Tenby United U16s, sponsored by N. D. Toy and Partners, were delighted to reach their third successive cup final, having lost in the final the previous two years.

This year, the boys were determined to succeed. However, the first 10 minutes, with Narberth kicking-off down the slope on a very uneven surface, saw Tenby under immense pressure. Welsh cap John Davies using his strength and pace proved a handful.

Narberth went close to opening the score, only for the winger to knock-on in the bottom right-hand corner. The resulting Narberth scrum saw quick ball being spun out through their backs. However, this resulted in excellent covering tackles from Ben Field-Thomas and John Fenwick.

After a nervous start, Tenby settled down and took control of the game. Outside-half Steve Handicott put in a long touch-finder from inside his own 22, taking play deep into the Narberth territory. Tenby took the lineout against the head, a ruck was set up for Lee Hope to come in at scrum-half, dummy the Narberth half-backs and stroll over from 30 yards for the opening try, which was converted by Steve Handicott to put Tenby 7-0 up after 20 minutes.

From the restart, man-of-the-match, Mike Cockburn, gained 20 metres, producing second phase ball for winger Lloyd Wilson to make a break up the left-hand touchline to be tackled 15 metres short for Tenby's impressive scrum-half, Rhys Thomas, to pick up and outpace the Narberth defence to score an excellent team try in the corner. Steve struck the upright from wide out to leave the half-time score 12-0 to Tenby.

Tenby kicked off the second period. Again Narberth took the game to Tenby, but their defence held firm. Wingers Lloyd Wilson, Richard Williams and fullback Lee Hope were outstanding.

The Tenby forwards again took control, dominating lineouts and scrums. Adam Ball, Adam Hughes and Nick Drewett were a tower in the lineouts, with Johnathon Walker throwing in exemplary.

First score of the second-half came again from a Tenby lineout, where the ball was passed to Steve Handicott who played miss-one for hard running John Fenwick to come through on the crash ball and storm through the Narberth defence to score an excellent unconverted try to make the score 17-0.

Tenby then rang the changes, with Arron Sutton, Richard May, Johnsie Lewis, Gareth Merriman, Barry John and Scott Kerrison all coming on.

A fine move by Richard Williams saw him use his pace, but he was unfortunately held up just short of the Narberth try-line.

The final try of the afternoon came from winger Scott Kerrison, showing his blistering pace to break through the Narberth defence to score an excellent individual try, which was converted by Steve Handicott to seal the match, and see Tenby run out worthy winners at 24-0.

A special mention for all the Tenby boys who have given 100 per cent all season, and for the four U15s who were in the squad and certainly did not look out of place playing up a year.

Thanks also to Narberth for an excellent game in which Tenby were made to work for their points.

Coaches Chris, John, Ben and Gethin would like to say a big thank you to all the parents and friends for their help and support throughout the year.

Squad: Marvin Thomas, Johnathon Walker, Robert Clarke, Richard May, Adam Hughes, Robbie Tuttle, Mike Cockburn, Adam Ball (capt.), Nick Drewett, Grant Rogers, Rhys Thomas, Steve Handicott, Lloyd Wilson, Ben Field-Thomas, John Fenwick, Richard Williams, Lee Hope, Arron Sutton, Barrie John, Gareth Merriman, Johnsie Lewis and Scott Kerrison.

Please note: The presentation evening will be held on June 11, at 7.30 pm, in Tenby Rugby Club.

UNDER 15s

The Under 15s have had a quiet season, attaining some early successes and falling away somewhat in mid-season, before coming back strongly, most notably with a draw at Pembroke, before finally tumbling out of the cup at the hands of Cardigan.

The season's highlight remains the outstanding display at Pembroke who, undoubtedly, are the strongest outfit around at present. The pack has built upon the solid work of last season and in Rob Clarke, Jack Lawrence and Paul Dalling have a front row comparable to any and in Ieuan Rowell a superb second row prospect who would grace any side.

Robbie Tuttle, a powerhouse in his preferred position of number eight, aided and abetted by James Davies, Tom Jones and the supporting cast of Tommy D'Ortez, Ben Messenger, Steffan Paxton and any A. N. Other we could find, have all contributed to the forward effort. Well done to you all.

