TENBY U10 SWIFTS 1 try

PEMBROKE DOCK QUINS 4

A cold but lovely sunny morning welcomed Tenby U10 Swifts to Waterloo.

Tenby's match captain for the day won the toss, but made the strange decision to play uphill and into a stiff breeze. With their history of starting slowly, Tenby did not need the extra challenge. However, Jo Farrell showed confidence in his side and so the game started.

From the off, Tenby looked organised. They caught the ball from the kick-off and drove as a set of forwards back at the Quins, while their threequarter line waited for Joe Dennis to spin the ball out. This he did and so Greg Palin was set off into space, beating two defenders with his pace and touching down for a try, thereby creating a piece of history - Tenby scored first; they have never scored first before... and against the elements!

However, the Quins regrouped quickly and squeezed play into the left corner of the field where a rolling maul was pushed into touch by Tenby forwards Daryl Williams, Cameron Woods, James Oakley and Dylan Griffin. The subsequent lineout saw the Quins steal the ball and again drive over the line.

With the score one try each at half-time, Tenby could be satisfied with a competent performance in the first-half and be confident that with the slope and wind behind them they could send their backs running in the second-half.

Cameron Woods, who had an excellent first-half, was rested in the second-half for Jack Butler, while Charlie Spurgen, who showed pace and a high tackle rate, also sat out the second-half for David Dunfee. Daryl Williams, who is looking every bit a dangerous back row forward because of his strength and pace, was replaced with David Duckworth.

Tenby started confidently in the second-half. A special mention for Robert Luly, who marshalled his forwards, led by example and showed great skill and maturity. No physical resemblance of Irish international and British Lion 'Uncle Fester', but all-round leadership, skill in tackling, running, strength in the mauls and even a kicking game that is similar.

Jo Farrell got in his usual high tackle rate, but for some mysterious reason the whole threequarter line, with the exception of Elliot Randel, disintegrated into a mess. The Quins had the whole pitch to play with and ran in two tries unopposed, with Elliot being the only defender, but the Quins having two and three-man overlaps.

Despite all the advantage, Tenby let this game slip through lack of concentration.

One thing these Tenby U10s Swifts cannot be accused of, however, is lack of trying. They show bravery, commitment to each other and we know they can play. Last season also saw a slow start before they narrowly lost in the final of the Neyland tournament. So come on boys, just focus. The boys themselves never get down-hearted, but enjoy the challenge. This particular one rewarded with McDonald's.

Tenby fielded: David Dunfee, Jack Butler, David Duckworth, Charlie Spurgen, Cameron Woods, Daryl Williams, Robert Luly, Dylan Griffin, James Oakley, Elliot Randel, Joe Dennis, Jo Farrell, Greg Palin.

GIRLS FOOTBALL

UNDER 14s: In their first match, Tenby played Goodwick, who proved to be somewhat unexpectedly tough opposition. In fact, they scored a third of the way into the game, only to have the goal disallowed after being struck from inside the 'D.'

Numerous shots on target by Nikki failed to find the back of the net.

All the girls played a hard game, with Vicky outstanding in midfield, Lucy and Holly more than holding their own and Sophie, as always, playing a blinder in goal. A hard-fought battle which ended 0-0.

The last game of the day saw Tenby take on Johnston, who are currently second to them in the table and possibly Tenby's main rivals. Tenby really needed the three points and got them in style!

Leyla hit the upright after some hard work down the left. A brilliant solo effort by Nikki was saved by the 'keeper, but then Tenby found another gear. Leyla and Lucy ran round the pitch frantically, being fed from the brilliant defence of Victoria and Sophie, in goal, and they in turn found Nikki who managed to score a vital hat-trick.

Johnston pulled back a controversial goal towards the end, but never really coped with the constant pressure, the match ending 3-1 to Tenby. Well played girls!

Team: Vicky Brace, Holly Cloake, Leyla May, Lucy May, Nikki Furlong, Sophie John.

Thanks go to Nigel for looking after the team.

UNDER 12s: The Jays played Neyland Minis in a friendly and won 3-0, with Rhianne scoring two goals and Sophie one. Ellen kept a clean sheet and Gracie stood firm in defence. Yasmin stepped up from the Tornadoes and chased and harassed the opposition well.

The Jays went on to play Goodwick A which turned out to be a close fought game resulting in a goalless draw. The opposition did well to fight off a number of attempts at goal by Rhianne, Sophie, Gracie and Yasmin, with Ellen again keeping a clean sheet.

Well done to the girls who continue to top the table and remain undefeated.

Team: Rhianne Griffiths (capt.), Sophie Izzard, Gracie Bevan, Ellen Thomas, Yasmin Woods.

The Tornadoes had a fine draw against a strong Saundersfoot side. Terri scored Tenby's goal in what was an exciting game.

The next game was a tight 0-0 draw against Pembroke Boro, with all the team playing well.

Team: Yasmin Woods, Lowri Lewis, Sarah Paterson, Zoe Griffiths, Chloe Goldie, Shelby Rossiter Terri, Cheek.

