TENBY U16s 0
HAKIN U16s 2
Meeting the only side that beat you last season for the first fixture of the season was probably not the first game Tenby U16s would have wished for, so maybe there were some fingers crossed for rain cancellation, but the Clicketts held firm and the game against Hakin went ahead in sunshine.
The last time these sides met still lives long in some memories and this game started off very much as the previous one ended, with the Tenby TP Hughes sponsored side playing the better football, only to be faced at the final hurdle by the wall that has become the Hakin defence.
Leaking few goals last season, their defence was not going to give Tenby's injury weakened fire-power any gifts and what few chances the hosts got were ably dealt with.
From a corner, the strong Hakin front runners crowded the goalmouth and the ball found its way into the back of the net, giving the visitors a slender half-time advantage.
After the break, Tenby needed to rouse themselves and lift their game, and with periods of skilful play, getting through the Hakin defence looked on the cards, especially with George Lander's arrival from the subs bench, but a defensive mix-up gifted a second to Hakin.
Tenby finished the game dominating in all areas of the pitch, just failing to get the ball into the net.
In spite of the importance of this game to both sides, it was played in a mature sportsmanlike manner, which both teams should be commended for.
Thanks to coaches John, John and Neil, referee Andy, sponsors TP Hughes, Jameston Village Stores and the touchline support.
Tenby team: George McBeth, Cheyne Lloyd, Tom Grover, Sam Butler, Jack Murphy, Hugo Wellum, Joe Worley, Toby Rossiter, David Webb, James Adie, Elliot Goldsmith, George Lander, Rhys Nicholas, Matt Davies.
Tenby under 15s 7 Kilgetty under 15s 2
Tenby made an energetic start against last year's West Wales Cup finalists and attacked right from the start.
Kilgetty responded to the challenge, resulting in a good block by Tenby 'keeper Lewis Roberts. Poor marking from a corner put Kilgetty 1-0 ahead against the run of play, but belied what was to follow in an exciting match in good conditions at The Clicketts. Tenby then settled back into a spell of good controlled passing football and got level and ahead through Jerome Mansbridge scoring twice within the space of a couple of minutes, and Richard Tebbutt finishing well to make the score 3-1 at half-time.
Tenby completely dominated the rest of the first half, with Niall Kinsella and James Bridges outstanding in building attacks and captain George Wilkins protecting his back four with some saving tackles. Rhys Jenkins looked dangerous wide on the right and had a good debut for Tenby, while the new central defence pairing of Robert Davies and Shaun Whitfield looked good, with both players tackling and covering. Jacob Dent and Luke Conbeer showed off their attacking skills, contributing well from their full-back positions.
The second half was full of consistent pressure on the Kilgetty defence in which Andrew Barnard made some brilliant saves. Tenby's firepower was demonstrated by a brilliant goal from Mansbridge, who punished an indecisive Kilgetty defender by firing in a ground shot which tucked in the bottom corner to make the score 4-1.
Richard Tebbutt added a fifth goal for Tenby and Ellis Morgan ran through to make the score 6-1 with his first touch of the game.
Kinsella showed the value of long range shooting from 45 yards out to put his team 7-1 ahead, and nearly repeated the effort direct from a kick-off following a consolation effort by Kilgetty after hesitancy in the home defence.
Tenby's strength in depth was demonstrated by competent displays by Nathan Wilson, Aaron James and Ellis Morgan, who made second half appearances to complete a good squad performance.
Tenby squad: Lewis Roberts, Jacob Dent, Shaun Whitfield, Rob Davies, Luke Conbeer, Rhys Jenkins, George Wilkins, Niall Kinsella, Richard Tebbutt, James Bridges, Jerome Mansbridge, Nathan Wilson, Aaron James, Ellis Morgan.
Thanks to Steve Wilkins for refereeing and Clive for running the line. Player-of-the-match: Jerome Mansbridge.