TENBY UNITED 11

After two defeats already this season at the hands of local rivals and league leading Haverfordwest, once at Heywood Lane in the league and again at Merlins Bridge in the Swalec Plate, Coastal Cottages sponsored Tenby Utd 1st XV went into Saturday's Division Three West fixture as firm underdogs.

The mood in training all week leading up to this fixture had been one of confidence and excitement for the Seasiders as they went into the game on the back of two massive league wins, both against teams at the top end of the table. The two earlier matches against the Blues were long forgotten and the belief in themselves and each other meant the United were looking forward to showing the critics and other sides in the division that the are as good as any of them.

With the Haverfordwest pitch resembling a freshly ploughed field, it was clear that it wasn't going to be a feast of free running rugby, which would surely suit the Seasiders, as the Blues are known for their sharp backline more so than for pack power, whereas the United are as equally confident up front as they are behind.

Tenby received the kick-off and immediately showed their intent on taking the Blues pack on, hitting straight into the heart of the home side through Sam Smith, who took the ball from catcher Richard Rossiter and made it into the Haverfordwest half before being brought to ground. The ever-present Nicky Guymer was on his shoulder to secure the ruck ball, along with Geoffrey Martin and Jonny Palmer, ensuring the home side couldn't get near scrum-half Jason Scarfe as he let the United backs go, with Toby Smith throwing a pass out wide for Jack Guerreiro to run down the line, only to be bundled into touch near the 22.

At the lineout, Luke Dedman stole the Blues throw-in, as he and second row Pat Elliot did on many occasions throughout the game.

The fact that Haverfordwest couldn't get any ball saw them get frustrated and they gave away an early penalty, which Tom Turbo Lewis slotted over to give the Seasiders the lead.

The first half was completely controlled by the United, dominating the scrummage and lineout, forcing turnovers at each, and bossing the forward-orientated battle.

The Seasiders, having faced Haverfordwest twice already this season, knew the dangers of their talented backline and each time the Blues did get possession, they were stopped in their tracks by solid midfield defence, with Dai Meyrick, Sion Brace, Toby Smith and Jack Guerreiro cutting down their space and delivering some huge game-changing tackles.

The back row of Luke Dedman, Richard Rossiter and Sam Smith, along with the tight five of Martin, Guymer, Palmer, Elliot and Britts, all worked well together in attack and defence, ensuring that hard-working scrum-half Scarfe was able to take the ball on himself or get it wide to 'Turbo', who dictated well with ball in hand and with his positional and tactical kicking.

It was through the relentless Seasiders pressure that the only try of the half came. An excellent effort by the United pack shoved the Blues off their put-in at the scrum and Scarfe got the ball to Lewis, who saw that the Haverfordwest winger was up flat and that the fullback was missing in action, and cleverly chipped the ball over the winger for flanker Rossiter to chase. Rossiter gathered and drew in the defending players before slipping the ball to speedste Simon Stanford who was confident in his pace and went outside a Blues player and hurtled in from the 22 for a well-applauded score, which was out of reach for the conversion, but gave Tenby a well-deserved eight-nil lead.

The United threatened to score on many other occasions during the half, with Sam Smith, Britts, Meyrick and Martin all sniffing out the whitewash, but strong Blues defence managed to keep them out each time.

However, frustration again reared its ugly head for Haverfordwest, allowing Thomas Lewis to give the Seasiders a half-time lead of 11 points to nil.

The second half went much the same way, with the league leaders completely shellshocked and outgunned up front and behind. Tenby were again dominant in the linesout and the scrummage, despite playing up the hill and the desperate home side giving it everything they had.

Alarm bells sounded for the Seasiders, though, on 42 minutes when the Blues managed to cross for an early try, which was successfully converted to cut the deficit to four, but the brave Tenby side defended their line with superb tackling from one to 15.

And what's more, despite running up hill in ankle deep mud, they continued to play some expansive rugby and frightened the home side on the odd occasion through hard-running from Meyrick, the Smith brothers, Guymer and Stanford.

Sion Brace also stood out in a tough game and knocked many a Blues attacker over, despite cracking a rib at the beginning of the second half.

With everyone giving 110 per cent to make sure Tenby held on to their narrow lead, fresh legs were brought on in the form of Rob Fairlie, replacing Jonny Palmer, flanker Iliaisa Torau on for the outstanding stalwart Richard Rossiter, Greg Lees Griffiths on in the backs and Wyndham 'War Horse' Williams coming on to give Pat Elliot a well-earned rest in the boilerhouse.

The Seasiders really showed character in the last 10 minutes and managed to keep out the high-flying Blues, despite being reduced to 13 men after the referee got a bit excited by flashing his yellow card at two forwards for being a little too determined in defending their line and the lead.

Neverthless, it meant Geoff Martin had an extra 10 minutes to get into costume and character ahead of the fancy dress buffet and disco being held that night by the Supporters Club at the Upper Frog Street HQ!

Tenby held on, minus two of the troops, and ran out deserved winners by 11 points to seven. It was a huge scalp for the United, who have now beaten three of the top four teams in the division and look forward to their next league game, which is on March 3, when they welcome Newcastle Emlyn to Heywood Lane.

Supporters are urged to go along and cheer the boys on and to be a part of this new exciting chapter in Tenby United's history. If the last four games are anything to go by, you won't be disappointed.

There is a game tomorrow (Saturday) at Heywood Lane when the Seasiders welcome old rivals Narberth to Tenby in a friendly game which is sure to excite supporters.

Kick-off is at 2.30 pm and there will be refreshments available courtesy of Lorraine, Janet and co of the TURFC Supporters Club.

Tenby fielded: Sion Brace, Simon Stanford, Dai Meyrick, Toby Smith, Jack Guerreiro (Greg Lees Griffiths), Tom Lewis, Jason Scarfe, Sam Smith, Richard Rossiter (Iliaisa Torau), Luke Dedman, Lourens Britts, Pat Elliot (Wyndham Williams), Geoff Martin, Nicky Guymer (capt.), Jonny Palmer (Rob Fairlie).