Tenby United Under Nines travelled north to St. Davids on Sunday morning following the cancellation of their fixture with Crymych.
On a cold and blustery day, captain for the day, Jordan Jones, lost the toss and the home side elected to kick-off, giving the Seasiders the advantage of a gusting wind during the first period.
From the first clashes, it was clear that this was going to be the most physical encounter that the Nines had experienced this year and tackling was always going to be difficult in such bitingly cold conditions.
To the credit of both sides, they attempted to play expansive rugby, using the full width of the pitch to release their fastest players. Although the Seasiders were never behind throughout the match, they were never really able to build up a decisive lead and the final outcome went down to the wire.
As usual, Dan Fairlie was in elusive form, twisting and turning out of tackles and bamboozling the home defences on his way to a hat-trick of tries. Not to be outdone, Jack Murphy showed his pace and power as he, too, ran in three well-executed scores.
But once again this was very much a team performance, with everyone contributing to a gutsy effort, particularly when the Seasiders played against the elements after the break.
Calum Weakley returned to the fray and reminded his teammates what a powerful runner he is, brushing off tacklers, while Tomas Sarrionandia had his best game yet for the Seasiders, putting in a number of brave tackles at crucial points during the game.
It was fitting that skipper for the day Jordan Jones also crossed for a score, showing what a strong runner he is. The other Tenby try was scored by Ryan Absalom, following up on his fine showing against Pembroke the week before with another fine display of mauling.
Jake Vickery and Tyler Moorhouse contributed tirelessly throughout what was a very tough encounter, securing possession at key moments and supporting Tenby runners when breaks were made. Corey Morris also made a couple of telling runs from deep in defence and was always looking to offload the pass to his team-mates.
In the end, the visitors ran out deserved victors, but knew that they had been in probably their most physical game of the season so far. It was not until after the match that it emerged that the Saints had fielded three players from the Under 10 age group, so it is to the enormous credit of the Seasiders that they stuck to their task and won through.
On Sunday morning, the Under Nines will welcome Fishguard to Tenby.
Training is held at the Clicketts ground every Thursday between 6 and 7 pm and any player looking to join the Under Nines would be warmly welcomed.
TENBY SWIFTS U13s 32 pts.
PONTYATES U13s 24
Tenby Swifts Under 13s made hard work for themselves in beating visitors Pontyates at Heywood Lane by a narrow margin.
The game did produce some good football, but the Swifts lacked consistency and concentration and gave away two tries to interceptions from sloppy passing and two to weak tackling. They were resilient enough, however, to come back and score six tries themselves to tip the odds, but the match was in the balance right up until the final whistle.
Unfortunately, Jamie Williams was stretchered off midway through the first-half with a worrying neck injury sustained when he was trapped awkwardly in a ruck situation. It is never pleasant to see the stretcher coming on in any level of rugby and fortunately there was good medical advice available on the touchline in the form of Dr. Canton. We wish Jamie a speedy recovery.
As mentioned, six tries were scored by Toby Smith (2), Kiefer Thomson, Jack Baker, Chris Heesom and Callum Baxter. You'll have seen the names of the first four in these columns before as scorers, but this was Callum's first try for the club and was superbly executed. Patrick Roberts was able to convert only one as the bulk were scored in the corners.
The lead changed hands a number of times and Chris Heesom, Matthew Davies and Jack Baker made valiant chases to get back in defence and cut out more damage.
The visitors were astute poachers and were always alert to an interception which in some instances was made easier by the lack of vision on the part of the Tenby boys by presenting the ball on a plate.
Joseff Morris and Yannic Parker were outstanding forwards in the loose and the tight and they were admirably supported by Olly Goldwait and Andrew Evans. The front row forwards, Sam Ferguson, Robert Jones, Gareth Lawrence and Declan Sharma, all turned in committed performances - for both sides! Pontyates had turned up with 14 men and our props sportingly played a quarter of the game each for the visitors. Thank you boys! The two newcomers to the pack, Jason Ronowitz and Roy Osborne, are developing well and are splendid additions to the team.
James Canton got his first start at scrum-half and busied himself away at the heels of the forwards, later reverting to the wing when injuries took their toll.
The versatile Kiefer Thomson took over the scrum-half role in the second-half after subbing in the centre in the first. Rhys Winter was another to leave the field injured with a recurring leg problem after making some inroads into the defence early on. It is hoped he recovers quickly.
Tenby visit Pontyates next Sunday and it is hoped that the lessons learned from this game will ensure less sloppiness in the return.
After the game, everyone was treated to some haute cuisine at the club in the form of chilli con carne and jacket potatoes superbly created by Mandy Baker and Jo Morris, ably assisted by Olivia.
It was thoroughly enjoyable and a nice change from the usual fare (and healthier!).
