PHOTOS:
Neyland Youth celebrate winning the Pembrokeshire Youth Cup
Pictures kindly supplied by Martyn Williams

 

Pembrokeshire Youth Cup Final:

Narberth 10 - Neyland 11

Neyland Youth gained a slender victory against Narberth Youth to lift the Pembrokeshire Youth Cup staged at Haverfordwest RFC on Wednesday evening in front of a good crowd.

This sweet cup victory earned Neyland Youth the Pembrokeshire league and cup double and they’ve also been crowned Scarlets Regional champions to complete a memorable season, and last Saturday they were pipped 13-12 by Senghenydd Youth in WRU third round play-off played at Pontarddulais RFC.

Understandably Neyland were favourites to win the final as they had defeated The Otters twice in the league this season, but to Narberth’s full credit they didn’t let the All Blacks have it all their own way in this fascinating final.

Neyland deservedly led 11-3 at half time, but The Otters grabbed a converted try midway through the second half, setting up a tense finish to this hard fought clash.

McBeth scores in corner

The All Blacks scored an early well-worked unconverted try by Harry McBeth, Neyland secured clean lineout ball on halfway, set-up a driving maul before scrum half George Evans released backs Henry McBeth, George Williams, Alex Codd, who created an overlap for the winger to dive in at the corner.

Minutes later and outside half Barry Williams extended the lead when he successfully kicked a 35 metre penalty despite hitting the upright.

The Otters re-grouped and their pack impressively led by livewire flanker Harry Phillips were awarded a penalty that outside half Danny Wainwright landed.

However, Neyland had the last say in the first half when Williams successfully kicked his second penalty, again off the post, giving his team some breathing space.

Cracking try

The second period was a cagey affair, but Narberth grabbed a cracking try to get themselves right back in the mix. Winger James Thomas made a penetrating break inside the Neyland 22, and unselfishly offloaded to centre Llew Jones who cantered under the posts. Wainwright converted as The Otters trailed by a point.

James Thomas intercepted and darted for the line, but Neyland’s covering defence stopped the Narberth winger in full flight.

Right at the end Neyland scrum half George Evans could not hold onto a poor pass with the try line begging.

Neyland skipper George Williams received the cup, and team mate Mark Mathias was awarded the man of the match trophy, for his excellent display at hooker.

Neyland Youth coach Steve Evans said: “This has been a special season for the boys, and one that the club will always remember.”

Narberth Youth: Matthew Harries, James Thomas, Morgan Rees, Llew Jones, Jack Tucker, Danny Wainwright, Dylan Davies, Dan Davies, Ryan Jeremias, Declan Cole, Karl Busch, Kieran Allen, Ryan Cole, Harry Phillips, Jack Broadhurst. Replacements: Lewis Hough, Stephen Pilot, Ifan Rees, Dylan Walsh, Joe Cole, Kaleb Higgon, Rhys Strawbridge.

Neyland Youth: Mathew Coles, Henry McBeth, George Williams, Alex Codd, Rhys Rickard, Harry Williams, George Evans, Eugine Grice, Mark Mathias, Zac Davies, Jimmy Buirds, Huw James, Parry Phillips, Owain Evans, Scott Buirds. Replacements: Callum Jocklyn, Mitchel Roberts, Kyle Richards, Callum Symes, Harry Wheeler, Ethan Mayhew.

Referee: Sion Edwards.
Touch judges: Steve Robinson and Jamie Meek.

PHOTO:
Runners up Narberth Youth