them for points, but fell below on goal difference. Both teams won three games, which was better than Sumo's Rejects and The Clackers, who could only win one game each. However, Sumo's Rejects had one more draw than The Clackers and success for those two teams meant that there was no room for Kick it Out, who only managed one draw. Sumo's Warriors dominated their league with three wins and one draw. This put them on top, ahead of Carew, who could only manage two wins and two draws, which was still better than Scoring Hell. Like The White Horse, Lawrenny failed to record a win and enjoyed an early shower which enabled CBI to scrape through with one win and one draw. Who are all these teams? They are supporters of the cause - C.R.Y. - who come together in serious and enjoyable mode each year to enjoy a Bank Holiday in memory of Huw Lewis, a staunch member of Kilgetty Football and Cricket Clubs. They form themselves into teams to represent their club, pub or group of friends. Was this the year of the Sumo's Warriors? Dean, as one of the organisers, has been trying, straining almost, since the first competition to get his hands on the shield. To date he has held it, but only to take it to the engravers. Was this to be his year? Alas no! He and his warriors fell at the second hurdle, losing in the quarter-finals to Raith Rovers. His team mates from Carew fared better, beating Saundersfoot and then New Hedges, who had shown great promise, to reach the final. The unbeaten Tangerine team found Tenby Youth too hot for them as they conceded two goals to bow out in the quarter-finals. The reserve Kilgetty team held New Hedges for much of their game, but lost on the odd goal. Tenby Youth and Carew proved the better teams on the day, progressing to the final. However, they were equally matched and failed to score in the final, so giving the hardy spectators, all 10 of them, the spectacle of a penalty shoot-out. As they had done in the semi-final, Tenby Youth showed their superior shooting by winning the shield with three penalties to nil. In the plate competition, the Posties had a bye, Templeton had decided that it was too cold, and met Scoring Hell in the semi-final. They had put paid to the hopes of Basil's Babes, who were trying to get their name on the trophy for a second time. Sumo's Rejects beat CBI to earn a place alongside The Clackers, who put paid to Temple Bar's chances. The Clackers and Scoring made it through to the final and the sparse crowd were again treated to a penalty shoot-out. This year, The Clackers' name will be engraved on the silver plate as winners. Johnny Lewis accompanied Helen and Graham Lewis to present the trophies to the winners and runners- up. A huge vote of thank was given to the organisers and also the referees who braved the cold and the insults to see fair play. In attendance were Colin Newberry, Mr. McNiff and son, Tim and Gareth Elliot, Steve Briers, Chris Stapleton and Joe Williams. Deano, Barry, Bobby, Proccy and Kelly thank everyone for their continued support and look forward to seeing friends at the next event.
