They had already lost to Pembroke twice this season, so the supporters of this young band waited with trepidation as to whether this would collapse into another malaise or realise their true potential.
The game started with both sides running and tackling well. It was a very evenly matched game, with nothing between the two sides. Pembroke looked surprised that Tenby were putting up such stiff opposition, while Tenby just grew with confidence.
As 'Rugby Special' would say, the forwards win the game, the backs decide by how many, and so it was. The Tenby forwards supported the ball carrier, showed far more commitment and bravery in the tackle, operated as a cohesive unit, mauling and rucking together, and displayed an aggressive confidence.
Henry Whittaker made his debut and fitted into this set-up without any difficulties; he also showed plenty of pace to play in the backs should the need arise.
David Duckworth was quickly up on the opposition and hounded the Pembroke scrum-half, denying them clean quick ball. Cameron Woods and match captain Jack Butland proved difficult to stop with their powerful chases into opposition territory, while Dylan Griffiths, with a safe pair of hands in receiving the ball from the kick-offs, showed all the forwards from both sides how to rip the ball in the mauls. He also put in the highest tackle count.
Robert Luly once again showed a rugby brain in advance of his years and naturally took the role of pack leader, inspiring his forwards by example. In fact, he nearly scored.
If the first-half was dominated by the forwards, then the second-half was for the backs. As a unit they also showed more commitment in the tackle, had better positional discipline in marking their opposite number, kicked for touch to clear their own line more effectively and ran on a straighter line.
Robin Munroe-Goddard also made his debut - a talented soccer player and obviously a natural footballer, he did all that was asked of him in his first game. He caught and ran with the ball, but also showed great tackling technique. The most impressive part of his game was his awareness of space and his work ethic in chasing any ball kicked high behind the Pembroke defence. All this was rewarded with both of Tenby's tries.
The first was set up by Joe Dennis, who from the base of the scrum took the blind side channel where there was a two-on-one overlap. He sucked in his marker and passed to Robin who ran down the wing with good pace to score his first. The second came from a Joe Farrell crash ball down the middle, taking two tacklers with him, but strong enough to stay on his feet and get the pass away, once again letting Robin run unopposed over the try line.
Dan Storer and David Dunfee marked their opposite numbers and never missed a tackle, as well as keeping the ball moving at every occasion.
A total contrast to last week, but a performance we all new was in them.
Final score: Tenby two tries Pembroke 0.
Tenby fielded: Jack Butland (match captain), Robert Luly, Dylan Griffin, Cameron Woods, David Duckworth, Henry Whittaker, Joe Dennis, Joe Farrell, David Dunfee, Dan Storer, Robin Munroe-Goddard.
TENBY U8s one try
PEMBROKE U8s no tries
Tenby U8s entertained Pembroke at the Clicketts in an end to end game. Captain of the day was Robert Davies.
The only try of the game was scored by hard-working player Oliver Parsons after good work by Jerome Mansbridge, Ellis Morgan and Ryan Price, which enabled Oliver to dive over right in the corner.
Tenby won the game by the one try, but also went close numerous times.
The Tenby defence held firm during the second half when Pembroke had the Seasiders on the ropes, but fine defending by Mike, Tom, Ieuan and Theo Hughes, who was playing his first game of rugby, thwarted all their efforts.
Tenby also had their chances through Ellis, Ben, Elliott and Matthew (W), but always in the thick of the action were Robert and Oliver, who were always sniping at Pembroke, looking to release the speedsters Johnathan, Matthew (S) and Harry, who was also having his first game.
At the end, when Pembroke were attacking, it was Thomas Sarrionandia who held the defensive line, using the experience he has gained this season playing up a level for the Under 9s.
It was an excellent win for Tenby and with 16 players turning up on a freezing Sunday morning, the boys have gained more confidence, which has shown an improvement in the games they have played.
Training is at the Clicketts every Thursday at 6 pm - everyone welcome.
TENBY SWIFTS U13s 38 pts. PEMBROKE U13s 14
Tenby Swifts Under 13s won their way through to the semi-finals of the Pembrokeshire Cup in a hard fought encounter with a much-improved Pembroke XV under lights on Monday night at Pembroke's Lamphey Road HQ.
Following the recent Artic weather, the pitch was in remarkably good condition save for a compacted snow area in front of the stand. Ingenuity prevailed and the pitch was narrowed using the five-yard line as the touchline, a readjustment that had no effect in the game.
Tenby got off to a flying start with pressure on the home line which saw dynamic flanker Joseff Morris crash over to open the account after three minutes, Patrick Roberts, who had a fine evening with the boot, converted. Two minutes later, captain Jamie Williams used his power to smash through the defence to score in the corner for the first of his two tries.
Tenby appeared then to relax and allowed Pembroke back into the game. Defensive lapses permitted the strong running Pembroke backline to break through and feed the ball to big back row man Tom Bullivant who raced over to touch down under the posts. This try was easily converted.
Shortly afterwards, Tenby again seemed to freeze and tried to play touch rugby against Pembroke boys who needed dealing with firmly, and within minutes found themselves behind to yet another converted try under the posts!
That reversal stung the Tenby boys into action and they fought back with a Thomas Nash try in the corner, followed by a try by Toby Smith on half-time, which was converted by Roberts.
Pembroke did not score again in the second half, but were by no means out of the game. Tenby, however, consolidated their win with a try by No.8 Jack Baker and a second for Jamie Williams, both of which were converted by Patrick Roberts.
At the end of play, Tenby withstood some last minute pressure from Pembroke to clear this hurdle and can now look forward to the semi-final and the fair weather of spring in which they can play some attractive rugby.
Tenby fielded: Matthew Davies, Chris Heesom, Toby Smith, Jamie Williams (capt.), Thomas Nash, James Canton, Patrick Roberts, Kiefer Thomas, Sam Ferguson, Yannic Parker, Declan Sharma, Gareth Lawrence, Andrew Evans, Jason Ronowitz, Daniel McDermott, Oliver Goldwait, Callum Baxter, Roy Osborne, Joseff Morris, Jack Baker.