Haverfordwest Youth 36 pts.

Tenby United Youth 22

Tenby United’s youth team travelled to Haverfordwest to resume their league campaign on a dry, but grey day. With Tenby missing a number of key players, the game was always going to be a stiff test for the young side.

From the off, Haverfordwest were on the attack having taken the ball from the kick-off. They pushed into the Tenby half and with strong forward play were able drive towards the 22. Tenby put out stout resistance, holding them off for a number of phases. Eventually, the pressure told and the Blues were able to cross for the first try. A successful conversion followed leaving Tenby down seven points.

The game restarted in much the same way, with the Blues’ forwards in the ascendancy. Tenby manned the barricades and forced the error, winning a scrum on their 22. The Haverfordwest pack was however in fine form, winning the scrum against the head. Quick ball, out to the backs, was then rewarded as they crossed for a second unconverted try.

The game now settled into a rhythm, with both sides moving the ball and tackling hard. The Seasiders started to play some good rugby, with front row forwards Lucas Probert, Caleb O’Neil and Ryan Jones driving through the middle making the hard yards. The Blues were strong in defence and very quick in attack. As they moved the ball to the right, great play from Seasiders’ wing Evan Watson saw him reading the play and intercepting what should have been the killer pass. With his foot on the gas, he made 60 meters before being hauled down 10 meters short of the line. Fantastic support play, however, allowed him to pop the ball up to centre Ben Pugh, who was in full stride and unstoppable as he crossed in the corner for a fantastic try. Fly half, Harry Rossiter stepped up to complete the score with a great conversion from the wide angle.

Tenby continued to probe the Blues defence. A move out to the left resulted in the Seasiders being awarded a penalty for a high tackle. Harry Rossiter slotted the ball over, again from the wide angle.

The Blues regrouped and their next foray into the Tenby half saw them winning a scrum on the 22. The pack again showed their dominance with quick ball out to the backs which they used to cross for another unconverted try.

At half-time, Tenby were 10-17 down. An injury to Tenby prop Jones meant that the second half would be uncontested scrums with Morgan Davies coming off the bench to act as the make shift prop. Harvey Johns also made way for Harvey Bowles on the wing.

From the kick-off, however, it was Haverfordwest that came out the strongest. They were able to turn ball over directly from the kick-off. Quick hands in the backs saw the Blues move the ball out to the wing and break through to score and convert a fourth try.

Tenby continued to work hard. Great defensive work around the break down from second rows Lewis Catt and Gethin Kelly meant that the Blues had to work hard for everything. Tenby’s back row of Joe Cole, Dewi Thomas and Wil Swales covered acres of ground to keep Tenby in the game. The Seasiders’ efforts were rewarded when scrum half, Jack Gooding, was able to unleash the back line. The final pass saw full back, Joe Owen coming into the line to cross for Tenby’s second try.

The game continued at a frenetic pace, with both sides playing with skill and commitment. The Blues continued to exert pressure on the restructured Tenby side. Their pressure told with the award of a penalty kicked deep into Tenby’s half for a line out. The Blues took the ball and drove the Tenby forwards towards their line. With the ball quickly released they crossed for a fifth try under the posts.

Neither side was done yet. Tenby showed great adventure in defence. Moving the ball down the line deep within their own 22. Full back Joe Owen eluded the Haverfordwest tackling with some great foot work. Finding himself clear and showing great pace, he headed for the line only to brought down short. For the second time in the game, centre Ben Pugh was in the right place at the right time to take another offload and cross for a great Tenby try, converted by Rossiter.

The restart saw further Tenby injuries, this time to talisman Rossiter and captain Dan Machin, reducing Tenby to 14 men. Haverfordwest showed no mercy crossing for the final time making the extra man pay out on the left wing.

The final score of this great game of rugby was 36-22 to the home side. Tenby however can be very proud of this young team who showed great commitment in a tough encounter with a more experience side.

Thanks to referee Huw Jones and Haverfordwest Rugby Club for their hospitality and welcome.

Team: Forwards - Lucus Probert, Calib O’Neil, Ryan Jones (replaced by Morgan Davies), Lewis Catt, Gethin Kelly, Joe Cole, Dewi Thomas, Wil Swales; backs -Jack Gooding, Harry Rossiter, Ben Pugh, Dan Machin (capt.) Harvey Johns (replaced by Harvey Bowles), Evan Watson, Jo Owen; coaches - Richard Rossiter, Lean Gooding; team manager - Julia Gooding.