TENBY U16s 5 MERLINS BRIDGE U16s 3
Tenby Under 16s finished off their league programme with a home win against Merlins Bridge. Although Tenby had already clinched their third successive league title a few weeks ago, the boys were determined to finish with a final win. Without Mikey Boswell and Brett Evans, who were playing in a trial game at Cardiff City, the side was slightly rearranged to allow their loyal substitutes a full game. Tenby started well, but the strong wind made it difficult to judge the passing down the slope. Strikers Adam Johns and Scott Helmich were hard pressed to keep the ball in play. However, Johns bravely challenged the Bridge 'keeper while chasing a long ball and slotted home the first Tenby goal. Meanwhile, Tenby's defence was put under pressure from some strong running by the Bridge. James Howes and Kurt Walsh had plenty to do, while Luke Dedman covered well. Billy Vaughan was moved up front and Tenby started to control the midfield through Aaron Goldsmith and Josh Bevan. Rhys Winter showed up well on the left with some strong running and tackling, while Michael Halligan contributed well. It was his determined running and superb cross that allowed Vaughan to score Tenby's second. Vaughan scored two more before half-time to put Tenby 4-0 ahead. The second half saw many positional changes as one player after another tried the striker's role. Sam Christopher came on to slot in at centre back and Richard Bridges took over in goal to allow Richard Thomas his annual 'run out'. In fact, Thomas made several impressive runs and crosses until he was relegated to left back! Vaughan scored Tenby's fifth, before Bridge replied with three quick goals in succession after too many Tenby players were caught up field. Not to be outdone, Vaughan scored a fantastic individual goal to seal the game 6-3 for Tenby. Squad: Richard Thomas, Kurt Walsh, James Howes, Luke Dedman, Aaron Goldsmith, Adam Johns, Rhys Winter, Michael Halligan, Josh Bevan, Scott Helmich, Billy Vaughan, Sam Christopher, Richard Bridges. Picnic Basket man-of-the-match: Aaron Goldsmith. Thanks to Mark for refereeing and to Nick for running the line. The squad are now looking forward to their West Wales Cup semi-final against Hakin, which is being played at Bridge Meadow next Saturday, 11 am kick-off.
Camrose Under 9s 0 Tenby Under 9s A 4
Tenby Under 9s A continued their return to top form with an emphatic victory in the cold at Camrose on Saturday. Five of the boys started the game in wooly hats - looking more like they were preparing for a winter hike rather than a spring football match. Despite playing into the freezing wind and up-hill, Tenby immediately took control of the game and could easily have reached double figures with a barrage of shots on goal. In the opening minutes, Spencer Williams made a great run from defence and fed the ball through to Dylan Rees. His first-time pass released Declan Escott, who hit a low shot just wide from 15 yards out. Tenby then won a succession of corners, which, as usual, were expertly taken by Tom Dyson, and Camrose did well to clear their lines. With the wind behind him, the Camrose 'keeper fired several long kicks into the Tenby half, but Owen Coombs cooly controlled the ball and fired it straight back up the pitch to get Tenby moving forward again. A long pass found Tom Harries, who made a great run down the right wing, but his cross was scrambled out for a corner. Tenby then enjoyed a spell of intense pressure, with a searing goal-bound volley from Dylan Rees being punched away by the Camrose 'keeper, and Declan Escott hitting the bar twice within a minute. Tenby's perseverance was finally rewarded moments later when Kim Parmanand was first to reach a loose ball on the left. His low cross was knocked onto Declan Escott, who smashed in a shot from five yards. The Seasiders then deservedly doubled their lead with a superb solo effort from Dylan Rees. He beat three defenders on the right wing, then cut inside and fired in an angled shot that left the 'keeper stranded. With the wind and the slope in Tenby's favour in the second half, Camrose were put under more pressure. And Dylan Rees quickly scored his second after more good work by Kim Parmanand. Almost immediately, Tenby added a fourth following a corner on the left. Dylan Price had a shot blocked on the line, and Declan Escott followed up to make it four-nil. The striker was then unlucky not to score a hat- trick after a great passing move from deep in the Tenby half carved open the Camrose defence. Unfortuntely, his cracking shot clipped the post. Camrose kept battling, but with the Tenby defence solid as ever, and Tom Dyson controlling the middle of the park, they only forced one save from Daniel Evans in the Tenby goal. In the closing minutes, Tenby had a dozen more shots on goal, with Dylan Rees always on the verge of scoring a spectacular fifth. He volleyed over twice from distance and had another dipping shot tipped onto the bar. In the end, Tenby had to settle for four-nil, but on this performance they look likely to enjoy more success in their remaining matches. Many thanks to all the parents for their support, and to Park Road Chip Shop, the Under 9s kit sponsors.
