The Seasiders were away to second-placed Gorseinon in a National League division three west game last Saturday. With the pitch very heavy under foot, the playing conditions were difficult. There was also a very strong wind behind the home side as they kicked off, and they were on the scoresheet after just 10 minutes, when speedy winger Matthew Stoneham crossed for a try, with outside-half Darren Wilcox converting. Tenby were fighting hard against the wind and a very heavy Gorseinon pack, with Alex Watt and centre Mark Heywood making strong runs on the counter. Their efforts eventually resulted in a penalty, which Scott McLaughlin kicked for the three points. The Seasiders' forwards continued to give their all, with Paul Broaders, Anthony Griffiths and Robert James all making vital tackles, but it was Gorseinon who increased their lead with a try from Wilcox. From the restart, Gorseinon gathered the ball and made inroads into the Tenby half. Good tackling by Neil Powling, Dai Merrick and Adele Davids stopped them in their tracks, but the ball managed to slip out of a ruck, with a good pass finding winger Stoneham who ran into the corner for his second. Just before half-time, Tenby pulled a try back. Good driving from Nicky Guymer, Scott Payne, Wyndham Williams and Broaders saw the ball slipped through to Harry Bolton, who ran on a few yards before passing to Griffiths, who beat two players to score a great try. With the home side leading 17-8 at half-time, Tenby kicked-off after the break and were soon pressing forward, trying to grab a second try. However, the Seasiders' pressure failed to pay off, as Gorseinon notched up a fourth try through prop Gareth Simms. Tenby coach, Gareth Thomas, then made some substitutions, with Johnny Lain replacing Simon Griffiths, who had a badly cut head, and Andrew Davies coming on for Will Crockford. The Seasiders continued to play some good rugby in the heavy conditions, with Merrick, Watt and McLaughlin all pushing for tries, but when the final whistle blew, it was Gorseinon who came away with a hard earned 22-8 victory. Tenby United team: Alex Watt, Dai Merrick (Dan Shooter), Mark Heywood, Neil Powling, Adele Davids, Scott McLaughlin, Will Crockford (Andrew Davies), Scott Payne, Nicky Guymer, Simon Griffiths (Johnny Lain), Wyndham Williams, Paul Broaders, Rob James, Harry Bolton (Justin Richards), Anthony Griffiths.
