FANTASTIC

EXPERIENCE

The Tenby and Saundersfoot Lions sponsored Tenby Under 14s team of 2002/03 participated in their regional tournament heat of the Coca Cola and NWST Neighbourhood Watch Sports Trust five-a-side football competition back in the summer. They won this tournament to become Champions of Pembrokeshire, and with this victory came the opportunity to participate in the Champions Of Champions Finals at The Millennium Stadium on December 7 in their respective age group, with over 12,000 children having competed in regional heats throughout the Wales and West region, battling to become their regional champions, and for a once in a lifetime opportunity to play in one of the finest stadiums in the world.

The team of Danny Harries, Clem Boswell, Jamie Robinson, Matthew Edwards Jones, Bobby Briers, David Jones and Ashley Prior travelled to Cardiff on a coach provided by Coca Cola, and were pleased to be met at the stadium by representatives of their team sponsors, the Tenby and Saundersfoot Lions, who had made the journey to support the boys, namely Lions president Pat Crockford and fellow Lions Nicky Stapleton and Rob Mayhew.

Tenby were desperately unlucky to lose their first game 2-1 to Rhondda Cynon Taf, having hit the post and bar as well as gifting their opponents two goals with panicky errors, yet totally outplaying them - but that's football! David Jones scored Tenby's goal.

In the second game, Tenby met their match, going down to a disappointing 3-1 defeat to a strong Newport outfit, Ashley Prior netting for Tenby.

After these two disastrous results, Tenby were playing for their pride in the final game against Bridgend, with only a slight chance of qualification for the semi-finals. This was an all round 100 per cent improvement on the second game, with the boys fired up to bow out of this prestigious tournament in style. Tenby ended up 5-1 winners, with goals from Bobby Briers, Ashley Prior, and, as far as we are aware, the first ever hat-trick to be scored by a Pembrokeshire footballer in the Millennium Stadium - step forward David Jones!

All in all, it was a fantastic experience for the boys and their supporters and parents to have played in this magnificent stadium, and despite the fact they did not win the tournament, nobody can take away the experience and memories these boys have created for themselves that will be with them forever, and the pride in the fact that they have raised the profile of Tenby and Pembrokeshire in Welsh footballing circles.

Well done lads and congratulations. We are proud of you all.

PENNAR U14s 2

TENBY U14s 5

Tenby Under 14s kept their place at the top of the league table with a 5-2 victory over a determined Pennar side.

Tenby opened up the scoring early on after Aaron Goldsmith played a through ball to Mikey Boswell. Boswell safely slotted the ball past the Pennar 'keeper.

Tenby kept the pressure on, with Boswell and Sam Christopher both having chances to increase the lead. Adam Johns and Guto Griffiths worked hard all game and Billy Vaughan supplied several good corners.

Boswell scored a superb left-footed goal after picking the ball up from well inside his own half, beating several defenders and striking the ball sweetly with his left foot.

Just as Tenby looked to be in command of the game, the defence was twice caught out by the very skilful, pacey Pennar right winger.

With the scores level at 2-2, it was left to Sam Christopher to score a vital goal from a goalmouth scramble from a Vaughan corner; then Boswell put Tenby 4-2 ahead just before half-time.

During the second half, Tenby started to keep control of the game with some excellent passing from Scott Helmich, Luke Dedman and Brett Evans. Joe Scourfield showed his ability to play in several defensive positions and Tenby's 'keeper, Richard Thomas, made a crucial one-on-one save early on in the second half and for the rest of the game three points looked safe.

Michael Halligan and Henry Boot came on and Boswell put the game out of reach when Tenby went 5-2 up.

Tenby squad: Richard Thomas, Scott Helmich, Joe Scourfield, Michael Halligan, Henry Boot, Luke Dedman, Brett Evans, Guto Griffiths, Aaron Goldsmith (capt.), Adam Johns, Billy Vaughan, Mikey Boswell, Sam Christopher.

Thanks to Nick for running the line.