Tenby Under 15s were delighted to reach the final of the Pembrokeshire Cup this season. Unfortunately, Sunday, May 4, was not to be their day, when they lost to their counterparts from Aber 15-0.
Although conceding three tries, they were by no means outplayed. In fact, the Tenby boys had threequarters of the possession, but to be fair to Aber, their defence throughout was outstanding, they took their chances well, and they were worthy winners on the day.
Tenby, obviously disappointed, can be proud of their achievements this season, with some outstanding performances home and away.
The squad this season included front row Marvin Thomas, Jonathon Walker and Arron Sutton, who formed a formidable unit; in the boilerhouse were Adam Hughes and Robbie Tuttle, who showed great strength and did sterling work, while the back row of Mike Coburn, Grant Roger and Adam Ball were an exceptional unit, with special mention of captain Nick Drewitt, who played in very position in the pack.
The team was lucky this year to have a choice of three exceptional scrum-halves in Lee Hope, Rhys Thomas and Ollie Morgan, while Steve Handicott controlled things well at number 10, and centres Ben Field-Thomas, John Fenwick and Lloyd Wilson showed their undoubted class.
Wingers Scott Kerrison, Barrie John, Gareth Merriman and Richard Williams (who is wished a speedy recovery from an injury that has been troubling him for some time), and fullbacks Jonathan Lewis (also winger), Andrew Lawrence and Daniel Colley all gave 100 per cent.
The end of the season has now been reached and the coaches would like to thank all involved with transport, week in week out support, the ladies for teas and coffees, Chris Fairly for after-match refreshments, and Stuart at the club.
The boys can be proud of themselves this season; they are a credit to themselves and Tenby United RFC, on and off the pitch. Chris, John, Ben and Gethin - thanks to all, there has been a lot of enjoyment this season. See you at the presentation night.
TENBY SWIFTS U12s nil WHITLAND U12s 10 pts.
Well, avid readers, it was not to be! The cup eluded our magnificent Swifts by a hair's breadth last Sunday on a blustery Finals Day at Haverfordwest. Are Tenby always to be bridesmaids and never the bride? On this performance I think not, but it was the Green and Whites that snatched the honours with three minutes left on the clock!
The day started full of promise when the squad gathered at Heywood Lane. There was a buzz of excitement and an air of quiet confidence mixed with knowledge that they faced the team with whom they have vied for top slot over the years. The squad were presented with club ties by Matt Goldwait, of the Pam Pam restaurant, who was our kind sponsor, (much appreciated Matt, many thanks) and they looked the business as they set off in their new ties and white shirts to meet their fate.
The game itself was so evenly balanced as it swept from end to end that one would have been hard put even with five minutes to go to pick a winner. Then it happened! When it looked as if the game would go to extra-time as in the previous meeting, Whitland were awarded a penalty near the Tenby line following an intense rearguard action by the Swifts. Somehow, after a ruck, the ball came back on the Whitland side and they managed to squeeze in at the corner. That was to be the telling score.
There was little time left for Tenby to recover, but an all out attack was launched and as is so often the case when these do or die situations exist a counter-attack is on the cards. It happened here and Whitland scored another right on the final whistle. That was that! The final whistle sounded and a physically and emotionally drained Tenby team had to be content with the runners-up position.
Everyone present was immensely impressed with the performance of both sides and this fixture promises to be the match to watch in Pembrokeshire rugby circles for years to come. The players have developed well this season in making the transition to the 15-a-side game and on Sunday the whole team played superbly.
Matthew Davies at fullback was rock-like in defence and made some bone-crunching tackles. The threequarter line of Toby Smith, Chris Heesom, Joe Kidney and James Canton tested their opponents to the end in an evenly-matched backline contest.
Half-backs Jamie Williams and Kiefer Thomson outplayed their county opponents in both attack and defence. The back row of Joseff Morris, Yannic Parker and Patrick Roberts were immense, tackling everything that moved and taking the ball on in the loose.
The second row of Daniel McDermott, Oliver Goldwait and later on Andrew Evans were fired up and took plenty of ball from their much-fancied opponents. The front row of Jack Baker, Robert Jones and Sam Ferguson tore into the opposition and gave and asked no quarter.
Declan Sharma and Gareth Lawrence, who came on in the second half, did likewise. Unfortunately, two subs did not get on the park in this game, namely Rhys Winter and Callum Baxter, but their day will come as they are the newest members of the squad and are developing nicely.
Sixteen games have been played this season, with 13 wins and just3three losses and those were close affairs. 388pts scored, yes 388pts have been scored by the Swifts, with just 85pt against them. Some record you must agree? That averages out as 23-5 per game!
It shows that these boys are not only a potent attacking force - but can also defend like demons!
Coaches Steve Williams and Tim Roberts are pleased with the way the team has developed and would like to thank both the boys and their parents for their support. Particular thanks go to Ian Morris for his dedicated work with the magic sponge and to the ladies who have helped out with the sausages back at the club.
So, the end is here and we look forward to summer with a well deserved rest from rugby, but I am sure these Swifts will turn their attentions to other sports, be it cricket, tennis, surfing or even tiddly-winks - their competitiveness and skills will mean success at whatever they choose. Keep fit boys and we'll see you in September.