On Saturday, the Bridge Meadow, Haverfordwest, played host to the finals of the Tom Yeoman Shield Under 11s football finals. The tournament was the culmination of seven months of qualifying matches in which 20 school associations have been playing in regional matches all over Wales.
This was the first time in its 48-year history that the finals have been hosted in Pembrokeshire, so it was fitting that the Pembrokeshire squad had made it through the qualifying stages. Eight associations were in attendance in all from all parts of the country: Flintshire; Aberystwyth; Wrexham; Pembrokeshire; Cardiff; Newport; Rhondda Cynon Taff East and West.
Despite the heavy downpours, many parents and supporters had turned out in large numbers to watch what simply was some breathtaking football. The youngsters really proved why they were the best of their age group in Wales, demonstrating wonderful touch and ability.
After three hours of absorbing football, Flintshire came up against Aberystwyth in the final. Aberystwyth had played good football all day and were full of confidence, however, the Flintshire squad was a different class as it had proved all day, with its organisation and management.
The North Wales team proved far too strong for their opponents and regained the Tom Yeoman Shield for the third consecutive year with a comprehensive 5-0 victory.
The finalists were presented with commemorative medals as were the match officials Alan Buckfield, James Hatton, Paul Rooney and Tudor Walters, who had officiated superbly for almost four unbroken hours.
The Welsh Finals ended a long season of hard work in primary schools football and many people deserve a mention for all their hard work and dedication for giving up their time, freely in most cases, for the youngsters: Dean Flood and Gerry Rigby for organising the festivals; Angie Nicholls who alongside Dean and Sophie Flood had prepared the Pembrokeshire County Squad; Laura Roberts, Emma Rowell, Rachel Walters, Keith McNiffe and the St. John's Ambulance team; Pembrokeshire referees and the staff at Haverfordwest County AFC who always open their doors to primary schools' football.
Pembrokeshire squad: Tom Nicholas, Alex Harley, Henry Lawrence, Daryl Mansbridge (Tenby); Ryan Howells, Callum Proctor (Stepaside); Daniel Armstrong, Liam Aldred, Lewis Davies (Hakin); Steven Mills, Liam Boswell (Johnston); Steven Dockerty, Tom Glover (Prendergast); Liam Brown (St. Marks); Steffan Davies (St. Oswalds); Ricky Watts (Roch); Tom Mahoney (Narberth); Declan Carroll (St. Marys); Luke Hamilton (Lamphey); Matthew Richards (Mary Immaculate).