The first game was against the Droitwich District side, played at Blakedown, which Tenby won 4-2, with goals from Bobby Briers (3), and Matthew Fleming.
After the game, the squad travelled on to their accommodation at the log cabin in Earlswood, near Solihull. The boys unpacked and set out their stalls for a 'sleepless night' before travelling on to 'The Hollywood Bowl' for an evening meal and bowling.
The second game on the morning of day two was against Ulverley Hawks, which Tenby won 8-2, with goals from Oliver Morgan (3), Ashley Prior (2), Phil Lewis, Bobby Briers and Matthew Jones.
Ben Messenger unfortunately missed a penalty, which would have been his first goal of the season. Unlucky Ben.
After the match, it was off into Solihull for the obligatory McDonalds and sweet shopping in Woolies, before travelling on to Longbridge for the 4 pm match against Austin Sports.
Tenby lost this 6-3, with their goals coming from David Jones, Ashley Prior and Bobby Briers. It was unfortunate for them to lose this game, but it was their second encounter in the space of only a few hours, and coupled with the all-night 'party' from the boys the night before, they were understandably tired, although the commitment on the pitch did not reflect this.
The boys enjoyed a buffet meal provided by Austin Sports, before travelling on to the UGC Cinema to watch 'Spy Kids,' then back to the cabin for a relatively quiet night. I wonder why?
Day three started with chief toast-maker Ashley Prior keeping it coming thick and fast, leaving the rest of the boys to design a new flooring pattern for the cabin of cornflakes, sugar and milk!
Everybody packed, then it was off to the stadium of Alvechurch FC to play the final game against Hunt End Rangers FC. Tenby were very much on song again and ran out as 5-1 winners, with goals from Jack Lawrence, Bobby Briers, Matthew Fleming, Jamie Robinson and David Jones.
It was Jack's turn to miss a penalty this time, but the 'miss of the tour' award must surely go to David Jones who outran the Hunt End defence, rounded the 'keeper, and having done all the hard work, with the empty net glaring him in the face, he fired his shot into the advertising hoarding! We'll allow you that one Dave.
After the game, the party set off for home via McDonalds in Merthyr.
All the games were played in a lovely sporting manner, with club pennants being exchanged prior to each game, and Tenby certainly made a name for themselves in the Midlands, through their sportsmanship, good humour, and most of all, the quality of their football.
Grateful thanks are extended to Richard, Kim and Lauren Ades, Tenby AFC's Birmingham co-ordinators, for organising the full tour itinerary and ensuring everything ran smoothly. Also thanks to Vernon and Ann Lawrence, and to Mark Harries for all their help throughout. Without you three, Steve wouldn't have enjoyed his lay-in each morning! Consider yourself privileged to have experienced sleeping with Steve, Mark!
Finally, the Under 12s manager, Steve Briers, would like to extend grateful thanks to all the sponsors of the tour, namely the band members of Brewster for the fund-raising gig in the Three Mariners; Ian Davies, of Securicam; Keith and Lisa May, of the Three Mariners; Norman Hanlon; Emma from the Belgrave Hotel; and to Tenby AFC. Your help has been much appreciated.
The squad members who embarked on the tour were as follows: Danny Harries, Ieuan Rowell, David Saunders, Oliver Morgan, Matthew Fleming, Jack Lawrence, Jamie Robinson, Matthew Jones, Bobby Briers, David Jones, Ashley Prior, Ben Messenger, Phil Lewis, Damian Walters and Ashley Murdoch.