Tenby U11s took part in the annual Tenby 7s football tournament on Saturday, playing up a year in the Under 12s section.

Once again drawn in a tough group (B) against strong teams from Prendergast and Cosheston, the boys have shown throughout the season that they are a force to be reckoned with, not having lost a game at all. However, playing against boys a year above meant playing against some very big, tall and strong players.

First game was against Ynystawe Athletic and it was soon evident that they were going to have to play some good football to compete against the older teams. And that’s exactly what they did, the passing between players was exceptional and after the 10-minute game finished, the score line was 5-0, with goals from Morgan (2), Max (2) and Iori.

The second game was against a very strong, physical Prendergast Villa and the boys knew this was going to be a tough one. The first half saw Tenby create a number of chances, but they were unable to hit the back of the net. They had the Villa team worried, but the second half belonged to Prendergast, who took their chances and the game finished 3-0

Third game saw Tenby Under 11s play against Tenby Blacks, a mixture of Under 12s and a few subs from the U11s team. Some accurate passing on the wider pitch, saw the U11s win 4-0, with goals from Morgan (2), Max and Dylan K.

After a long break, Tenby then came up against Peniel, and this game showed how well the boys could compete against the older teams, winning 6-0, with goals from Max (2), Morgan, Iori, Jack and Dylan K.

Another tough game approached against Cosheston, but the boys, especially Leon and Dylan D, held firm in defence, Iori and Jack controlled it in midfield and the only goal in the game came from Dylan K, 1-0 U11s.

In order to proceed to the semis, the team had to finish in the top two and, having lost only one game, they needed a win or a draw in their final group game to qualify, and that’s exactly what they did, winning 2-0, with goals from Dylan K.

Throughout the group stages, the team played some of the best football seen all season, the passing was superb and every team member played their part, strong in defence, spreading the ball wide down the channels and taking their chances when they could.

Through to the semis to play against the winners of Group A, they were once again drawn against Carmarthen All Stars, who were also fielding an Under 11s team. Jack had also gone down with an injury and couldn’t play any further part in the tournament.

The boys knew this game was going to be a tough one, and that showed from the off, with the ball going from end to end, with both teams creating chances. However, just after half-time, Max took his chance and hit the back of the net. The team held firm despite the Stars’ creative play, with Kyle making some good saves, and after what seemed a long 10 minutes, the game ended 1-0.

The other group final was Tenby Reds v Prendergast Villa. This game finished 1-0 to the Reds, so it was an all Tenby final, Tenby U11s v Tenby Reds (U12s).

With a large crowd gathered to watch, the boys took to the field. It had been a long day, with seven games already played. But the boys knew just a few more minutes and they could lift the trophy.

It was pretty evenly matched to begin with, with both teams anxious to create the first goal. And it wasn’t long before that chance came to Morgan from a lovely pass down the wing, 1-0 U11s.

The Reds, a little shell-shocked tried their hardest, but couldn’t beat the defence at the back, and Jack even made a return to the field up front due to an injury to Max.

The U11s held their own and were dominant all over the pitch and another two goals from Morgan soon followed.

With only minutes left and looking very tired, the Reds were able to counter-attack and create a goal, but it was not enough as the final whistle sounded and the cheers rattled around the ground! The U11s had defeated the U12s.

Upon presentation of the medals, Dene Hurlow commented that it had been a fanastic day and that there had been two firsts for the tournament, one with all-Tenby final s in the U8s and in the U12s, and secondly never had an under age team won any of the finals.

The teams received their medals, with Morgan Williams being given the man of the final, judged by the referee.

It had been a fabulous day for the team who at the beginning had aspirations of winning a few games, not even thinking they would make the final. It just goes to show what a talented group of individuals they are and credit needs to go to coach Angie Nicholls too.

Thanks to the other boys from the U11s squad for standing in at short notice to help out the Tenby Blacks, George, Cas and Lewis.

The boys are looking forward to the presentation evening today (Friday) and one more tournament on Saturday in St. Clears, before the season draws to a close.