U15s win last-gasp thriller against English tourists

After a frustrating period of cancelled games due to inclement weather, Tenby Swifts Under 15s were happy to accept a fixture against touring side Barnard Castle from Northumberland. It was played at Milford RFC due to a sponsor/coach link - the tourists were an unknown quantity.

It was evident on arrival that the English side were a well-organised, professional outfit who were not on tour only for fun and not contemplating defeat.

Tenby could initially only field 14 players due to Easter holidays and sporting commitments, so the travelling side dropped one player.

From the start, Barnard showed their sharpness and fluidity behind the scrum and Tenby were soon trailing by two tries. A third try followed as the Swifts could not keep the ball and the signs were ominous.

Tenby had the upper hand in the pack and a powerful structured set play resulted in Tommy Walley crashing over, converted by Archie Hughes.

Barnard replied immediately with another score, before captain Lewis Morgan finished a catch and drive score, again converted by the boot of Hughes.

Half-time Tenby 14 Barnard Castle 29.

The intense half-time talk was in full flow when in the distance Alex Wainwright was spotted running towards the field - straight from Scarlets Under 16s training!

A fresh belief was instilled in the team and from the start of the second half it was evident Barnard were not going to have it all their own way. The Tenby pack were turning the screw - particularly dominant at scrum-time and Max Badham was unstoppable from close range . Wainwright converted and the tourists were rattled.

Time was running out, but it was now all Tenby. Barnard were questioning decisions and not able to play their expansive game.

With a few minutes left, a Taz Richards charge from inside his own half led to captain Lewis Morgan being freed on the halfway line - three tackles were broken and three more would-be tacklers were taken over the line for an amazing score. The conversion made it 29-28 to Barnard and last play was called from the referee.

A sound take by Tommy Walley and a couple of forward charges made a little space for Wainwright who started an attack from inside his own half. He found a gap between 10 and 12 and started his run for the line - the blindside wing was covering, but was also evaded; now only the full back left to beat... an in and out swerve to stand him up and, yes, a try in the corner!

The conversion made it final score Tenby 35 Barnard Castle 29.

A great character team performance against a quality side.

Tenby look forward to a run of quality games starting with a cup semi-final against Pembroke Dock at Heywood Lane this Sunday at 1 pm.

Swifts host the District Under 9s festival

On Sunday, Tenby United Swifts hosted the District under 9s festival.

Eleven teams from all over Pembrokeshire travelled to sunny Tenby to play their best and to earn a place at Finals Day in Haverfordwest on May 6.

From the buzz around the pitches, you could feel the excitement building, and after the coaches and referees briefing, kick-off for the first game could be heard at 10.30 am.

The teams were split into two pools and the winner of each pool would be the successful ones to go through to the next round.

It was a beautiful sunny day, which added to the happy welcoming feeling at the Clicketts.

The games were all played within the right spirit, showing off the talented players we have here in Pembrokeshire, at such a young age.

Organiser Rachel Grieve would like to thank everyone who helped this festival to be the success it was - from the raffle ticket girls; the car park attendants; the coaches; the referees; the ladies and Rolly in the café; the cake-maker; the ‘forkers’; the registration ladies; the scorers; and, of course, Connor! It really was a team effort!

We would like to wish Haverfordwest U9s and Crymych U9s good luck in the final.