UNDER 10s: Tenby Tigers had a very close game against Pembroke Boro. They eventually lost 1-2 with Lauren Lewis scoring Tenby's goal.

In their second game Holly Furlong scored twice to give Tenby a 2-0 victory.

Team: Holly Furlong, Molly Goforth, Lauren Lewis, Bethan Osborne, Lois Horsley, Kimberly Alman, Rachael Williams.

Thanks to all the parents for looking after the teams.

TENBY U14s 10 SAUNDERSFOOT U14s 0

Tenby got full reward for their superior teamwork, in a match where every fit member of the squad was given the chance to show his potential. Everyone seemed to raise their game against local rivals Saundersfoot, who fielded an excellent goalkeeper in Thomas Spencer. Tom made many fine saves, especially before Tenby opened the scoring.

Tenby dominated the wide parts of the pitch through the play of Guto Griffiths and Billy Vaughan, and it was their accurate crosses that paved the way for the early goals.

Mikey Boswell put Tenby 2-0 ahead, both from crosses from Billy Vaughan, and Aaron Goldsmith put Guto Griffiths through for a third goal.

The hard work in midfield of Aaron Goldsmith and Adam Johns was giving their team most of the ball possession, and one of Aaron's accurate passes gave Mikey Boswell the assist for Tenby's fourth goal.

When Saundersfoot did get some rhythm into their play, some promising moves were broken up by fullbacks Scott Helmich and Gavin Kinsey, both showing their all-round ability in setting up attacks, as did Luke Dedman who came impressively forward from a central defensive position where he and Joe Scourfield were having a quiet time.

A pass across the Saundersfoot goal area to beat Spencer by Boswell was put in at the far post by Sam Christopher, to bring the score to 5-0, and shortly afterwards Adam Johns came well forward to curl a superb shot over the goalkeeper to put his team 6-0 ahead.

Sam Christopher got his second goal and his side's seventh just before half-time, to end an impressive spell of teamwork by the Tenby team.

In the second half, Saundersfoot fought back well in terms of winning the ball, and Thomas Spencer continued to impress in their goal to make scoring a harder task.

Tenby continued with good shape and method and as width was restored by the runs of Griffiths and Vaughan, the solid play at the back by Jordan Lloyd, who had replaced Joe Scourfield, and Luke Dedman, gave the home team more clear-cut scoring opportunities through their overall composure.

Jamie Robins slotted in well as a right back substitution, as did Brett Evans coming on later in the game on the left side of defence. Richard Thomas looked confident with the few things he had to do in the Tenby goal.

As the game wore on Tenby made sure that they built on the excellent first half performance as Mikey Boswell made it 8-0, and then Adam Johns came through to score another excellent goal, before the courageous Saundersfoot team finally conceded another goal from Boswell to make the final score 10-0 to Tenby.

Tenby squad: Richard Thomas, Scott Helmich, Luke Dedman, Joe Scourfield, Gavin Kinsey, Aaron Goldsmith, Adam Johns, Billy Vaughan; Sam Christopher, Mikey Boswell, Guto Griffiths, Jordan Lloyd, Jamie Robins, Brett Evans.

Thanks to Dewi for refereeing and to Nick for running the line.

Haverfordwest 3 Tenby Ladies 2

Tenby Ladies football team, sponsored by the Famous Pound Shop, were away to Haverfordwest on Sunday. This was one of the most exciting games of the season so far.

Tenby fielded only nine players against a full-strength Haverfordwest side. The match was Holly Watkins's first game on her return to the Tenby squad.

The first half produced some fine football, with both teams giving good performances.

Thirty minutes into first half, Tenby were making several breaks and putting pressure on the home team. This resulted in a corner, which Nicola Aston took and scored, making it 1-0 at half-time.

The second half started similar to the first, with Tenby challenging for the ball on every occasion. Annie Davies was outstanding, troubling the Haverfordwest defence and gaining a penalty for her efforts, which Nicola converted.

Now two goals up, Tenby started to relax slightly and were put under heavy pressure. There was some outstanding work in defence, however, from Imelde Rossi, who was playing with great composure, along with Carrie Slack, Haley Lowe and Kaylie Davies, who all worked extremely hard.

Haverfordwest eventually scored and Tenby went through a 20-minute spell when they started to tire and allowed the home team to score another two goals, making it 3-2, with Denise Powell making some tremendous saves.

The last 15 minutes saw Tenby regain their composure. They put Haverfordwest on the back-foot, with Michaela Bevan, Holly, Nicola and Annie all having shots on goal, and were really unlucky not to come away with a draw from this match.

Congratulations to both teams and the referee on the spirit in which the game was played

Next match is at home this Sunday at the Clicketts.

Team: Denise Powell (capt.), Kaylie Davies, Carrie Slack, Imelde Rossi, Haylie Lowe, Michaela Bevan, Holly Watkins, Nicola Aston and Annie Davies.