National League Division Three (West):

Haverfordwest 6

Tenby United 21

TENBY United fended off a concerted challenge from old rivals Haverfordwest to secure second place in the Division Three (West) table, just a point adrift of Penclawdd but having played a game more.

Haverfordwest remain in tenth place but once again the final scoreline didn’t reflect their part in a cracking contest as the Seasiders achieved the double, having beaten the Blues by 27-5 at Heywood Lane.

The opening ten minutes summed up the commitment shown from both camps as Tenby made a blistering start with waves of attacks inspired by Toby Smith and Jack Price, retaining possession well but encountering a Blues’ defence in which Jon Mason, Ollie Evans and skipper Gareth Green led the way and the others gave total support.

Eventually the Blues broke the stranglehold and when they were awarded a penalty it was Ashley Sutton who slotted the simple three-pointer.

Sutton was short of the target with a longer shot before Jonathan Rogers levelled matters for the Seasiders, only for Sutton to kick his second penalty after good work by Craig Barnett, David O’Leary, Mikey Jones and Luke Harvatt. Rogers was also out of range with a penalty but made amends with a penalty that tied the scores at 6-all for the interval, when the Seasiders might have expected to be in the lead for the attacks they made.

The second half was equally as keenly contested but the visitors claimed the first try of the game when Chris James, Pat Roberts, Roy Osborne and Jack Guerreiro were involved before Toby Smith powered over in the right corner. Rogers failed to convert but managed to drop a goal described as ‘scruffy’ by his father Paul, granddad Berry and family friend Andy Morrissey.

The Blues were still very much in contention at this time but were rocked back on their heels when Jack Price set up a chance and a little chip over the top put replacement full back Lloyd Thomas over for a try which Rogers converted from in front of the posts.

There was no further scoring and whilst Tenby were deserved winners there is no doubt that Haverfordwest played far better than their current league position would suggest, in an entertaining floodlit tussle that was well refereed by Matthew J Thomas.

Haverfordwest: Craig Barnett: Scott James; Luke Harvatt; Mikey Jones; David O’Leary: Ashley Sutton; Danny Morgan: Gareth Green (Capt); Ashley George; Ollie Evans: Brett Davies; Ryan Banner: Adam Williams; Jon Mason; Alun Harries. Replacements: Richard James; Deion Lloyd-Hughes; Jamie Zambas; Dan John.

Tenby United: Dan Colley: Dai Meyrick; Toby Smith; Jack Price; Jack Guerreiro: Jonathan Rogers; Will Crockford: Rob Clark; Wesley Bonser; Johnnie Palmer: Chris James (Capt); Luke Dedman: Pat Roberts; Luke Hansford; Roy Osborne. Replacements: Lloyd Thomas; Rob Fairlie; Steve Dyde; Nicky Guymer.

Referee: Matthew J Thomas.