Following an interesting and eventful visit to Neyland, the Swifts embarked on their Remembrance Day visit to Pembroke. As usual, a warm welcome awaited and the ever-growing band of supporters awaited the game with anticipation. Both Tenby and Pembroke sides were evenly sized and when the game kicked-off, play was soon moving from end to end. The forwards are demonstrating their power in the scrums, and becoming a tight-knit unit and, in fact, it is now difficult to single out individual players. On reflection, Scott Helmich probably just pipped any of the other lads in providing the performance of the day. The other forwards worked tirelessly and chased everything that moved. Hard fought for ball made Sam Baker engineer passes out to Josh Bevan from some difficult situations. The game was evenly played up to half-time, when team coaches started making some tactical changes. Unfortunately, Josh received a knee injury, forcing a substitution, with Guto Griffiths stepping into the outside-half position. Other changes brought Jamie Nicholas on to the turf and, in a Shanklin like turn of play, three tries were scored in quick succession, the most memorable coming from a chip kick from Jamie Robbins. The tide had turned and what had been a very close game swung to Tenby's advantage. In conclusion, the game proved to be the best performance by the Swifts this season, and will provide a launching pad to better things as they head towards Christmas. The lads still demonstrate enthusiasm, whatever the final score, and team morale and behaviour continues to be a credit to the boys, coaches and parents. Sincere thanks to the referee who kept the game moving, with explanations and, more importantly, a tight control of the sporting way in which the game should be played. The points scorers were Jamie Nicholas, three tries, Luke Dedman, two tries, Guto Griffiths, one try and three conversions. Squad: Sam Baker, Josh Bevan, Henry Boot, Scott Davidson, Luke Dedman, Ben Griffiths, Guto Griffiths, Michael Halligan, Scott Helmich, Richard Jones, Iwan Lawrence, Joe Lewis, Ryan Lewis, Jamie Nicholas, John Pike, Jamie Robbins, Simon Stanford, Andrew Stretton, Alex Walsh, Kurt Walsh, Danny Williams.
TENBY SWIFTS U14s 76 pts. Pontyates nil
Tenby Swifts U14s went on the road for the first time this term on Remembrance Sunday to the Scarlets hinterland of Pontyates. The Swifts haven't had much rugby in the last few weeks, but they clicked into gear from the kick-off, as if they had never been away. Twelve tries were scored, eight of which were converted and a clean sheet was maintained against plucky opponents who came back strongly in the second half. Jamie Williams scored a try in the first minute to set the tone and followed with two further tries in the game. Thomas Nash was next to cross the line minutes later and he followed with three more to complete a personal tally of four. Other tries were scored by Jack Baker, Matthew Davies, Yannic Parker, Jason Ronowitz and Toby Smith, with Patrick Roberts converting six and Jack Guerrerio and Toby Smith one apiece. It was an all-round team performance of outstanding skill, with the forwards handling, driving and rucking in unstoppable fashion and the backs showing speed and flair in their passing movements. Unusually, Chris Heesom did not cross the line, but was his usual dynamic self in attack. Rhys Winter made his first appearance on the field this season and was also unlucky not to score in the corner. He can be pleased at his performance, however, which included a brave tackle on a much bigger opponent. Kiefer Thomson was like a terrier snapping behind the heels of the pack and once again turned in a fiesty performance. In the pack, Robert Jones and Gareth Lawrence shared the loose head berth in the scrum and proved that they are both solid competitors in tight and loose. Tight-head prop Andrew Evans played a robust match until he left the field, while hooker Yannic Parker was abrasive and direct in his approach and contribution. Big locks Daniel McDermott and Jason Ronowitz won plenty of ball and made impressive yards in the forward rushes. The back row played on a rotational basis, with the four outstanding players, Jack Baker, Joseff Morris, Roy Osborne and Patrick Roberts, all taking their turns. They all have different attributes which complement each other and make up an outstanding balance which ever combination is used. A thoroughly statisfying win was therefore recorded and the Swifts now look forward to the run-in towards Christmas with some tough games, with local rivals the Quins from Pembroke Dock next on the fixture list this Sunday. Tenby fielded: Matthew Davies (capt), Thomas Nash, Jamie Williams, Toby Smith, Chris Heesom, Rhys Winter, Jack Guerrerio, Kiefer Thomson, Robert Jones, Gareth Lawrence, Yannic Parker, Andrew Evans, Daniel McDermott, Jason Ronowitz, Roy Osborne, Patrick Roberts, Jack Baker and Joseff Morris.
TENBY U12s 17 PEMBROKE U 12s 14
The boys were away to Pembroke this week and produced a good performance, considering it was only their second game. Tenby started off well, with Loui going on a run down the flank before passing inside to Rob, with support from Bonser who attacked Pembroke's backs and gained good ground. with Forwards Ryan and Cai formed a ruck, from which Deri fed Curtis, who passed out to Alex for a run at Pembroke. Pembroke defended their try-line well, however, and after holding up Rob under the posts, turned Tenby over with a good break down the wing to cross for a try and make it 7-0. Tenby restarted by kicking deep for the backs of Beef and Jimmy to chase, with Phill in support. Forwards Ieuan, Aron and Ieuan had a couple of good runs, before Aron eventually crossed Pembroke's line to reduce the deficit to 5-7. Half-time came and so did some fresh legs, with Dan for Ryan and Ross, Aled and Sam. Curtis kicked-off the second half and Pembroke made a good start, with Pat and Sam having to make some hard tackles. Eventually, Pembroke broke through the Tenby defence of Ross and Connor to grab another touchdown and make the score 14-5 in their favour. Tenby needed to turn the game around and so they did, with a great try by Alex, closing the gap to 14-10, There was a lot of good passing through the ranks between Beef, Colwyn, Curtis and Ross, who was unlucky to come up against a brick wall. However, Curtis finally breached the Pembroke defence to make the final score 17-14 to Tenby. Well done. Man-of-the-match: Alex -good running.
PEMBROKE U8s 2 tries TENBY U8s 8 Tenby Under 8s travelled to Pembroke last Sunday and received a warm welcome on a fine, but cold day, from Pembroke RFC and coach Jan Hart. The game started with each team sporting seven players, all bouncing with enthusiasm (which helped to keep them warm) and raring to go. Tenby captain William Lewis lost the toss, which gave Pembroke the kick-off. The match got off to a fine start, with Tenby gathering the ball via Ben Jones and, after a series of tackles, ended with Archie John running in for the game's first try. From the kick-off, Tenby regained possession, and with Richard Lewis, Morgan Scourfield, Ethan and young Donovan accurately marking the opposition, Archie John was able to run-in another two tries. Pembroke then put together some excellent spells, with Romi Martin crossing for a try just before half-time. Ben Jones started the second half for Tenby and regained possession thanks to the efforts of Meg, Louis, Lauren and Donovan, which enabled Ben to cross for the first of his two tries. Pembroke responded well, with Romi Martin crossing for her second try of the day. Tenby's excellent teamwork enabled Archie John to run-in a further three tries, making the final score Tenby 8 Pembroke 2.