The Tenby boys completed their first campaign in the Pembrokeshire Under 8s League with a hard-fought victory at Milford. The team fielded a changed line-up for their final fixture, and it took a while for the players to gel. However, determined to finish the season unbeaten, the boys put on another spirited display and in the end ran away convincing winners. Tenby last played the newly-formed Milford side on the opening day of the season, when they enjoyed a vast victory. Since then, the Milford boys have shown great improvement, and in the opening minutes there was little to separate the sides. However, the Tenby back three of Joel Downs, Owen Coombs and Adam Muskett quickly quashed most Milford attacks. And 'keeper Daniel Evans had little to do but try and stay warm on his goal line! As the half progressed, Tenby settled down and began to create chances. After some near misses, Scott Ferney opened the scoring from close range. A second soon followed from Dylan Price, who had a cracking game in midfield. Scenting victory, the boys began to play with greater confidence in the second half, and soon made it three-nil, when the ball went in off a Milford defender during a goalmouth melee. Goals from Jannik Coop and Tom Harries put the game beyond doubt, before Tom Dyson scored a 15-yard screamer that rocketed into the roof of the net - a fitting climax to an excellent season for the Tenby team of 2005. Thanks to all the parents who have supported the Under Eights every Saturday morning, and also to Park Road Fish and Chips, the team's kit sponsors. Finally, a very special thank you to managers, John Dyson and Alan Harries, who have worked tirelessly with a large group of players, giving them all the chance to get involved in competitive games, and developing a talented squad with great potential for the future! Please note, although the league is over, training continues on Thursday nights, and several tournaments are planned for the coming months. So don't put those boots away just yet!
TENBY U12s 8 ST. CLEARS U12s 3
The Tenby Cycle and Skateboard sponsored Tenby Under 12s took another step towards the league title, with an exciting win over third placed St. Clears. Nothing could separate the two sides before the interval, but afterwards and once the Seasiders got into their stride, it was virtually all Tenby. The visitors drew first blood after 10 minutes, when a long ball over the top saw their speedy striker, Liam Price, outstrip the home defence. William Thomas, deputising in goal for the injured Jake Roberts, quickly came off his line and although getting a foot to the ball, the momentum carried it over the line. Tenby responded almost immediately when a wayward clearance, by the visiting 'keeper, fell to Curtis Hurlow and his shot sailed high into the Saints' net. Towards the end of the half, St. Clears took the lead once more, this time following a swift movement down the right-hand side of the pitch and ended with Nathan Jones guiding the ball past Thomas. However, Tenby equalised within minutes when Patrick Elliott's long ball fell into the path of Josh Koop and he made no mistake with his shot. All square at half-time and all to play for. The Seasiders quickly got into their stride at the beginning of the second half and took the lead for the first time, when a cross by Gareth Warlow was rifled home by Jordan Richards on the half-volley. Ashley Smith grabbed number four, with Richards turning the provider. Oliver Worley came off the bench and made an instant impact when he unselfishly squared a ball for Koop to slam home. Phil Horsley, who had a tremendous game in midfield, set Richards up for his second, while at the other end, a penalty saw Jones get the visitors third. However, by now Tenby were flying and they recorded their 100th goal of the season, when Patrick Elliott's inswinging corner flew straight into the net. Koop finished off a very successful morning when he got his side's eighth and his hat-trick. This was certainly a great team effort from Tenby, with all 14 players playing a vital part in this important win. Tenby now need only three points from their last three matches to secure the title in their first season on a full-size pitch. Tenby side: W. Thomas, D. Edwards, P. Elliott, G. Lees-Griffiths, N. Jones, C. Hurlow, A. Smith, J. Richards, P. Horsley, J. Koop, G. Warlow, L. Fecci, R. Fairlie, O. Worley.
GIRLS FOOTBALL
UNDER 10s: Tenby Jazz Radio sponsored U10s kept their unbeaten record with two good wins on Sunday. In their first game they beat Neyland 2-0, with Holly Furlong and Darcy Escort scoring the goals. Beth Morse had very little to do in goal due to good defending by Kimberly Alman and Polly Scotcher. Lois Horsley took a bad knock and had to retire from the match; Martha Perkins came on to replace her and tackled well. In the second match against Pembroke Boro, Darcy again scored both goals in this 2-0 victory. Team: Darcy Escort, Beth Morse, Lois Horsley, Martha Perkins, Polly Scotcher, Kimberly Alman, Holly Furlong. UNDER 12s: Park Road Garage sponsored Tenby Jays had a tough game against Pembroke Boro. Sophie Izzard scored the crucial winner with just 30 seconds to go. Rhiannon Harley was kept busy in goal, with Gracie Bevan (celebrating her birthday) and Sarah Patterson tightly marking the Pembroke forwards. Elena Ciccotti and Ellen Thomas supported Nia Thomas and Sophie Izzard up front. In their second game they beat local rivals Kilgetty 5-0, with Sophie Izzard scoring four and Nia adding the other goal. Tenby Tigers picked up their first point with a 1-1 draw against Kilgetty. Darcy Escort scored Tenby's goal, with Kilgetty equalising late on in the game. Yasmin Woods was superb in goal, with Molly Goforth having her usual solid game. Sophie Beynon and Roxy Paxton played well, with Genevieve Gyseman making a good debut. Their second match was just as tough against Goodwick. Goodwick scored three times, before Roxy scored a stunning long-range goal. Tenby Jays: Ellen Thomas, Gracie Bevan, Elena Ciccotti, Sarah Paterson, Sophie Izzard, Nia Thomas, Rhiannon Harley. Tenby Tigers: Molly Goforth, Yasmin Woods, Roxy Paxton, Sophie Beynon, Darcy Escort, Genevieve Gyseman. Both Tenby 14s sides were in action this week. The A team played Burton, winning 1-0, with Ossie scoring. Ellen Thomas played well in goal, with Holly Cloak and Victoria Brace controlling the midfield. Leah Hartland put in some strong tackles and Sophie Izzard gave the Burton defence plenty to worry about. They met Pembroke Boro in their next match. Ossie scored an early penalty, but Boro pulled one back later on. With none of the B side turning up at Bush, it was left to the Under 12s to fulfill the fixtures. Sophie Izzard and Ellen Thomas both scored to beat Neyland Hawks 2-0, while they found Pembroke Boro 14s too strong for them, losing out 3-0. Tenby A team: Victoria Brace, Holly Cloake, Leah Hartland, Ossie, Ellen Thomas, Sophie Izzard. Tenby B team: Yasmin Woods, Roxy Paxton, Ellen Thomas, Gracie Bevan, Sophie Izzard. Thanks to the girls for helping out and to all the parents for providing transport.