Behind the piano-shifters, the piano players have had a lean time and whilst the class of Dan Colley and Jamie Robinson was sorely missed in the last match of the season, the backs have struggled for consistency. Not surprising, with the constant reshuffling of player resources, given injury and non-availability!

With the ever-presents behind the scrum, Rob Whitfield continues to give his all and rivals the 'old sledger' Clr. Mike 'Sumo' Evans in his match commentary. Oliver Morgan has delighted, frustrated and enthralled, often in the same match, sometimes in the same minute! Paul Brookes, Matt Fleming, Jamie Robinson, Bobby Briers and Matthew 'Steve' Jones have all tackled and attacked with commitment and elan.

The old cricket adage, 'a strong Yorkshire means a strong England', remains true for his team - a fit Dan Colley is vital! Alongside the above, Sam Foster and Lloyd Ayris have been flexible to provide cover for the backs, Sam struggling for form as a series of niggling injuries have frustrated his efforts this season.

You may be wondering where you are chaps. If you have got this far, stay with me. Luke Dedman, Henry Boot and the irrepressible Robert Colley Esq. have graced many a field between them this year, for the U15s. They have never looked out of place at this level and have contributed massively to the team performance - well done and thanks to you all!

Thanks also to a group of people for their sterling efforts throughout the season. Ann and Steve Clarke, organisers, purveyors of first aid and drivers. Your help has been invaluable. Vernon, Keith and Paul's mum and grandmother, thanks for your help with transport. Thanks to all for bringing and picking up from training and matches and three cheers for John Handicott and his team of helpers back at the ranch. Cheers to Greg our long-standing and suffering secretary. Thanks to all at the Cambrian for kit and continued support for junior rugby from Mr. Mike Fry. A special 'thanks' to Jaz for coming on board and helping the team; to Mr. Gethin Evans and our referees. Diolch yn fawr!

Whitland 31 pts.

Tenby 10

Tenby Swifts Under 14 completed their 2003/04 season with a consistent run into their first District Cup Final. With a decisive 22-15 win over Narberth in the semi-final stage, the team were determined to demonstrate how they had progressed this year.

Whitland had been one of the few teams to triumph over the Swifts this season and on past form we knew it wasn't going to be an easy fixture.

Tenby started well and kept the well-drilled, strong Whitland team at bay for the first 15 minutes. However, the opposition were more consistent and a couple of tries came quickly.

Tenby showed how much they had matured and kept battling, with a number of their attacking moves being held up just on the line.

The second half was a much more even tussle, with Tenby giving as good as they got, but Whitland kept up the pressure and came out deserved winners.

There were exciting plays from both sides and the vocal crowd enjoyed a fast game of rugby from this age group and the others playing their finals.

Tenby Swifts show a real team culture emerging both on and off the field, and under the continued guidance of Team Griffiths (Iwan and Simon) and the support of a growing band of parents, the 2004/05 season is eagerly anticipated.

Tenby squad: Josh Bevan, Simon Stanford, Ben Griffiths, Danny Williams, Jamie Robbins, Guto Griffiths, Sam Baker, Luke Dedman, Rob Colley, Henry Boot, Scott Helmich, Richard Jones, Huw Evans, Joe Lewis, John Pike, Iwan Lawrence, Andrew Stretton, Jamie Nicholas, Scott Davidson, Kurt Walsh, Matthew Watkins, Michael Halligan (unable to play through injury, Alex Walsh).

TENBY SWIFTS U13s 33 pts.

WHITLAND U13s 20

Marvellous! They've finally done it! After playing second fiddle to Whitland in recent contests, Tenby Swifts Under 13s are now true champions of Pembrokeshire rugby at this level.

In a magnificent match at Haverfordwest last Sunday on Finals Day, the Swifts fulfilled their potential to run out winners by 33 pts to 20 to lift the Texaco Shield at last.

The series of games between these two skilful and talented teams has been fascinating and gone to the wire on previous occasions. This time, however, Tenby got their minds right and showed true grit and determination to put the game out of reach of Whitland before the end.

