On Sunday, February 24, Tenby AFC U15s played a further match in their quest for the Lions Clubs International Cup with a home game against Clarbeston Road U15s. These two teams, both from our Pembrokeshire League had avoided each other until the last match in the district, and so were playing for the District Cup. Clarbeston Road had beaten opponents from England in a previous match, while Tenby had overcome teams from Llantwit Major and from Frome in Somerset. Not surprisingly, considering the recent weather, the Clicketts had some wet patches which made things a little unpredictable at times, but both teams were keen to overcome their rivals. Tenby came out strongly against notoriously slow- starting Clarbeston Road, and the Clarby boys seemed particularly lacking in sharpness as Tenby went off to a three goal lead during the first 20 minutes. However, Clarby struck back with a goal before half-time, and came out after the break looking more like themselves. A second Clarbeston Road goal gave them more heart, and for a few minutes it was on the cards that they would equalise, and then it would be anybodys game. With 20 minutes to go, however, Tenby stopped them in their tracks with a fourth goal, and the Clarby lads looked crestfallen, having worked so hard to get themselves back into the match. They didn't stay down for long, though, and made it 4-3 with still plenty of time to go, ensuring a nervy last few minutes for Tenby and their supporters. That's the way it stayed, though, with Tenby running out as slightly unexpected winners. Both teams and their supporters travelled over to the Giltar Hotel for refreshments after the game, and Tenby were presented with the District Cup - their first silverware from the Lions ccompetition. Their next game in this event will be against Dover Athletic U15s, which due to the distance involved will be staged at Highworth near Swindon. Provisional date for this game is either March 18 or 25, and has yet to be finalised between the two managers. Tenby Lions Club would like to thank Steve Brown and Clarbeston Road U15s, and Charles Davies and the Tenby AFC U15s for a competitive and entertaining game, and the Giltar Hotel and staff for generously providing the refreshments and the venue for the after-match presentations.
