This weekend the players, coaches and parents of Tenby Swifts Under 16s toured the stronghold of West Country rugby, namely Bath. The Under 16 side this season have had an excellent season so far and so it was going to be very interesting to see how they would fair against the might of the West Country and dare we say it England!

The tour started with a visit to the Rec Ground in Bath on Saturday to watch the the game between the home side and Harlequins. It was a great game where local ex-Scarlets player Rhys Priestland showed his talent.

The following day, the Under 16 players, who had a nearly full complement of 22 players, were a little apprehensive (and coaches, and parents) for the two encounters that they were about to face.

The tour hosts were Coombe Down Rugby Club situated just a mile from the centre of Bath. They had organised another local team, Bradford upon Avon, to also visit and try their luck against the Welsh side.

The first game was against Coombe Down, and after Wales had been beaten by England a week earlier, there was a certain pride at stake.

From the start of the game, we need not have worried as the Seasiders started with gusto, the forwards were exceptional and the backs showed some real class, and after 10 minutes, Tenby were seven points in the lead. After some initial resistance by the home side, Tenby gained an unstoppable momentum and by half-time the score was 35 -0.

The second half showed no respite for the home team and Tenby stormed away to a final score of 57-0.

For once everything had seemed to come together, but we all knew that it may be a different story against Bradford upon Avon.

Tenby started this game in the same fashion that they had ended the previous one and by half-time were 19-0 up. The second half saw no let up and the final score was 31-7.

It was nice to see Bradford upon Avon getting on the score sheet as both the home sides played the game with a marvellous attitude, all that were present enjoyed great rugby, made friends and left knowing that the game was played as it should be.

On a tour as this it would not be fair to single out individual players as all the team members played their parts.

The home side offered wonderful hospitality and it was an experience thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The following day prior to returning proudly home to Tenby, the opportunity was taken to visit Newport for some go-karting.

Tenby Swifts Under 16s are currently a strong squad and following on from this wonderful rugby tour we would like to announce that we will be continuing to Youth level for the remainder of this season and into next with the appointment of new coaches. Mr. Richard Rossiter and Mr. Leon Gooding will be heading the coaches, along with additional help from Mr. Kieran Machin, Mr. Toby Smith and team Manager Mrs. Julia Gooding.

If you would like to join this exciting team, please contact Mrs. Gooding 07748741158.

On behalf of all players and parents, please may we take this opportunity to thank Mr. Richard Rossiter, Mr. Leon and Mrs. Julia Gooding for all the hard work and organisation that they have put in to make this a memorable tour and rugby playing team.

Our thanks also go to Coombe Down RFC and Bradford upon Avon RFC for being our hosts and last, but not least, Edwards Coaches form Letterston.