A few new signings this week has added a whole new dimension to the Tenby United Youth team. The forwards have gained a reputation throughout the county for their hard and physical approach to each game. This has been negated a little by the lack of a regular backline, but the signing of Alex Watts, Mathew Miller and David Otten has now resulted in a far more complete team.
On Wednesday, October 29, a strong Fishguard team arrived at Heywood Lane for a game under floodlights, having failed to get a side for the previous Saturday fixture.
The new-look Tenby side, with Jason Keights playing at number 10 due to an injury to Aled Griffiths, took time to settle. The good crowd at the ground was filled with anticipation as Tenby threw the ball about. Alex Jenkins once again provided excellent ball from the lineouts and Peter O'Hagan achieved some strikes against the head.
The game flowed with strong running by both sides. It was just a matter of time before Alex Watts, living up to all expectations, crashed over for his first try after 20 minutes. With Aled missing, the kicking role fell to Nick Rowe, who narrowly missed his first attempt.
Five minutes later, a strong run by Alex, offloading to the ever-present Jason Keights, resulted in a second try. Nick converted with ease.
Fishguard rallied and spent some time on the Tenby line, but excellent defensive play kept them scoreless at half-time.
During the break, one change was made, with Daniel Young, who had played well, making way to give David Otten his chance on the wing.
The intensity built up in the second half, with hard running and harder tackling.
Fifteen minutes into the half, Jason scored his second try, which Nick again converted.
From the kick-off, Sam Smith took the catch and ran from well inside the Tenby half to score an individual try that will take a lot of beating. Nick Rowe converted.
Tenby began to dominate completely. Some moves broke down when passes did not go to hand, but they produced some exciting running and showed great potential.
Alex crossed the line again for his second try on his Tenby debut, but this time Nick failed with the conversion.
Mathew Miller was not to be left out; his hard fast running throughout the game eventually resulted in a try in the last five minutes, which Nick narrowly failed to convert.
Tenby ran out winners by 36 points to nil in a very entertaining game that got the crowd going.
Following the match, coach Lynn was heard to say: "We have still got a long way to go."
Training is held at the Clicketts on Wednesday evenings at 7 pm. Transport is available of necessary. If you are aged 16-plus, why not pop along and sign up.