TENBY U9s (B) 0 PRENDERGAST U9s 4
This was to be Tenby's last really difficult game of the season. Prendergast have proved themselves to be probably the second best team in the under 9s league; only Tenby (A) have a better record. Tenby (B) started well enough, with Daniel Tiesing, Henrick Jaakola and Luke Hartland defending for all they were worth. Ryan Kent, Adam Muskett and Lois Horsley contested the midfield, while Sean Conbeer and Liam Bowen gave as well as they got up front. Only once did the Prendergast forwards get a cross in which was not immediately cleared. A shot from their centre forward, being at first well saved by Will Davies, fell kindly for the same player, who second time around put the ball in the net. So 1-0 at half-time to Prendergast, but every chance for Tenby to get back in the game in the second half. Tenby made two changes. On came Joel Downes and Chris Hinman and off went Lois Horsley and Ryan Kent. Almost straight from the kick-off, however, Prendergast attacked in waves and Will Davies had no choice but to give away a few corners with diving saves. It was from one such corner that a Prendergast forward headed in his team's second goal, and within minutes once again Tenby were opened up and a flying header made it 3-0. To Tenby's credit, heads did not drop and they created two chances of their own. First a looping volley from Sean Conbeer just went over the bar. Next a shot from Adam Muskett's left foot went just wide. Back came Prendergast and, with only minutes to go, a cross to the far post found one of their players to tap the ball into an open goal. Tenby can now look forward to five easier games to close out a season with a lot of good memories.
Girls football
UNDER 10s: Tenby Under 10s met Pennar Angels in their first match. They won 8-2, with Holly Furlong scoring six goals, Lois Horsley one and Hatti Sonley also netting one on her debut. Alise Robison kept a clean sheet in goal in the first half and Ella Furlong made a good debut in the Tenby goal in the second half. Polly Scotcher and Hari Truman worked hard in the game, while Sarah Jackson and Becky Gwyther tackled well. In their second match they met Camrose and won 11-0, with goals from Holly (6), Becky (2), Lois (2) and Hatti. Team: Alise Robison, Sarah Jackson, Polly Scotcher, Holly Furlong, Lois Horsley, Becky Gwyther, Hari Truman, Ella Furlong, Hatti Sonley. Thanks to Pete for running the side. UNDER 15s: Tenby Under 15s played Neyland Eagles. They went 1-0 down early on in the game, before Chloe Lloyd equalised after some neat passing by Sam Bowen and Sophie Izzard. Kelsey Logue and guest Leanne Gwyther put in some hard tackling to cover Gracie Bevan in goal. Elena Ciccotti supplied some good passing to Sophie and Chloe and it wasn't long before Sophie put Tenby 2-1 ahead. Tenby kept the pressure on and Sophie scored again after several corners had the Neyland defence in disarray. Final score 3-1 to Tenby. Team: Gracie Bevan, Sophie Izzard, Kelsey Logue, Sam Bowen, Chloe Lloyd, Elena Cicotti and guest player Leanne Gwyther. Thanks to Simon for running the side.