After an impressive victory the previous week against Llandeilo, Tenby United 2ndXV travelled with only 13 players to Haverfordwest. It was disappointing that some players had not turned up or made themselves unavailable.

The 13 who did turn up, however, should be applauded for their heroic efforts.

Tenby decided to play without a blind-side wing and also a number eight. Once the game started, they exerted a great deal of pressure and it was difficult to appreciate that they were two men short.

After significant territorial advantage, Spencer Rourke, playing out of position at hooker, seized on an opponent's dropped pass and outsprinted the defence to score in the corner.

It took Haverfordwest 20 minutes to equalise and the score at half-time was five-all.

The try of the match came after 10 minutes of the second half. Harrison Sharma made a great burst from his 22 metre line over halfway and threw a perfect inside pass to ubiquitous Spencer Rourke, who sprinted 40 metres to score a brilliant try.

He injured himself whilst scoring and Tenby were down to 12 men for the next 20 minutes. Being three men short took its toll and eventually Haverfordwest clawed their way back by cleverly using their overlaps. They equalised within a few minutes and added a further two tries towards the end of the game.

Final score was Haverfordwest 20 pts. Tenby United 10.

From a performance point of view, the Tenby 'Magnificent 7' forwards constantly provided good ball. New signing, Daniel Cope from Newcastle Emlyn, carried well, as did Harrison Sharma. Second rows, Lee Moreland and Adam Richards were tireless in the loose and flanker Joe Richards was everywhere.

The half-back partnership of Sam Davies and 'Buck' worked well together. Sam's service was quick and accurate and Buck judged accurately as to when to run or kick. Nothing came through the centre pairing of Dai Meyrick and Barrie John, who also were a continuous threat to the Haverfordwest defence.

Dai Meyrick made one scintillating break, beating defender after defender. The fullback's great tackle denied him a try.

Adam Ball is such a good footballer. He was calmness personified at fullback and had an impressive game in both defence and attack.

Full marks must go to captain Mark Wooles. He led by example, both on and off the pitch, and his encouragement of the boys, together with the way he addressed the referee was a credit to him.

Man-of-the-match for Tenby was Lourens Brits. He was an absolute colossus, constantly charging into the opposition or making devastating tackles. He is the kind of forward the 1st XV could well do with on Saturday against current Division Three West league leaders, Amman Utd.