Knock Out Cup Semi-Final:

 
 

Tenby United 18 - Whitland 6

 
Tenby United moved into the Knock Out Cup Final as they fended off a strong challenge by old rivals Whitland which carried all the hall marks of a traditional KO Cup tie between these sides over many seasons as they vied for that vital final place in what was always the Blue Riband event of local rugby.
 
Both teams have strength in depth up front and although the Borderers now play their league rugby a section above The Seasiders the home side showed that after relegation last season the current squad could cope now with the demands of Division One as they shared 12 points from a gripping first period and grabbed two tries in the second period to take victory.

One interesting feature of this tussle was the fact that rival skippers Luke Hansford (Tenby) and Jack Mason (Whitland) are soon to become brothers-in-law!
 

Even-stevens at half time

It was Whitland who made slightly the better start and good work up front by Raff Williams, Gareth Bennett, skipper Jack Mason and Ben Kirk earned them a third-minute penalty which Nico Setaro kicked.

But the lead was short-lived as Tenby gained position via the efforts of Luke Dedman, Andrew Cooke, Geoff Martin and captain Luke Hansford for Ashley Sutton to level matters with a similar three-pointer.
 
Sutton put the home side ahead after 28 minutes before Setaro made the interval score 6-all with his second kick on target after 38 minutes.
 

Seasiders score vital first try . . .

Both teams had chances to retake the lead as Gino Setaro, Deian Augustus and Sean Coles always posed a threat for Whitland but it was Tenby who made the break through after 55 minutes when winger Jordan Asparassa was set on a run following some power play by Jack Guerreiro and the outstanding Scott James after a poor attempted clearance gave him the chance to weave his way over the gain line and end a 50-metre run with an unconverted try.
 
Whitland still had chances but with Mike Davies and Luke Dedman strong in the set pieces the strong running of Johnny Morgan, Gregg Lees Griffiths and Guerreiro kept the Borderers’ cover defence on its toes.
 

. . . And add an important second!

And after 76 minutes The Seasiders claimed the all-important final score when No 8 Barry Parsons made ground and found the irrepressible Andrew Cooke in support to crash over from five metres out.
 
Sutton added the conversion and Tenby dedicated their win to the late Mike Fry, who had passed away after many years of yeoman service with The Seasiders, plus the Pembrokeshire Youth and Junior Rugby Sections, and both teams and supporters showed their respect with a minute’s silence prior to the start.
 
Tenby United: Johnny Morgan; Greg Lees Griffiths; Scott James; Jack Guerreiro; Jordan Asparassa: Ashley Sutton; Matthew Morgan: Geoff Martin; Joe Poole; Ethan Morgan; Mike Davis; Luke Dedman: Andrew Cooke; Luke Hansford (capt); Barry Parsons. Replacements: Dan Allen; Dan McDermott; Lyndon Jones; Alex Thomas; Kieran Machin; Mark Heywood.

Whitland: Nico Setaro: Lloyd Williams; Gino Setaro; Deian Augustus; Sean Coles: Connor Edwards; Adam Davies: Jacob Dewhurst; Gethin Lewis; Aaron Mayne: Raff Williams; Ben Kirk: Jack Mason (capt); Andrew Hawkins; Gareth Bennett. Replacements: Tomos Walters; Michael Ryan; Dai Ebsworth; Zac France-Miller; James Lewis; Andrew Jenkins; Scott Candler.

PHOTOS:
Jordan Asparassa - claimed Tenby's first try after a 50-metre weaving run
Andrew Cooke - vital late score for The Seasiders
Nico Setaro - two penalties as only points scorer for Whitland