page revision date: 7th August 2008

We-were unable to mention the wonderful performances by the team from the Pembrokeshire Junior Union which won the Howells Cup at the end of last campaign, and so we pay our tribute now with a report and pictures of their fantastic final win and say ‘Well done lads!’

Howells Cup Final:

Cup triumph for Junior Union grafters

Pembrokeshire Junior Union 25 points : Swansea & District Junior Union 21 points

A superb all-round squad performance from all 22 players helped Pembrokeshire win the coveted Percy Howells Cup for the first time in 28 years and brought the magnificent trophy home to Pembrokeshire since its donor was the well-known Haverfordwest jeweller.

The county played exceptionally well in the first period to lead 25-7 and although Swansea clawed their way back it was some outstanding defensive work in the later stages, to go with their earlier attacking flair that sealed the verdict in Pembrokeshire’s favour against a very strong and experienced opposition that must have started as favourites to scoop the silverware. It was doubly rewarding because coach Arwyn Thomas had promised all of the squad the chance to participate and he did just that as all seven replacements were called on to take a part, some to cover injuries but others to supply fresh legs at key times.

Great start

Pembrokeshire started well with a good try by young outside half Shane Morgan as he benefitted from a friendly bounce to speed clear of the cover and score an opportunist try which full back Ross Michael converted.

Swansea had a try from flanker James Fender in the first half which Mark Williams converted but Pembrokeshire always had that slight edge as skipper Anthony Griffiths led a bustling back row of Brett Davies and John Tennick, ably assisted as ball winners by veteran lock Mark Busch and Tom Dinan, whilst Wayne Higgon, Gethin Beynon and Nathan Price ensured a solid scrummaging platform. As a result, half backs Neil Duffy and Shane Morgan were able to utilise the pace wide out of Gareth Davies and Steve Aston as Carl Stephenson and especially Andrew Bowen provided the power down the middle.

Ross races through

Ross Michael claimed the second county try as he sliced through for a score which he also converted to go with two well-struck penalties, with winger Gareth Morris rounding off some good handling with the third Pembrokeshire try, cutting inside to fool the cover, but this time unconverted.

Pembrokeshire continued to keep a firm lid on any Swansea attacks throughout the third quarter but were rocked back when powerful Swansea scrum half Lee Tucker twice charged down clearance attempts to grab opportunist tries which Williams duly converted to reduce the gap between the sides to only four points.

It was a nerve-racking time for the hardy band of county supporters who made the long trek to Llandeilo for this final but the players responded well with some great cover play and resolute defence at key moments which saw skipper Anthony Griffiths deservedly receive the trophy – and bring it back to its rightful home in the county.

Pembrokeshire Junior Union team:Ross Michael: Gareth Davies; Carl Stephenson (all Whitland); Andrew Bowen (Narberth); Steve Aston: Shane Morgan (both Whitland); Neil Duffy (Tenby United): Wayne Higgon (Whitland); Gethin Beynon (Narberth); Nathan Price: Tom Dinan (both Whitland); Mark Busch: Brett Davies (both Haverfordwest); Anthony Griffiths (Capt); John Tennick (both Narberth). Replacements (all used): Anthony James; Wayne Morris; Owain Davies (all Whitland); Tim Phillips; Dai Owen (both Haverfordwest); Richard Scriven (Llangwm); Richard Rossiter (Tenby United).