They name their team Sumo Warriors and have done since the Huw Lewis Memorial five-a-side football competition was started in 2003. As the instigators and organisers of this annual event, Dean Rossiter, Neil Proctor, Bobby Bevan and friends have 'bust-a-gut' to win the shield, just to get their name on it, and show Huw that they can still compete with the youngsters.
Each year they have managed to progress through the league stage and even managed a plate final, but the passing years have taken their toll. This year they did not even win one game and so were eliminated after playing four games. On the positive side they were able to concentrate on the smooth running of the event, an event that they have honed down to a fine art. Their commitment over the last six years is exemplary and the enthusiasm they display is carried over to all the teams that queue up to support the day.
Following three years of indifferent weather, cold wet and windy, they were blessed on this occasion with a day of glorious sunshine and warmth. Would you believe it - some even complained it was too warm. It was great to see families and friends sat around the four pitches on Kingsmoor Sports Field enjoying this annual event.
Sumo Warriors were not the only teams lose all their matches and bow out early. In two of the other leagues, The White Horse and the Drunken Dozen suffered a similar fate, while the Beer Monsters, in their league, did manage one draw. Tenby Rugby, on the other hand, won their first game and then ran out of steam, losing the rest. Sumo's Rejects imitated their result in group 3, as did Basil's Babes in group 2
At the other end of the scale, Carew were the only team to remain undefeated in their league. Saundersfoot and Tenby Elite battled it out in league two, each achieving three wins and one draw. Their goal difference was the same, but it was Tenby Elite who topped the table having scored more goals.
Cardiff Rejects pushed Narberth, also on three wins and a draw, into second place in group 3 with a better goal difference. Bayern Neva Loosen won group four, again with three wins and one draw.
In the plate quarter-finals, Tangerines knocked out Sumo's Rejects and Sportigabeergut did the same to Basil's Babes. The other two teams to emerge victorious were St. Florence, putting paid to L Block legends, and Clackers demoralising Tenby Rugby.
In the main competition, Tenby Elite continued their success, denting Narberth's ambitions, while Carew had to resort to penalties to oust Saundersfoot. Bayern Neva Loosen also won on penalties against Lawrenny, while Cardiff Rejects disposed of New Hedges in normal time.
The plate final was to be contested between Tangerines and Clackers. An emphatic five-nil win over St. Florence gave Tangerines their chance, while Clackers conserved their energy with just a two-nil victory over Sportinabeergut.
Tenby Elite played well in their semi-final and found the goal just once to knock out Bayern Neva Loosen. It was a blend of Kilgetty and Cardiff boys that emerged victorious in the other semi-final, as Cardiff Rejects put paid to a young Carew side with a two-nil victory.
The warm drying weather meant that the final could be played in front of the Sports Club Pavilion and the crowd of family and friends all had a grandstand view from the patio and bank. This created a fitting atmosphere since it increased the noise level and cheering as the plate competition was played first.
In an exciting contest, the crowd were treated to some robust and skilful football, with the ball rattling from end to end. Tangerines managed to equalise after Clackers opened the scoring, but were later demoralised as a second goal was hammered home to give Clackers the trophy.
As was expected, the final of the Shield Competition was a close match. Both teams had played six matches to get to this point, but it didn't show as they both committed themselves to earn the glory. A goal from Tenby midway through the match meant that Cardiff Rejects had to push forward to equalise. They were unable to capitalise and suffered a further blow as Tenby Elite hit on the counter to score a second and claim the title.
Are Tenby the odd ones out? A glance at the shield reveals that they have won this competition in 2003, 05, 07, and now 2009. Congratulations were extended to them on their victory and to Rickie Morgan, who played for the Cardiff Rejects, for winning Player of the Tournament.
Huw's mum and Dad, Helen and Graham Lewis, were there to present the trophies and were delighted that the event had, yet again, been a great success in bringing communities together and raising much needed funds for the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young. The organisers were indebted to all the referees who turned up to support the cause and to the business groups who had sponsored the pitches, Pro Waste, Scaffold 2000, Heatherton, Trefloyne Golf Club. Summerhill Farm Shop and Stepaside Inn were also thanked for providing raffle prizes on the day.