On Thursday evening of last week, Tenby United seconds travelled to Whitland for a Cup match.

Fielding no less than nine 18 year olds in the XV, backed up by a power packed weighty group of more senior players. The prospect of a high tempo game was on the cards.

At kick off Tenby only numbered 16 as a squad with one replacement available. These players hadn’t been together as a group before but it was clear judging from the warm up and team run, they weren’t here to make up the numbers.

Short and sharp, coaches John Evans and Richard Rossiter firmly set the tone with quotes like “If it’s on, it’s on” and “If you want to carry, carry”.

With nods of approval the players set about their task. The early exchanges were audible in the cool night air and attracted many oohs and aahs from the large crowd of spectators gathered. From this was clear that Whitland were up for it as well.

The United were first on the score sheet with a well worked try from the youthful, fleet of foot backline. Another followed shortly after and the young Tenby side found themselves 12-0 up, Ben Pugh and ‘Mr. Penalty try’ were the scorers.

The Borderers bounced back and halftime showed a score line of 14-12 to Whitland.

With lineouts working well and rock-like scrums, Tenby then produced a fair old try-fest, but after some heavy tackles changes had to be made.

The bearded, evergreen Mostyn Richards and player/coach Rich Rossiter father of fly half Harry Rossiter took to the field.

These two just don’t know the meaning of taking it easy, and with no regard for their own safety were soon battered and bloodied.

Mostyn looking to save on dentist fees left half a tooth behind. He then collected a short arm and had cramp. Not to be out done, Richard was happy to “give blood” for his beloved club soon after coming on.

Further changes saw a shuffle in the pack and Rob Luly moved forward to produce a more veteran like front row, joining the burly and almost scary Nicky Guymer and Geoff Martin; the latter having a regular borderers first teamer for breakfast at scrummie time.

The youthful backline were soon at it again, scoring for fun, with the untouchable Joe Owen helping himself to three and the dynamic Andrew Cooke grabbing the other.

Tenby’s fly half Harry Rossiter hit the target with four conversions and a penalty adding to his superb all round game he grabbed the man of the match award for his evenings work. There were smiles all round when referee Paddy blew for full time.

An ecstatic coaching management team along with all supporters were grinning for some time post-match.

Indeed in the de brief coach John Evans was chuckling when he said: “That’s the first win I’ve had with Tenby United since September.”

No less than 38 points were scored by the 18 year old youth contingent on the night. Now that’s some achievement.

Tenby United will face Crymych in the next Cup match at Heywood lane on Friday, March 15.