Tenby’s U17s beat Whitland u17s 20-3 to lift the trophy for the first time since it’s inauguration in 2018 in what was an entertaining and hard fought game.

The game went ahead at Heywood Lane and the first half was played in gruelling weather conditions with Whitland having the advantage of a howling wind at their backs as the rain hammered down at the Mecca. Despite the conditions a good crowd had turned out to watch the showpiece and they were not disappointed.

It was Tenby who took the lead through agile winger Joe Andrews after quick hands from scrumhalf Cam Broadhurst and winger Jacob Evans led to space being made in midfield for centres Oakley Milton and Dylan Johns to exploit and finally feed speedy Andrews as he crossed the whitewash. Unsurprisingly in the conditions the try was unconverted despite a valiant attempt by fullback Carl Thomas.

After the restart Whitland showed dogged determination and were eventually awarded a penalty which they struck through the uprights with the assistance of the winds which continued to howl. The conditions made for a slippery ball with handling errors on both sides the inevitable consequence. Whitland nearly responded with a try of their own but a brave tackle from Jacob Evans ended their surge for the line but also Evans’ participation in the game as he went off with a shoulder injury to be replaced by speed merchant Henry Lees.

Evans’ commitment to the cause was echoed by all the Tenby players and the rest of the first half was a gritty affair with both teams giving no quarter. Tenby’s powerful pack of Max Badham, Matt Busby, Evan Day, Charlie Sangster and captain Rhys Griggs along with the back row of Taran Richards, Callum Earland and Jake Roberts battled for every ball.

Whitland probed and tested but were met by a wall of red and black on every occasion with centre Josh Done single handidly holding up a Whitland player in the middle of the park to win a scrum for the Seasiders.

Whitland kept at it though and should have scored but fine defending and a superb try saving tackle from influential centre Oakley Milton meant that at half time the score was still 5-3 with Tenby the happier of two sides at the break knowing they had survived the elements as well as Whitland’s best efforts.

Tenby were hoping to have the wind with them for the second half but mother nature decided otherwise and as the wind dropped and the rain ceased it became apparent that they would not have the good fortune that Whitland had benefitted from in the first half. However, Tenby started the second half looking determined and this was personified by Tenby hooker Matthew Busby who made tackle after tackle and doggedly fought for every loose ball.

The breakthrough finally came with a slick move that led to Oakley Milton crossing the line for Tenby’s second try. Despite their best efforts Whitland could not breakdown the solid Tenby defensive line and Tenby’s pack started to dominate in the scrum winning strikes against the head again and again.

Once flanker Callum Earland went over for Tenby’s third try the game was all but won. Both teams rang the changes and brought on replacements for the final 10 minutes with Ovi Anghel, Tommie Whalley and Morgan Grieve all taking to the field and doing their part. It was fitting that man of the match Busby crowned his fine performance with the final try of the game.

Both teams displayed the true spirit of the game and were a credit to their clubs, coaches and themselves.

And so it was to a huge cheer that Mrs. Jo Fry, widow of the late Mike Fry a great stalwart of Pembrokeshire Junior Rugby, presented the cup to the young Seasider’s captain, Rhys Grigg. Mrs Fry also presented Matt Busby with his man of the match award.

This was the last game and a fitting sign off for Tenby coaches Roland Grigg (father of captain Rhys), Ross Grieve and Ryan Hill who have selflessly devoted the past 10 years to Tenby Junior Rugby. They will be missed by all the boys. Ross, who was away with work in Lithuania watched most of the game as it was live streamed via his wife Rachel’s iPhone.

That phone bill is going to hurt but he was delighted to see his son Morgan take to field for the first time after an injury at the beginning of the season ruled him out for many months.

A big thank you also to Richard, Guto and Leon for stepping into the breach on the day.

Tenby Utd: Carl Thomas, Joe Andrews, Oakley Milton, Dylan Johns, Josh Done, Cam Broadhurst, Jacob Evans, Max Badham, Matthew Busby, Evan Day, Charlie Sangster, Rhys Grigg (c), Callum Earland, Taran Richards, Jake Roberts. Replacements: Tommie Whalley, Ovidiu Anghel, Morgan Grieve, Henry Lees.

Coaches: Roland Grigg, Ross Grieve, Ryan Hill, Aled Waters, Richard Rossiter, Leon Gooding, Guto Griffiths.