On February 24, two relay teams from Tenby Junior School went to Ammanford to swim in the Dyfed Sladen relay finals (reports competitor Eleanor Brown). The boys went first and did really well in their group race, managing to come first! Next was the girls, who also did really well by winning their group race, which meant that both relay teams qualified for their respective finals. It wasn't long before we had the finals, so we got ready and warmed up. The boys swam first; it was really tense and it was a close finish, but they still won! After that the girls went, performing another fantastic swim and came first again! We brought back lots of medals and also two silver plates! We had an amazing day and we all swam brilliantly! Many thanks to Mrs. Brown, and to all the parents for their support. Team was: Henry Whittiker, Elliot Scotcher, Sam Baxter, Cheyne Lloyd, Bethan Davie, Sydney Vickery, Jade Thomas and Eleanor Brown.

CARDIFF VISIT

During February, the Year 6 children of Tenby Junior Community School travelled to Cardiff Bay to visit the Millennium Centre - 'the giant armadillo', as Elliot called it - and the Welsh Assembly (write the pupils themselves). The first place we visited was the Millennium Centre, which was a truly astonishing building; it looked really impressive with its use of Welsh slate and Welsh steel. We had a look around inside the building, viewing some of the art on show, before going into the interactive gallery, where we could have a go at all sorts of musical activities. Unfortunately, we were unable to have a look inside the theatre because the Welsh National Opera were rehearsing, but we were treated to a musical performance in the foyer before leaving, with one man playing the piano (a rather expensive one at that) and another playing the oboe. Next, it was on to the Welsh Assembly, where we were met by an education officer (after getting through the security area and the big metal detector!). We were taken to a classroom where we learnt a lot about what the Welsh Assembly does for the people of Wales, and we were given the opportunity to vote on a few issues using an electronic control pad, like the ones they use in the chamber. This was great fun; it was like playing 'Who wants to be a Millionaire?' and we even saw some graphs of our responses. After experiencing electronic voting, we moved on to more traditional voting where we were split into groups to write a manifesto for a particular party – either the Sports Party, School Uniform Party, Dance Party, Sweets Party or Save the Earth Party. Mr. Williams's class voted for the School Uniform Party where children would have a different uniform for each season, and Mrs. Morgan's class voted for . Finally, it was over to the debating chamber to meet Christine Gwyther, our local Assembly Member. She was very honest and truthful as she spent a lot of time answering our questions, and we enjoyed listening to her answers. Rob Luly pestered her about the lack of an NHS dentist in Tenby and she shared with us that it is certainly one of her priorities for West Wales. Overall, we all had a wonderful day, visiting our capital city and learning lots!

Rugby finals

On March 3, Tenby Junior School's rugby team went to Stradey Park, home of the Llanelli Scarlets, to compete in the Dyfed 10-a-side rugby finals (reports team member Greg Palin). Everyone involved was really looking forward to a fantastic day, with some nerves creeping in as well. In the first match, we showed no signs of nerves by thrashing Ysgol Bedol 33-0. A good well-worked move from the forwards provided the first try for Elliot Ronowitz who came out of the back of a ruck to dive over the line. The second try followed shortly after, with some magic from twinkle toes himself, Daniel Fairlie. The next try was well run in by Jack Murphy with a well-worked dummy. Next on the score-sheet was Rob Luly, finding a gap in the defence and running through for a well-deserved fourth try. Finally to round off the game, county centre Joe Farrell sidestepped his way round the defence to score a great individual try. Greg Palin did well to convert four of the five tries, with a forceful wind to contend with. Our next match was against Ysgol Dewi Sant, which proved to be a tough game, with our defence falling asleep a couple of times and letting the opposition through to score twice, with conversions added. Our last game was a make or break one for us against a very strong (literally), well-organised team called Ysgol Y Dderwen, who most definitely taught us a lesson! With three tries under their belts, the final whistle went. Bodies lay all over the pitch with exhaustion and with injuries; it was the end of a challenging tournament which we learnt a great deal from. Team was: Greg Palin, Elliot Scotcher, Rob Luly (capt.), James Oakley, William Holmes, Elliot Ronowitz, Jack Murphy, Corey Morris, Joe Farrell, Toby Rossiter and Daniel Fairlie. Many thanks to Mr. Williams, and to all the parents for their support.

TRIES GALORE

Tenby's rugby team also played a match against Hakin recently (reports captain Robert Luly). Tenby kicked off, the ball bounced awkwardly and fell into the hands of Daniel Fairlie to score the first try of the match. Hakin bounced back quickly with a try, but missed the conversion. James Oakley was quickly on hand to score Tenby's second try. Then Will Holmes forced his way through the defence to secure their third. Captain Rob Luly showed his strength and power to score the fourth try before the break. Tenby started showing their skills and knowledge of the game with a pick up by Corey from the back of a scrum to go blindside, therefore punishing the Hakin defence. Sam and Toby did well, providing Jack Murphy with a try. Tenby then sealed the game with two more tries. Well done to Greg for converting all of his kicks. The final score was 56-5 to Tenby. Team was Greg Palin, Elliot Scotcher, Rob Luly (capt.), Jack Murphy, Will Holmes, James Oakley, Elliot Ronowitz, Corey Morris, Joe Farrell, Daniel Fairlie, Sam Blackledge and Toby Rossiter.