TENBY SWIFTS U9s 5 tries
WHITLAND 4
Tenby were next to play a team with their tails up, but with 20 minutes of tough rugby in their legs. The Swifts had used the wait to warm up, but still made a slow start, letting the Borderers score twice.
Jo Dennis, the match captain, then led from the front, rallying his players to produce some of the most dogged rugby your correspondent has seen. He was an inspiration, diving into tackles and scrummaging for ball.
Greg Palin took up the call and was also seen everywhere tackling, mauling and making sniping breaks. Elliot and Dan continued with breaks of their own and, unlike other games, Tenby kept possession in the tackle and recycled ball back to their team-mates.
Sam Blackledge put in three bone-shuddering tackles along with Corey. These two boys have text-book tackling technique, making it possible for them to take down far bigger opponents. In fact, Tenby hounded Whitland so much they were unable to do anything with their possession, unlike Tenby who sent the ball down the lines to Jo F. and Daryl, who scored four tries between them.
Apologies to the other try scorer who could not be distinguished amongst the many players who drove a rolling maul over the Whitland line.
Charlie and Richy Sturgon played their first game for Tenby (welcome) and despite this being a tough baptism to Pembrokeshire junior rugby, they tackled as if they had been playing all season.
Cameron, Robert and Greg Caine did save good ripping in the mauls and Tenby won more than their fair share of 50/50 ball. Another improvement on earlier season games.
Whitland played their part in an entertaining game. Actually, there were no losers, only signs of a promising future for Pembrokeshire rugby.
Next up came the black and gold of Mynyddygarreg, but without a rest, 40 minutes of non-stop rugby proved too exhausting for the young Tenby players.
The black and golds used a huge player to score five of their seven tries, despite brave attempts to tackle him.
However, when Tenby did get the ball, they sent it wide, using their pace to run around the bigger but slower players.
Corey and Greg Caine showed they can side-step and swerve to score one apiece while Jo F. and Harry Owen scored the other three, again down the white lines.
Elliot, Greg Palin and Dan Storer never tired and kept Mynyddygarreg out for long passages of play. Robert and Cameron looked exhausted, but kept battling. Daryl nearly scored in dying seconds, but just put a foot in touch
Fnal score: Tenby 5 tries Mynyddygarreg 7.
All in all, it was a successful day and Tenby can be proud of themselves. They have learned from previous matches and are now moving the ball wide, recycling in the tackle and claiming 50/50 ball much better. They have also raised the pace of their game, which is harder to defend against.
Tenby fielded: Jo Dennis, Cameron Woods, Jo Farrell, Elliot Randle, Rob Luley, Corey Morris, Daryl Williams, Harry Owen, Greg Palin, Charlie Sturgon, Greg Caine, Richy Sturgon, Sam Blackledge, Daniel Storer.
FISHGUARD U11s 7 pts. TENBY U11s 7
This Under 11s District Cup first round clash was a big game which required big hearts and man did the Tenby boys deliver.
Lloyd Thomas had the proud task of captaincy and played a blinder. He rallied his troops well and ensured they all gave one hundred and ten per cent.
From the very off it was obvious this game was not to be for the faint-hearted. Tackles were hard, the pace of the game was fast and the heat of the sun added to the pain the teams were enduring. But no matter how physically hard this game was, the Seasiders guts, skill and determination was unbelievable.
The forwards took the brunt of the bruises. Daniel Gosnold soaked up the tackles time and time again during his down the middle charges. He was backed up bravely by Sam Fletcher, Alex Thomas, Jonathan Miller, Lewis Davies and Lewis Hodgson, who all cleared out like their lives depended on it, which secured Ross Gray plenty of scrum-half ball to spin out to his ever hungry back-line.
As per usual, Lloyd Thomas was keen to score, but owing to a very impressive Fishguard defence was deprived this honour. This encouraged him to find his ever-supporting centre Tom Baker, who yet again at this ground found a change in pace and paved his way across the goal-line to take the lead with a try, which was converted well by Lloyd.
This score made the blood of the home team boil and what an encounter we had now. Each player on both sides took pride in their shirt and tried everything possible to score.
Tenby now had to defend to keep their lead to the half-time whistle, which was done impressively by all in the red and black jersey, but none better than our fullback. Lewis Canton marshalled this area with pride and lion heart to boot and nothing got past him. Jonah Lomu, the New Zealand giant, would have backed off! Lewis was not in the mood to allow anybody past.
After half-time it was more of the same. Attacks by Tenby were manfully destroyed by Fishguard who countered instantly with attacks of their own. Daniel Thomas and Michael Robins took to the field and added another dimension in attack, but they too found the home 'brick wall' impenetrable.
Looking at the watch, it was time to blow. The boys were dog-tired, but pride kept them going. Nino Rogers took to the field and was utilised to back up his tired squad in any department he could. He tackled and ran and ensured the Fishguard boys kept working.
With minutes to go, the home outfit found that extra push they needed and scored a very strong forward try which evened the scores.
It was all hands to the pump to keep the score level and the defending for the last minute was immense. Such bravery saw our 'winger with the stinger' Joseph Richards finding himself in casualty at Withybush with a muscular injury (thankfully not serious).
Final score seven-all and Tenby go through on the away rule. Cheers lads - you were all brilliant!