TENBY UTD YOUTH 18 pts. CRYMYCH YOUTH 13
On December 22, Tenby Youth, sponsored by PRL Plant Hire, entertained their counterparts from Crymych who were unbeaten this season. Prior to kick-off, one minute's silence was observed in respect of former Youth coach and ex Tenby player and fixture secretary, Peter Cray. Tenby started proceedings, kicking off in ideal conditions, and immediately the forwards showed their intentions for the night - the boys were certainly up for this one. The Tenby eight were a formidable unit, who laid the foundations for an excellent and worthy victory. The first points of the evening came from a penalty by Adam Ball after 15 minutes of constant Tenby pressure, with Crymych holding firm for the initial period.. From the restart Crymych regained possession and were awarded a penalty, which was converted from 30 metres to level the scores. Responding, Tenby stepped up their game, with outside-half Steve Handicott kicking to the corners to set up good field position for the forwards to exploit. The home eight were working very hard and the effort paid off with an unconverted try from prop Rob Clarke just before half-time. The score at the interval was 8-3, with Tenby not really making the most of the opportunities that they had created. Crymych kicked off and straightaway gained possession on the 10-metre line. A huge up and under caused trouble and a mix-up led to their centre running in to score a try under the posts, which surprisingly went unconverted, leaving the scores at 8-8. Shocked by this opening blitz, Tenby bounced straight back and openside flanker Grant Rogers was the next to score a vital touchdown in the corner, putting the home side deservedly back in front at 13-8. Threequarters David Otten, BFT, Ross McKenzie, Sion Jenkins and fullback Dan Colley were all awesome in defence as Crymych attempted to get more points on the scoreboard. In the final 20 minutes there were opportunities for both sides to close the game out, but resolute defending kept the scores at 13-8, with both teams giving it their all. Home captain Alex Jenkins led from the front with an excellent display and made big inroads into the Crymych defence. With 10 minutes to go and following a drive by the forwards deep into Crymych territory, the ball was quickly spun out across the line and a miss-pass put Dan Colley into the corner for what turned out to be the match-winning try. To their credit, Crymych did not give up and hit back in the very last minute with an unconverted try in the corner which left Tenby running out worthy winners 18-13 in a highly entertaining match. Special mention should be made of forwards Paul Woods, Robert Clarke, Rob Tuttle and back row forwards Alex Jenkins and Adam Ball. Of the backs, the pick were scorer Dave Otton and Ross McKenzie Tenby fielded: Marvin Thomas, Paul Woods, Rob Clarke, Mike Cockburn, Rob Tuttle, Alex Jenkins, capt., Adam Ball, Grant Rogers, Rhys Thomas, Steve Handicott, BFT, Dave Otton, Ross McKenzie, Nick Davies, Dan Colley, Luke Deadman, Craig Mcghee, James Davies, Jamie Marden, Nick Griffiths, Gareth Merriman, John Fenwick, Jonah Lewis. Next game is this (Friday) evening at Fishguard, kick-off 7.15 pm.