Bishop Hendricken is a catholic, all male, college, were little or no rugby is played. Their season begins in March and finishes in June, with many of the touring party playing only their third game of rugby.
Hendicks rugby touring party, consisting of 31 players, coaches and support staff, along with 20 parents, arrived in Tenby on Sunday in readiness to attend St. Teilo’s morning mass service, which was then followed by them being hosted by the church with tea and cakes, post service. Players, coaches and parents then toured the town before setting off to Heywood Lane at 1.30 pm, to prepare for a 2.30 pm kick-off.
The conditions were extremely good weather-wise, although slightly overcast, while the pitch looked in exceptional condition considering the recent weather.
The game kicked off with Tenby receiving. From the onset, you could see that both teams were up for a combative, physical encounter, eager to perform well and entertain the sizeable crowd.
It was interesting to see two distinct playing styles, Tenby wanting to play a wide, expansive game and Hendricks a more direct forward-based game.
In the opening 20 minutes, each team tested the other out with fast, hard running, keeping the ball in hand, which allowed the game to flow, but Hendricks were the first to score, with their powerful centre Alex Feola, playing only his third game, causing all sorts of problems in the Tenby defence before offloading to Michael Rodrigues to cross the whitewash. Rodrigues failed to convert his own try.
Hendricks then dominated in terms of possession and territory, but they could not convert the pressure into points due to a resolute, gritty, determined defence by Tenby.
Tenby stirred into action, and when an opportunity arose, they went straight into attack mode, upping the tempo, and applied pressure continuously in the Hendricks half. Henry Lees, playing out of position at number six, suddenly popped up in the wing position and, through sheer power, pace and evasive running, beat a number of defenders to touch down, followed by the conversion by Henry Buet, with Tenby now leading 7-5.
Tenby now had a period of good possession, but the harder they tried, the more mistakes they made by defensive pressure being applied by Hendricks.
Tenby missed a number of opportunities to extend their lead whilst trying to move the ball out wide and were penalised a number times in attack, when they did create space.
The first half ended, as it started, with both sets of players committed and full of energy, with Tenby leading by a two-point cushion.
Hendricks started the second half determined to establish control of the game. Their forwards were exceptional at the breakdown, which they used to great effect, securing their own ball and disrupting the Tenby ball. Hendricks used their pick and drive tactic to great effect progressing up field with raw power.
Tenby, to their credit, defended the ruck extremely well and were disciplined and patient, just waiting for Hendricks to ‘cough up’ the ball. Hendricks forwards were also exceptional at the lineout, and once securing the throw-in, quickly formed the attacking maul which was a massive weapon in their armoury. But again Tenby held firm, although penalised a couple of times for collapsing the maul.
It was from a lineout move that Hendricks got their second try. Very good interplay in the backline saw Alex Feola again causing problems and panic in the Tenby defence. This time, however, the ball was passed to pacey fullback Devin Rivet, who tore through the remains of the Tenby defensive line to score under the posts, giving Michael Rodrigues the easiest of conversions, 12-7 to Hendricks.
Tenby were now under more pressure. Every time Hendricks took the ball into the contact area, they used their pick and go tactic to great effect, rarely using their backline in any form. But this heavy-duty approach had to take a toll on their forwards as they pushed to increase their lead.
With time running out, Tenby started to gain some possession and territory, working hard to support each other in open play. The game was coming into the final quarter, with both sets of coaches a little nervy in the dugouts. Hendricks looked to have done enough for a crucial victory on their first game of the tour.
Tenby had to respond quickly and they did so after smart interplay in their own half. With Jake Roberts on the end of a floated pass, he made a dynamic break and with two defenders to beat, showed a ‘cheeky’ dummy and raced in under the posts. Steve Buet converted, 14-12 to Tenby.
Hendricks then applied huge pressure on Tenby, trying extremely hard to gain a further score and take home the victory, but it just would not come and the young Seasiders ran out winners by that narrow two-point margin.
This was a great spectacle of rugby in front of an appreciative crowd, with two very distinct playing styles, the physical power of Hendricks and the guile and pace of Tenby, along with some dogged defence.
Following the game, both teams exchanged T shirts, ball presentations and plaques.
Both sets of coaches picked their opposition man of the match, Jake Roberts for Tenby and Alex Feola of Hendricks.
Hendricks then retired back to the clubhouse for light refreshments and more time spent touring the town of Tenby.
Tenby United RFC wish Bishop Hendricken all the very best for the rest of their tour and the game against Porthcawl RFC on Wednesday - safe travels back to the USA.