TYCROES 6 pts.

TENBY UNITED 6

Tenby United, sponsored by Andrew Price, FBM, GD Harries and Molson Coors, fought out another hard-earned drawa with fellow promotion rivals, Tycroes, on Saturday.

With the top four teams in Division Three West all playing each other, the two points achieved took the United to top spot, with 65 points from 17 matches. Penclawdd drop to second place following their defeat at the hands of Gorseinon. Penclawdd are one point behind Tenby, having played one less game. Gorseinon are also one point adrift of Tenby, having played the same number of games.

Last weekend's results certainly add importance to the eagerly-awaited top-of-the-table clash tomorrow (Saturday) at Heywood Lane. It is a must-win match for both the United and Penclawdd, especially as Gorseinon seem to have the easiest run-in.

Having won the toss last Saturday, Tenby chose to play into a strong wind. At half-time, the score was three-nil to Tycroes, thanks to a penalty by D. Bromham.

Tenby played most of the first period in their own half, but their defence was outstanding. They battled hard for possession, with prominent displays from all the forwards, particularly the back row of Pat Roberts, Luke Hansford and Roy Osborn. Fullback Dan Colley was peerless in defence, giving so much confidence to those in front of him. Tenby player of the first half, though, was centre Jack Price, who made inroads into the Tycroes defence.

Captain Chris James would have been confident to turn round at half-time with only a three-point deficit.

The Tycroes lead was short-lived as Jonathan Rogers equalised with a fine penalty.

Tycroes were spurred into action and had a 10-minute purple patch when they came close to scoring and also kicked a penalty.

The referee, Neil Howells, of Maesteg, was unsighted for a possible try and asked Tenby United's touch judge, Russ Millns, whether Tycroes left wing, M. Davies, had scored in the corner. Russ gave an honest and accurate answer, saying that the ball was grounded in the dead ball area.

The Tenby United v Tycroes game at Heywood Lane earlier in the season was also drawn when Tycroes equalised with a penalty in the last minute. This time, it was the United who equalised in the last minute when Jonathan Rogers capped another fine display by stroking a 40-metre penalty to earn two points.

Although competitive throughout, it was played in a very sporting manner and demonstrated high skill levels. A draw was probably the right result, made all the sweeter when news came through of Penclawdd's defeat.