Tenby Under 9s played Haverfordwest away on Sunday. Both teams fielded 10 players and straight from the whistle Haverfordwest looked ready for the challenge as Tenby had narrowly beaten them at home on The Clicketts at the start of the Season. It was clear that the home team had been training hard and their tackling and defence were very strong. Tenby did not appear to be as fired up and couldn't get into the game. Even though they had the majority of the possession, they couldn't make ground. Haverfordwest made better use of their possession and with some missed tackles it wasn't long before Haverfordwest ran in their first try. Other than the odd little run, Tenby just couldn't make ground and Haverfordwest tackled well, preventing any attacks through their defensive line. Minutes later, Haverfordwest once again took advantage of Tenby's lacklustre defence and scored their second try. Tenby pushed on and just before the half-time whistle sounded, team captain Elliott Williams ran down the right wing, taking several Haverfordwest players with him. He was brought down on the touchline, but managed to pop the ball up for Ryan Price, who cut back across the pitch towards the left wing. Haverfordwest, now stretched, couldn't then stop the next pass to Joshua Lewis, who once again showed a clean pair of heels to score Tenby's first and only try. The second half saw Tenby start to get into the game, but it was too little too late. Haverfordwest continued to remain solid in defence and battled forward at every opportunity. Both teams were now more evenly matched and, even though Tenby poured on the pressure before the final whistle in search of an equaliser, Haverfordwest ran out deserved winners, by two tries to one. Joshua Lewis was named the Ashmole man-of-the-match for the second time this season for both his attacking and defensive play, having made some crucial tackles which kept the Haverfordwest score down.
TENBY U11s 22 pts. HAVERFORDWEST U11s 34
Tenby Under 11s travelled to Haverfordwest on Sunday knowing that they would be facing a tough encounter, having gone down to the Blues by nine tries to four earlier in the season. For much of the game there was nothing to separate the two teams. When Tenby were able to suck the home side into a mauling game, their great strength and determination seemed to give them the upper-hand. However, the home side looked to move the ball wide at every opportunity and when they did, their pacy backs caused all sorts of problems. And it was this extra pace in the Blues' backs that proved to be the major difference between the two teams, with all the home team's tries coming from deep or turnovers. The Tenby forwards, who have grown in presence and stature with every game, put in another sterling performance. From the start, they worked as a cohesive unit, showing excellent work-rate, commitment and endeavour. Unfortunately, Tenby lost a key player early on when Cameron was forced to leave the field with a shoulder injury, but the rest of the pack rallied round. Captain for the day, Dylan, led the boys well, driving into the heart of the Blues' defence on countless occasions. He was ably supported by Jack, who covered acres of ground, putting in big hits as the Blues tried to gain momentum. Matthew worked tirelessly around the maul area, dispossessing the home team on a number of occasions, as did James, who was rewarded for all his hard graft with a try. Special mention must go to man-of-the-match Rob, whose presence and work-rate were an inspiration. Joe's elusive running and low centre of gravity saw him cross the whitewash for two tries. Elliot played with pace and skill, with the added facet of a useful boot to aid Tenby in time of threat. David Duckworth, solid in defence, made a number of probing runs. Ben played with composure and verve. David Dunfee made his usual incursions into the line from full-back and showed his pace and class to score an excellent individual effort. This was a compelling encounter and, despite the result, was a tightly fought contest. It is plain to all those who regularly watch the boys that they are developing into a hardworking and skilful unit - keep up the good work, because a big win is just around the corner. Tenby fielded: Cameron Wood, Dylan Griffin (capt.), Jack Butler, Robert Luly, James Oakley, Matthew Lewis, Joe Dennis, Elliot Randall, David Dunfee, David Duckworth, Ben Thomas. Coaches - Myrddin Dennis and Dave Randall.