The saeason for the Tenby Swifts Under 8s came to a close last weekend with their final match wearing tags. The last two weeks have been an exciting end to a fantastic season for all.

The Sunday before last, the Swifts travelled to Crymych to take part in the Pembrokeshire rugby finals against a well-organised Haverfordwest RFC team.

Tenby, captained by Evan Christen, started well with a two-try lead, but Haverfordwest struck back quickly to equalise. Tenby maintained the pressure and right up to the final last minute they led 5-4, only for Haverfordwest to score once more to make it 5-5 at the final whistle.

Try scorers were Madoc Evans (2), Will Hilling, George McDonald and Oli Tucker.

After the medal presentation, Tenby hit the road and flew back to The Clicketts to welcome touring team Pencoed.

Tenby kicked up a new gear and, captained by Cory Stephens, flew into what was a thriling match as joint Pembrokeshire champions.

Pencoed didn’t have a chance to settle into the match as Tenby turned over the ball time and time again, by making sure Pencoed couldn’t get through their defence.

Once the opportunity arose, Tenby attacked and scored with some excellent tries that came from some well-worked teamwork.

Tenby ran out 21-17 winners, which topped off a great day of rugby. Try scorers were Ethan Wright (5), Evan Christen (4), Rhys Barnes (3), Will Hilling (3), Miles Marsh (2), Ethan Lewis (2), Iori Hart and George McDonald.

Last weekend saw Whitehead Steelers make the journey down the M4 and to Tenby. The Under 8s were ready to end the season on a high and they did with style.

Led by Miles Marsh, the Swifts played with the same intensity that got them to the Pembrokeshire finals and were just too powerful for The Steelers.

The defence work from Evan Christan, Iestyn Barrellie and Miles Marsh made sure that the ball would be turned over on multiple occasions.

With more ball in hand, Madoc Evans led his attack with some great vision to let others into space for the score. Rhys Barnes put in a man of the match shift and was everywhere on the park, making important tags and making metres in attack.

Brodie Morgan had three excellent runs in attack and with a quick pass kept the pressure on the visitors.

Tenby won the game 13-6. Try scorers were Ethan Lewis (4), Ethan Wright (2), Evan Christan (2), George McDonald (2), Rhys Barnes, Miles Marsh and Iestyn Barrellie.

After the game, the Swifts couldn’t wait to throw the tags off and end their final season of tag rugby.

Coach Mike Lewis told the Swifts to get gum shields ready as training ready for the new season will start soon.

Tenby RFC would like to thank the coaches for their hard work, the manager for organising everyone, the volunteers for assisting, the parents for the support and putting up with the Welsh weather, but most of all a huge thanks goes to every single player in the Under 8s for all the hard work they have put in all season, every single one of you have been a pleasure to coach and watch every week. Good luck with contact next season!

Under 9s

Last Sunday, Tenby Under 9s came together for the final time this season to play touring teams Pencoed and Mountain Ash. On what was a lovely sunny morning at The Clicketts, Tenby were determined to end the season on a high.

First up was Pencoed RFC. Stepping onto the pitch, Pencoed were undoubtedly going to be a big challenge, but led by Rafi, Tenby looked ready to go.

Pencoed started quick and strong. Running at speed at the Seasiders’ defensive line allowed them to break through quickly and score the game’s opening try.

Tenby were quick to reply though with some strong phases of play. With the ball being presented out of the tackle well and quick hands out wide, eventually Jack was rewarded with a well-earned try.

Tackles were having to be made frequently by both teams and Tenby really laid themselves on the line, but Pencoed’s strength led to three further tries for the touring team and the score finally ending 4-1 to Pencoed.

The next game to be played was between the two touring teams, with Mountain Ash looking impressive and coming out 2-1 winners.

Tenby’s final game of the season was to then be against the winners of that game, Mountain Ash. Their determination to end the season with a win was clear to see, and as captain Lucy led them onto the pitch for the final time, the determination was written all over their faces.

Mountain Ash were fast and showed particular strength whilst running at Tenby’s defensive line at pace, but the Seasiders’ tackling was immense, with every challenge to their line being met with a defensive wall which couldn’t be broken.

Tenby then began to build a bit of momentum of their own, moving play up field. Some great teamwork finally saw Owen go over in the corner for the only try of the game.

The final whistle blew and Tenby had finished as they had hoped with a well-deserved win.

Special thanks on the day to Harry Bolton for stepping in to ref and allowing the games to run as scheduled.

Tenby Under 9s’ first season at tackling can be seen as a great success. This has been due to the hard work of many, but especially the coaches, Claire, Rachel and, of course, the children themselves.

Thank you to all family and friends who have come and travelled and given the team such fantastic support. We look forward now to next season when the children will be ‘ready, ready, ready’ for the next set of challenges.

Tenby Swifts Under 7s were presented with Tenby RFC club ties kindly donated by Simon from N. D. Toy and partners, Pembroke, and Karen and Sophie from Baytree, Tenby. The boys are going to look so smart on their presentation night! Thank you so very much from Emma (team manager), Jimmy and Nick (team coaches) all the team and parents.