Many thanks go to the ladies and to Mr. Paul Heywood and Mr. Peter Brace, of Saundersfoot, who donated the meat and the potatoes, respectively.
Tenby fielded: Matthew Davies, Callum Baxter, Rhys Winter, Chris Heesom, Toby Smith, Jamie Williams (capt.), Patrick Roberts, Kiefer Thomson, James Canton, Sam Ferguson, Yannick Parker, Robert Jones, Declan Sharma, Gareth Lawrence, Andrew Evans, Oliver Goldwait, Jason Ronowitz, Roy Osborne, Joseff Morris and Jack Baker.
CRYMYCH U15s 22 pts.
TENBY UNITED U15s 14
Crymych grabbed the victory with three tries and a goal to Tenby's two goals.
A strong and gusting wind made for difficult conditions in what proved an enjoyable encounter played with passion and no little skill.
Tenby, due to late withdrawals through injuries sustained in the round ball version of the game, could only field 14 players - nowhere to run, nowhere to hide! In fairness, nobody on the Tenby side shirked their responsibilities and the main difference lay in a slightly better organised Crymych side, who used their possession well and defended superbly.
Tenby relied, to an extent, upon individuals, but the speed and dynamism of Dan Colley, the athleticism of Ieuan Rowell, the power and pace of Robbie Tuttle, Rob Clarke and Paul Dalling and the precise play of Oliver Morgan was not enough. It is a team game!
Rob Whitfield revelled in a stirring contest with his opposite number, a county scrum-half. Matthew Fleming tackled and went looking for work and defended strongly. Jack Lawrence definitely became stronger as the game progressed and set up driving play with commitment and good handling in the loose.
Tom Jones proved a revelation in the back row and built upon a string of impressive displays - a team player if ever there was one! Tom D'Ortez went quietly about his task; playing out of position in the second row, he got on with the job and disrupted the opposition ball and set plays. James Davies, carrying an injury sustained early in the match, played bravely and with no little impact.
The Tenby backs were quickly closed down by the opposition and Sam Foster and Jamie Robinson did well, often playing with little time and space to work anything, so quickly were they smothered. Alignment will help this and a willingness to communicate on the field.
So, much to work on and with the cup tie (quarter-final) this Sunday at Fishguard, the team will need to be on its mettle to progress. Please lads, we need a minimum of 15 players for this encounter!
Grateful thanks to Ann and Steve, as always; Paul Dalling's Nan for help with transport and to Mrs. Morgan for providing an extra car!; to Vernon for rousing a couple of 'sleepy heads!'; to the Cambrian and Mr. Mike Fry for the kit; and Greg our ever helpful fixture secretary! See you at the cup match, kick-off 11 am. Meet 9.30 am at the Heywood Lane ground.
TENBY U8s 30 pts.
ST. DAVIDS U8s 0
Tenby Under 8s had their third outing in as many weeks, taking the long trek to St. Davids.
With a good training session held earlier in the week and a new signing, Jonathan Mattick, nephew of Narberth stalwart Jeff Jenkins, available, Tenby were able to field 12 eager lads on a very blustery day, with St. Davids having 22 players to choose from.
Captain for the day was Miguel Cruz, who kicked off deep into the St. Davids half.
Ben Jones and Luke Barrow, showing some fine two-handed touches, put St. Davids under considerable pressure, who in turn dropped the ball, only for Robert Davies to pounce for the first score.
Minutes later, Oliver Parsons scored wide out after good work from Matthew Williams and Jerome Mansbridge, to see the half-time score 10-0 to Tenby.
With the wind behind them, Tenby piled on the heat and it wasn't long before Robert Davies was able to weave over for his second try.
Tenby were now well on top and they went close again, with Elliot Williams having a fine run, outstripping the defence, only to be touched right in the corner.
Tenby weren't to be denied, though, and some some excellent passing from Tom Petuwitch and Matthew enabled Oliver to run through some weak defence, before passing to Jerome to score.
With only a few minutes remaining, Ryan Price picked up some loose ball and slipped through to score.
The Tenby defence held firm all day, well marshalled by Ellis Morgan and Jonathan Mattick, but the day belonged to Robert Davies, when good work by Jonathan and Ellis gave Robert the opportunity to dummy his way past three or four tackles to score a cracking try, leaving the final score 30-0 in Tenby's favour.
Coach Chris Williams asked Robert's father what he'd had for breakfast, and Charlie replied: "Red Bull!" So now, thanks to sponsorship from Heatherton, the team will all receive Red Bull before every game.
Well done to Tom, Ben and Jonathan who were all playing in their first game for Tenby.
Training as usual at the Clicketts on Thursday nights at 6 pm. Anyone who wishes to play is most welcome. For more information 'phone Chris Williams on 01834 812107.