News

WRU National Plate Competition Round 1

ATHLETIC 15 TENBY UNITED 30

On a beautiful sun kissed Athletic Park, the Red & Blacks welcomed Division 1 West side Tenby United in the first round of the annual plate competition. After the early exchange of a penalty goal apiece, the 'Seasiders' scored two tries in quick succession as they exploited an unguarded blind side in almost identical fashion. Athletic gradually worked play into Tenby territory only to be knocked back time and again by resolute defence. A handling error in a promising home attack was pounced upon, and resulted in another try for the visitors. Too many handling errors were proving costly as Tenby crossed the whitewash for a fourth time. Although the last five minutes of the half were spent near the visitors goal line, immense tackling denied Athletic a score before the interval. Tenby held a comfortable 3 - 25 lead.

With home supporters fearing a long afternoon, the second half belonged to the homesters who displayed a gritty determination in trying to find their way back into the game. Long periods of sustained pressure brought little reward for Athletic as a combination of handling mistakes and a strong defensive display kept them at bay. It was typical of how the match had panned out, when during a rare foray into Athletic's 22, Tenby stretched their lead to 3 - 30 in what was to be their final score of the game. 

The remainder of the tussle belonged to the home side who scored two tries and missed the opportunity to cross on at least another three occasions. All credit should go to Tenby who were clinical in their finishing and tremendous in defence and we wish them well in the next round. Credit should also be given to the five Druids players who stepped up to the plate and did themselves proud. This learning curve will put them in good stead for the future. 

Scorers:

ATHLETIC - Tries: JAMES NEWNIAN, HARRY LAW. KARL WILLIAMS added a conversion and a penalty.

TENBY UNITED - Tries: JORDAN ASPARASSA (2), HARRY OWEN, HUW EVANS, JACK PARKINSON. LLOYD THOMAS added a conversion and a penalty.

Friendly Match

ATHLETIC DRUIDS 19 TENBY UNITED 2nds 50

In an entertaining try fest, the Druids came off second best today to their Tenby counterparts. Great to see such enthusiastic & positive play in the best of spirits.

Photo: Scrum half Nick Rees makes a break against Tenby. Pic courtesy of Sue Bowen.