Whitland are renowned for making barnstorming starts to games, but Tenby shocked them early on when wing Thomas Nash was sent away on an electrifying run for a try under the posts which outside-half Patrick Roberts had no trouble in converting. This was to be the first of 'Nashers' three tries in the match, all of which were converted by Roberts, which were complimented by a brace of tries from fellow wing Chris Heesom, one of which was converted, to complete the Tenby tally.

Following that first early try, Tenby were put under immense pressure as Whitland bombarded their line with wave after wave of attacks, which were resisted by a resolute Tenby defence for a full 20 minutes. Inevitably it seemed the Borderers would score and they crossed for an unconverted try in the corner to narrow the gap.

However, the Swifts immediately struck back when Nash scored his second just before half-time, again with Roberts converting.

So it was 14-5 to Tenby at the break, with it all to play for.

Almost immediately from the restart, speedy wing Chris Heesom was put away to race over for a converted try. That gave the Swifts something of a comfort zone of 21-5, but the fight had not gone out of Whitland as they struck back when big forward Owen Davies crashed over in the corner.

The Tenby riposte was yet another Thomas Nash try to complete his hat-trick, once again converted by the surefire boot of Roberts. 28-10 it was then with 15 minutes to go.

Still no time to rest on their laurels as the Swifts quickly found out when Oliver Davies yet again forced his way over in the corner.

The game was put to bed, however, when Chris Heesom once again used his pace and elusive qualities to race away for his second with five minutes left on the clock. Surely that score would do it for Tenby. It did, although Whitland in their death throes did cross for their fourth and final unconverted try at the close.

At last, the final whistle and euphoria for the victors, Tenby Swifts - 2004 Champions!

It had been a hard, clean fought final and Whitland were gracious in their defeat, as had Tenby been the previous year. Undoubtedly, the next time these teams meet there will be a battle royal where the Borderers will attempt to turn the tables, but one thing is sure, they cannot turn back the clock on this one.

For the Swifts, Matthew Davies played an important role with his resolute defence and his ability to join in the attack. Captain Jamie Williams played the modern role of a centre, with his strength of running complemented by his ball winning capacity in maul situations. Toby Smith, his co-centre, again was a brick wall in defence and his distribution of the ball to the wings utilised overlap situations.

Patrick Roberts, in addition to his goal kicking abilities, has developed into a fine pivot and ensures the threequarter-line gets moving. James Canton grabbed his opportunities well and relished the intensity of the cup final atmosphere. In addition to his quick service, he made a vital try-saving tackle at a point in the game when a score for Whitland looked ominous.

The wings were a revelation and Whitland asked opponents where these 'secret weapons' had been hidden in previous encounters! Both Thomas Nash and Chris Heesom are flyers and were brought into play with judicious passing in this game, but in addition used their outstanding natural abilities to create their own opportunities and score tries.

The pack was immense. Without the ball, the speedy backs can do nothing and each and every forward gave his all in this game. Boys who have had the potential came of age and delivered the goods when it counted. Sam Ferguson showed why he has become first choice loose-head for the District with his strength in the tight and driving,play in the loose, both of which aspects were prominent in this game. Yannic Parker, at hooker, another District first choice, played with his usual aggression and commitment and inevitably made ground on receiving the ball from the kick-off. His direct running took him through the heart of the Whitland defence on numerous occasions and on one nearly went all the way for a try. Andrew Evans played his best game for the club at tight-head, using his size and strength to considerable effect in this new position for him.

Danny McDermott was another forward who rose to the occasion, both in the lineout (literally) and in the ruck and mauls. He and the strong Jason Ronowitz swamped their much-fancied opponents with some abrasive forward play in the boilerhouse of the scrum, and with tight forwards like these the platform for the team seems assured for seasons to come.

The back row trio of Roy Osbourne, Joseff Morris and Jack Baker are an athletic unit who combined their ball-winning and tackling strengths with handling in the loose skills and hounded the Whitland backs to oblivion. In all, it was a massive performance and they can be proud of themselves.

