Saturday saw Tenby play host to a visiting unit from Dunvant. The weather was a bit naughty, but had no reflection on the exciting game of sportsmanship which unfolded in front of a very proud crowd of family members.
Tenby were led by Daniel Gosnold who, even though suffering from a sore throat, braved the tackles and rucks to give the visiting unit some bruises to count at the end of the game. His forward explosions were backed up as per usual by his loyal forward colleagues such as Lewis Davis, Andrew Cooke, Jonathan Miller and the ever-present and highly improved Alex Thomas.
This tight five put their heart and soul on the line and continually tried to penetrate the visitors' defensive line. But this was not an easy task. The Dunvant unit were well drilled in this department and seldom missed a tackle, making the gain line a hard one to cross.
As the game unfolded it was obvious that the Dunvant team had not come to Tenby to enjoy the scenery; they were full of passion, commitment and, most of all, exciting rugby.
This ploy eventually paid off, even though several forward charges were stopped by excellent tackling from Lewis Canton, Michael Robins, Lewis Hodgson and Tenby's winger with the stinger Joseph Richards. But, no matter how hard you tackle, if the ball is spread out wide, tries usually follow, and so it proved with a well-executed backs attack which saw Dunvant convert to make it seven-nil at half-time.
During the second half, Tenby made a tactical change, swapping Lewis Hodgson at scrum-half with Ianto Griffiths to allow quicker ball from the scrum and allow Lewis to tighten up the defence in the centre with his renowned tackling.
This soon seemed to be the switch of the day, with young Ianto releasing his talent from the base of most scrums and taking the defence on himself with bull charging runs, which saw him halted at the last hurdle with excellent defensive tackles. They were all supported by his loyal outside-half Daniel Thomas, who continued the onslaught, but he too was always denied by brilliant Dunvant tackling.
Once tackled, the ball was stolen by Dunvant who then went on the counter-attack. During this immense pressure by the visitors, the Seasiders were penalised for coming in from the side and then found napping when a quick-thinking Dunvant player took a quick tap and scored an easy individual try which again was converted.
For a slight moment after that the Tenby unit bowed their heads, which saw another try being pushed over during an attacking Dunvant ruck.
With only six minutes remaining, the talented Tom Baker found top gear and tried his best to bring a score for the lads, but just couldn't dent the Dunvant armour. The same was attempted by Matthew Dick, who is proving to be an excellent find and one to watch for next season.
With only seconds left on the clock, Lewis Hodgson took the ball into a ruck situation and with brilliant communication and co-ordination, the pack basically lifted him up and over the try line for what appeared to be a well-executed try. Unfortunately the referee's view was obscured and, as the rules state, no try was to be awarded, but an attacking scrum instead. Never mind, an excellent game, which ended 21-nil to Dunvant.
This was the last game of the season. Well done to all who have played this year in a black and red jersey. You have made Sundays and Thursday nights very enjoyable and your families very proud of what you have achieved this season. This year was just the beginning lads, next year is take off year. Sand by Pembrokeshire, here come the new Under 11s!
Finally, thanks to Dai Robins and Adrian Gosnold, the other two-thirds of the coaching team. Your commitment and dedication has been brilliant. Cheers.
PS. Well done Steven Williams for his officialdom as ref - owe you one!
PPs. Good on ya Ianto - you played a blinder and deserved man of the match. Brilliant!