NEWCASTLE

EMLYN U12s 32

TENBY SWIFTS U12s 22

This Tenby Under 12s unit are maturing with every outing. The squad learned far more in this fixture than any coaching can teach them.

The Swifts took a little time to settle into the uncompromising style of the game, but Henry Boot, Luke Dedman and Rob Colley got the hang of it very well and the whole team gave as good as they got.

The game was end to end stuff and although the home side sprinted into a 15-nil lead, Tenby continued to fire on all cylinders.

The Swifts' response was superb. A scrum on halfway, was won well and Sam Baker fed quick ball to fly-half Guto Griffiths. Centres Joe Lewis and Ben Griffiths both saw the ball, before fullback Jamie Robins joined the line and his well-timed pass picked up Simon Stanford on the wing who raced in for the try of the game.

The forwards had the most bruising encounter and really took the game to the home side, the highlight coming when Colley drove into the Emlyn pack after a penalty award. Almost immediately, Huw Evans, David Denton and Mathew Lewis were on his shoulder, Richard Jones and Luke Dedman joined in the drive, and Scott Helmich and Henry Boot completed the eight as the pack drove Colley over the try line for five points. Guto Griffiths converted comfortably.

Newcastle Emlyn showed how they can play rugby and picked up two more well deserved tries.

The second half produced two more quality tries for Tenby when the back line again let Stanford off the leash to round the Emlyn defence to score under the posts and Dedman charged through three tackles before popping the ball to Colley to drive over.

There were notable performances from Liam Watkins, back from injury, who gave everything, and Danny Williams, who was unlucky not to score and tackled well for Tenby.

With plenty of rugby to come in the New Year, the 12s are looking good prospects for the future.

Tenby fielded: Mathew Lewis, David Denton, Rob Colley, Luke Dedman, Huw Evans, Scott Helmich, Richard Jones, Henry Boot, Sam Baker, Guto Griffiths, Ben Griffiths, Joe Lewis, Simon Stanford, Danny Williams, Liam Watkins, Jamie Robins.

NEWCASTLE EMLYN U10s 0

TENBY RFC U10s 42 pts

A bright and crisp morning was the backdrop for an interesting visit to Newcastle Emlyn. The Under 10s were eager to return to winning ways after last week's close encounter with Llandovery, and return to winning ways they did... with style.

Captain for the day, Sam Ormond, showed the crowds and the rest of the squad that he has now become a respected player in the Tenby black and red jersey. His attacking runs were a joy to watch, with one in particular making hard yards down the left wing, only to be halted short of the line with a terrific tackle.

The whole squad played with grit and determination from the first whistle. Ianto Griffiths and Lloyd Thomas played nine and 10 very well, with some good passing from the base of the scrum and jinking attacking runs.

The scoreboard was soon to be attacked by the first try of the day by the powerful Tom Baker, who exploited the space on the right wing to score; this was converted by Ianto.

The home side tried to keep the onslaught of the red and black jerseys at bay, but were no match for the strength of the Tenby pack. Henry Lawrence, Daniel Gosnold, Denny Paxton and Andrew Cooke turned on the gas in the boilerhouse to cause massive problems for the home side's defence.

This constant pressure eventually turned into points in the form of a Ianto Griffiths try, which yet again he comfortably converted.

After the half-time break, the home side came out with guns ablazing, but were unable to penetrate the Seasiders' defence.

The battling home side, having upped a gear, seemed to encourage the Tenby squad to do exactly the same. The passing became more frequent, with cheeky long mispasses coming into play. This allowed the likes of Lewis Hodgson, Michael Robins, Lewis Canton and Daniel Thomas to show their skills in attack with some delightful weaving runs.

After a week off with a niggling leg injury, Joseph Richards returned to the field with his blistering speed to gain himself an explosive individual try.

However, the second half belonged to Lloyd Thomas, who bagged three very impressive tries, one of which came from a quickly taken tap penalty which caught the home side sleeping.

Having taken over the kicking duties from Ianto, Lloyd managed with ease to clear all three conversions as well.

This display of attacking rugby by the Seasiders was yet again a joy to watch. Before the game, the coaches requested some more inter-passing which they stuck to throughout the game, including some clever mispasses. However, it has to be noted that for the first time this millennium, the squad's tackling lacked finesse and commitment. Perhaps the frost-bitten ground was the cause?

Nevertheless, this was yet another fine display of fine junior rugby, which oozed determination, skill and most importantly clean team spirit. Top-drawer stuff boys, well done.

PS. Three cheers for the man in black - what a master of the whistle he was.

TENBY SWIFTS U11s 35 pts NEWCASTLE EMLYN U11 14

This was not a game for the faint-hearted.

It will go down in the annals as the Battle of Newcastle Emlyn and was a day when our invincible Under 11s came of age in an ill-tempered encounter.

The match was played on a thawing pitch following the overnight frost in bright winter sunshine. However, some excellent rugby was played by both sides, with Tenby being victors in every quarter.

Yannic Parker led the side with distinction from the middle of the front row, making his tackles count, putting in some lively bursts in the loose and winning plenty of ball in the scrums. He was propped by two pillars of strength in Jack Baker and Joseff Morris who made the hard yards and worked like Trojans.

The ever-improving Oliver Goldwait has certainly upped the stakes this season and was a revelation in tight and loose, while Patrick Roberts gave his usual vigorous performance and was Herculean in attack and defence.

Kiefer Thomson handed in a sparkling scrum-half display, providing an excellent service out of the Maelstrom that was the forward battle to stylish outside-half Jamie Williams. Jamie and Toby Smith were imaginative and together cut the home defence to ribbons.

The two James' on the wings, Criddle and Canton, were electric and Mathew Davies at fullback carved out openings and was tigerish in the tackle.

Tries were scored by James Criddle (2), with Toby Smith, Matthew Davies and Patrick Roberts crossing for one apiece, and Patrick converting all five with another 100 per cent display with the boot.

Newcastle Emlyn scored two converted tries.

The stylish rugby produced by the Tenby boys won the day and it was pleasing to see them take the honours.

The boys grew in stature and one can be sure that the exploits in this match will be talked of for a while to come. It was a victory that the boys can justly be proud of.

So, we have reached the half way stage of the season. Undefeated with nine games played and won, 454 points have been scored for and just 69 against, averaging out at just over 50pts to seven per game. A truly remarkable achievement by a truly talented team in which every member plays a vital role.

More over, it has been the style of rugby played that has been so rewarding and a pleasure to watch. Coaches Steve Williams and Tim Roberts thank their charges for their efforts and for consistently striving for excellence and realising potential. It makes the job that much easier and pleasurable. Thanks also go out to Ian Morris for his dedicated work as trainer and first aid work.

We can now look forward to the second half of the season with anticipation, and a rest from rugby until January 6 when we entertain Whitland. Training for that match will be held at 6 pm on January 3 to run off the Christmas pud!

There'll be some of that by the way at the party on December 23, so anyone who has not yet returned acceptance forms please do so today! Contact your coaches if in doubt.

Finally, merry Christmas to all our readers and dedicated supporters.

Tenby fielded: Yannic Parker (capt), Joseff Morris, Jack Baker, Oliver Goldwait, Patrick Roberts, Kiefer Thomson, Jamie Williams, James Canton, Toby Smith, James Criddle, Matthew Davies.