TENBY UTD. U14s 27 pts. CRYMYCH U14s 7
Tenby again could not field a full team for the visit of Crymych. Crymych are a good side, well organised and motivated, with a good smattering of county players in their ranks at this age group.
From the kick-off, Crymych exerted early pressure. However, Tenby withstood this and countered strongly. So strongly, in fact, that they opened the scoring. Ieuan Rowell took the first of a glut of lineout possession, secured on the fine throwing-in of Jack Lawrence. Rowell made for the line and in came Robert Clark, on the peel, of drive over for the first score of the game. This try went unconverted.
Tenby's next score came from the powerful Robbie Tuttle, who gathered in broken play and stormed through the Crymych cover. This score also went unconverted.
The team effort from the Tenby players was there for all to see. However, mention must be made of Robert Whitfield, who was playing one of the games of his life. Tackling fearlessly and distributing well, he was relishing the task of taking on anything which Crymych threw at him; this was an exemplary showing alongside Paul Brookes in the Tenby midfield.
Indeed it was Paul Brookes who opened the second-half scoring for Tenby with a well-taken try, which thankfully Oliver Morgan converted with a fine curling kick against the strengthening wind.
The forwards, not to be outdone by the 'Fancy Dans!', came back strongly and a fine kick and chase initiated by James Davies saw him nearly claim a score, only to be denied by desperate defence from Crymych who made the ball dead.
Robert Whitfield again popped up to put in a try-saving tackle and the Tenby pack, with James Dick thankfully restored to the side and the irrepressible Paul Dalline to the fore, made huge inroads into the Crymych defence.
Scrum-half Sam Foster took a knock and then had to leave the field, being further 'in the wars'. This unsettled Tenby a little and Crymych came back to claim a converted try with some strong and direct running of their own.
This seemed to spur Tenby on and Oliver Morgan took a quick tap and went over wide out. Robert Whitfield took this as a cue to put in a simply stunning break and similarly rounded the visitors' defence to grab a thoroughly deserved score.
This was a first rate performance by the Tenby side, forwards driving hard and some deft touches from backs, usually intent on running the ball.
Dan Colley's incursion in the attacking line and cover work was vital to the Tenby cause, as he was covering the missing players in the Tenby ranks, and a special mention for Tom Jones, debutant, who fitted in to the side as though born to it and made some telling big hits on the opposition.
Thanks to all players for a good game of rugby and to Chris Williams for refereeing so competently and sympathetically. Also to all parents for their continued support.
NARBERTH U14s 12 pts. TENBY U14s 36
Tenby U14s travelled to Narberth on Sunday, maintaining the strong links and rivalry, which has forged many lasting friendships over the years and long may this continue. In this latest instalment of 'derby' games between these two clubs, Tenby were to claim the spoils.
Almost from the kick-off Tenby made light of the heavy pitch and made inroads into the Narberth half. Winger Dan Colley collected the first try, which went unconverted.
Solid work from the Tenby forwards, six rather than eight, both sides fielding 11 players, saw Tenby build up a head of steam and claim further scores.
The pack showed strongly throughout this match, supporting the ball carrier and, whilst they had a tendency to remain upright in maul situation enabling the well-drilled Narberth forwards to counter their thrusts, the Tenby boys stuck manfully to the task and gave the home pack some awkward moments.
Tenby appeared comfortable at half-time with a 22-point lead. However, a combination of astute tactical deployment and a little over-confidence in the Tenby ranks saw Narberth really come into their own. Setting up some driving play and running hard, they quickly reduced the lead with two tries, one of which was goaled.
Fortunately for the Seasiders, David Saunders launched a down-field punt which travelled handsomely on the breeze and, with David in pursuit, he caught the Narberth player back-tracking. Quite properly, he released the ball in the tackle, enabling David to hack on, dribble round the post and claim a quite stunning try, goaled by Oliver Morgan.
This riposte calmed Tenby nerves and they were able to claim a further score at the final whistle.
Credit to Narberth for their contribution to a lively match, played in good spirit and sympathetically referred by Bob Symonds. Thanks also to the travelling Mums and Dads for support and help with transport.
Well done to Ieuan Rowell on his selection to the County U14s alongside 'old campaigner' James Davies. Well done also to Tommy D'Ortez on his debut for the Tenby side. Playing out of position, 'T' turned in a strong performance and shows great promise.
TENBY UTD U15s 22 pts.
CARMARTHEN ATH U15s 5
Last Sunday, Tenby U15s entertained a very accomplished Carmarthen Athletic U15s.
Tenby kicked off, with a strong easterly wind blowing across Heywood Lane.
The forwards immediately organised themselves, providing a platform for the backs to attack.
During the opening 15 minutes, Carmarthen Athletic defended to the hilt.
However, incessant Tenby pressure resulted in scrum-half Ollie Morgan breaking from a ruck and powering his way over between the posts.
Adam Ball added the conversion to put Tenby 7-0 up.
Unfortunately, for Ollie, he took a knock scoring the try, and was replaced by Rhys Thomas, who we welcome home from across the border.
The Tenby forwards were putting in plenty of hard work, with Adam Ball, Grant Rogers and Nick Drewitt ruling the linesout and making excellent covering tackles.
Marvin Thomas, Arron Sutton, Michael Cowburn and Johnathon Walker were prominent in the loose.
The backs had plenty of the ball, which saw them going close to scoring on many occasions. Scott Kerrison crossed and just spilled the ball on the line. Tenby needed to score again before half-time.
Ben Field-Thomas chased back a loose ball on the halfway line, gathered well, jinked past three players, put his head down and outstripped the defence to race in from 50 yards to score an excellent individual try and put Tenby 12-0 up at the break.
The second-half saw Tenby determined not to let the game slip, with centres Fenick and Field-Thomas hitting big holes in the Athletic defence.
Wingers Richards, Williams and Scott Kerrison were also excellent in attack and defence, while Johnsie Lewis had a sound game at fullback.
However, it was Rhys Thomas at scrum-half who made his presence felt. Gathering the ball from a scrum 10 metres from the Athletic try line, he went blind and sped over in the corner to put Tenby 17-0 up.
Changes were made which saw Gareth Merriman, Barrie John, Daniel Young and Martin Bowles all slotting in well.
Tenby were now in full control of the game.
The next score was the try of the match. From the restart the ball was collected by outside-half Steve Handicott, who, from deep in his own half, made a break, dummying his way upfield.
He then passed to man-of-the-match Rob Tuttle, who continued the charge up field, taking play into Athletic territory and setting up good ball for the rest of the forwards to clear out for Adam Ball, who showed great skill as he passed to centre Ben Field-Thomas to score.
However, the Athletic never gave up, and the closing minutes saw their fullback, who had an excellent game, touchdown in the corner, to make the final score 22-5.
Credit must go to both sides for an excellent game of rugby. The Tenby boys can be proud of this performance, which was their best so far this season.
Thanks to Gethin for refereeing.
Next match for the U15s is Sunday morning, when the boys entertain a touring side from Surrey.
Squad: Marvin Thomas, Johnathon Walker, Arron Sutton, Michael Coburn, Robbie Tuttle, Adam Ball, Grant Rogers, Nick Drewitt (capt.), Ollie Morgan, Steve Handicott, Ben Field-Thomas, John Fenick, Richard Williams, Scott Kerrison, Johnsie Lewis, Rhys Thomas, Barrie John, Gareth Merriman, Daniel Young, Martin Bowles.