When the game was in the bag, the substitutes entered the fray and we thank them for their patience and commitment. Callum Baxter went on the wing, while Oliver Goldwait, Declan Sharma, Robert Jones and Gareth Lawrence slotted into the pack. All those mentioned players did well, albeit for a limited period at the end, but without their back-up the squad cannot function as a whole unit and they will have enjoyed their cup final appearance, immensely.

Two squad members were injured for this match, namely Kiefer Thomsom and Rhys Winter, and we can be assured they will be raring to go at the start of next season.

So that's it folks. A highly successful season completed with the icing on the cake of the cup. Coaches Steve Williams and Tim Roberts are pleased with the way the boys have trained and developed and the parents can be proud of them.

Many thanks go to Ian Morris for his dedicated work from the touchline and to Greg Davies for organising fixtures throughout the season. We also appreciate the continued support of the loyal parents/supporters and for their understanding in sometimes difficult selection decisions. We can now enjoy the summer break and come back together in September for the new season refreshed and keen in the knowledge that we have a good squad of skilful players to carry on the good work.

Tenby fielded: Matthew Davies, Thomas Nash, Jamie Williams (capt.), Toby Smith, Chris Heesom, Patrick Roberts, James Canton, Sam Ferguson, Yannic Parker, Andrew Evans, Daniel McDermott, Jason Ronawitz, Roy Osbourne, Jack Baker, Joseff Morris.

Subs: Callum Baxter, Oliver Goldwait, Declan Sharma, Robert Jones, Gareth Lawrence.

Tenby Utd. U9s 9 tries

Furnace U9s 1

Tenby's U9s brought their season to a rousing climax on Sunday as they turned in one of their best performances of the season against visiting Furnace.

From the first whistle, the Seasiders looked to use the wide-open spaces offered to them on the Heywood Lane pitch and despite missing several first team regulars, scored some outstanding tries that silenced the large band of visiting supporters.

Skippering the team after his fine showing the previous week against Waunarlwydd, Ryan Lewis opted to kick-off. Immediately, the visitors were put on the back foot by some aggressive defence, the skipper leading his team-mates by example.

The pressure told within two minutes of the start, Corey Morris seizing on turnover ball before setting off on a run that outfoxed the visiting defences and saw him dive over in the corner. Shortly after, he had to leave the field after a nasty blow to the mouth and in the brief confusion that followed, Furnace pulled level.

From then on, however, the home side took the game by the scruff of the neck, powerful runners combining well with the team's speedsters to score several well-constructed tries and showing good continuity at breakdown situations.

Leading the way in the try stakes, as he has done all season, was Dan Fairlie, who relished the wide pitch and excellent playing conditions, crossing for another hat-trick of scores. Dan has been the top scorer for the side throughout the season, but has been fortunate to build on the excellent work done by the rest of the side.

It was fitting that nearly every player managed to get on the score sheet, Callum Weakley picking up a brace of tries which were well deserved for his direct running. On a number of occasions the visitors seemed to have brought him to a halt, but he managed to evade their grasp and cross for the score.

Equally powerful was Jordan Jones, who has proved to be invaluable to the team in maul situations, ripping the ball away and often securing turnovers from which the Seasiders could prosper. His score on the day was also well deserved for the effort he has put in.

Toby Rossiter has improved throughout the season and is now showing real aggression in the contact situation as well as having a good turn of pace. He too picked up a well-worked try.

The scoring was completed by the ever-reliable Jake Vickery who ran strongly throughout the game and used his strength well to cross for a score.

Only captain Ryan Lewis failed to get on the score sheet, but his contribution throughout the game was significant, having put in a series of crunching tackles that set the visitors on the back foot and never allowed them to gain momentum. He will be delighted with the way his first game as skipper went.

This was a fitting end to an outstanding season for the Under 9s. With the exception of the Neyland tournament, they have not lost a game throughout the season, a record that very few sides would be able to boast. Next season will be one of even harder work as the boys begin to get to grips with scrummaging and lineouts, but if they remain committed and train hard, they can look forward to even more success.