The visit to Cardigan by Tenby Youth team on Saturday was always going to be an interesting game, if only because it was to be played in the middle of Storm Brian.

It turned out to be a tight cup game, with the home side giving nothing away, as could be expected.

Cardigan won the toss and obviously opted to play with the storm force wind in their favour, and after 10 minutes of pressure, crossed the Tenby line for a well-taken try which was converted, 7-0.

The difficult conditions were suiting Cardigan more than the Seasiders, who were trying to pass and play 15-man rugby, but skilful play was impossible in windy conditions like this; the ground was also soft and slippery and it was going to be a day for keeping the ball.

Cardigan were adapting better and some 30 minutes into the game scored another try, but the conversion was missed to leave it at 12-0.

This was turning out to be a tough day at the office for the Tenby starting 15, who were going to have to see the whole game through.

Cardigan had the advantage of a number of university students who had become available due to half-term and this was the difference in the two sides. When the referee, blew the whistle for half-time the score was a fair reflection of the game, and maybe ‘Brian’ would help the Seasiders in the second half.

It wasn’t to be, as again the killer blow came from Cardigan within the opening 10 minutes of the second half, missed tackles and some good play seeing them score under the posts; this was converted to make the score 19-0.

The Tenby side was not going down without a fight and, led by the Jamie Lawrence, started to pressure Cardigan. Scrummaging by Lucas Probert, Ryan Jones and Joe Simmonds was excellent and carries were probing the home defence. A number of high tackles were creeping in and one on Jamie Lawrence saw him require treatment on the field. Following a neck roll on Evan Watson, the Cardigan number eight was given a yellow card.

Tenby then threw everything they had at Cardigan in an effort to get on the scoresheet. Lewis Catt was immense in the lineout, along with Will Swales and Caleb O’Neil who were carrying the ball so well in these awful conditions, but still Cardigan did not give way.

The scrum was holding its own, but the backs had an impossible job and all credit goes to them all for persevering and trying to find a way of unlocking Cardigan.

Joseph ‘twinkle toes’ Owen, Harvey John and Tom Griffiths all couldn’t find a way through, and as the referee called time at the end of the game, you felt that it was just one of those days; it wasn’t to be.

The Tenby team all played well against a more experienced Cardigan side and, although defeated, the plus for Tenby Youth is that you can just tell they are all enjoying playing the game and, as we all know, success only comes after many knockbacks!

Thanks go to the referee, Mr. Paul Tedaldi, and Cardigan Rugby Club for their hospitality.

Tenby team: Jamie Lawrence, Evan Watson, Joseph Owen, Harvey John, Tom Griffiths, Harry Rossiter, Jack Gooding (capt), Ryan Jones, Lucas Probert, Joe Simmonds, Lewis Catt, Alex Everall, Morgan Davies, Will Swales, Caleb O’Neil.

Team coaches - Richard Rossiter and Leon Gooding; manager - Julia Gooding.