Welcome To The Home Of Mardy Tigers F.C. & P.I.L.C.S  Ladies F.C.

               2010 F.A.W. U.16's Welsh Cup Winners      

                                            2011 - 2012 Season

                                      Club Based In Abergavenny - Monmouthshire

                                                      Club Formed: - June 2003

                              Affiliated To: - The South Wales & Gwent County F.A's.

                                         F.A.W. Accredited Club: - Standard Award

     Members Of: - South Wales Girls League & South Wales Women's League

Club Secretary - Mr. WAYNE JEREMIAH  -  1 Rhyd-y-Meirch Llanover Abergavenny Monmouthshire NP7 9EU Tel. - 01873 880915   E-Mail - jeremiah365@aol.com

Club Chair Person - Mrs Jane James       Club Vice- Chairman - Mr. Jonathan Webb   

Club Treasurer - Mrs. LORRAINE JEREMIAH - 01873 880915

Club Welfare Officer - Mrs. TRACEY STARK - 01873 850867.

Honorary Life Members: - Mr. Wayne Edwards.

Club Sponsors - U.10's - D & J Letting & Property Services     U.12's - FINELINE Decorators     U.14's - Paul Phillis - Chartered Accountants     U.16's - MOTION Rail.

Match Ball Sponsor - Mr. David James  -  D & J Letting & Property Services 

Club Captains - U.12's A - Falesha Lewis     U. 12's B - Cicely Cooley     U.14's - Shauna Pentney     U.16's - Alana Murphy   Seniors - Katrina French

Club Vice-Captains - U.12's A - Emily Heffernan     U.12's B - Emily Bressington     U.14's - Kate Webb     U.16's - Megan Stark   Seniors - Leilah King

Managers - U.10's - David James     U.12's A - Gary Barrell     U.12's B - Peter Matthews & Kevin Bressington     U.14's - Jon Webb & Chris Pentney     U.16's - Tony Murphy   Seniors - Wayne Jeremiah & Richie Jeremiah.

2011 - 2012 Season Review - As the curtain comes down on yet another season "The Tigers" can look back with great pride on what has been another tremendous year in the history of our great club. 12 months in which we've competed in all age groups from U. 10's right up to and including our seniors who play @ P.I.L.C.S in Pontypool. Starting with our "TIGLETS" who have competed weekly in South Wales Girls League festivals and become a cracking little squad under the management of David & Jane James. For me it's the important age groups as without the youngsters coming through the system the whole future of the club is in doubt. With many of the squad also playing in the Gwent Development Centre it's meant that they've had double the coaching and combined with club football the future is looking very bright. For the first time in our 9 year history we entered 2 teams at U. 12's and it's fair to say that both squads have had wonderful seasons. Gary led "The A Team" to success in The Gwent League which was the first ever league crown won at this age by Mardy Tigers F.C. They also qualified for League Cup Finals Day and can count themseleves a little unlucky to be honest as they lost 1 v 0 to eventual winners Cardiff City in the semi-final without it has to be said a full squad due to illness. Peter & Kevin had a larger squad but a younger one too and did fantastic to finish mid table in the league and finish Runners Up in The S.W.G.L. Plate Tournament. I feel that keeping them in their age groups worked well as we had 2 competitive teams and not just a strong and a weak team. It's all about preparing the girls for the 11 a side game and moving the club forwards. As for the U. 14's what an amazing season they've just enjoyed winning the S.W.G.League and cup double in a campaign which saw them lose only 2 games in 9 months. One of those games was in The Tesco Cup Final as Troedyrhiw deservedly won 1 v 0. This defeat spurred the girls onto league success and revenge was sweet when it came in The League Cup Final with a tense 3 v 2 win again against Troedyrhiw. Jon. and Chris have worked tirelessly this season and it's always good to see effort rewarded with trophies come the end of May. Shauna and Fiona were also rewarded as they were selected to play for Wales U. 16's in Ireland and have since been called into the U. 17's squad for training camps. This time last season it was unsure whether we'd have enough players to compete @ U. 16's and losing a couple of players to Bristol didn't help the situation. However a new squad was formed and despite a slow start which was to be expected the girls pulled together in the New Year and found some good form defeating all but 1 team in the league on their way to a mid table finish. Quarter-Finals of The Welsh Cup was no disgrace either. They almost saved the best until last as they ran the all conquering Galacticos from Cardiff City very close in The League Cup Final losing out to a lucky goal late in the second half. Tracey and Tony did a wonderful job keeping the squad going through some difficult times. I won't hide the fact thet attendance or the lack of it in training was an issue and hope that this will improve vastly as we prepare for next season. Our seniors enjoyed a marvellous first season together competing under the name of P.I.L.C.S Ladies. They swept all before them in the league and ran Divion 1 teams UWIC and Cardiff City very close in 2 cup competitions.

3 League Titles  -   1 League Cup Victory  -   1 Tesco Cup Final  -  1 League Cup Runners Up  -   1 League Cup Semi-Final  -  1 Plate Runners Up & 1 Welsh Cup Quarter-Final - All in all a season that most clubs would envy but only comes with hard work from many people on and off the pitch. Let's continue to make Mardy Tigers F.C. a club to be admired.

                           LOOK!!!  LOOK!!!  

2008 Tesco U.K. Cup Finals - VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS.

Click On The Link Below To View An Amazing Day For The Tigers.

http://www.tesco-u14-cup.com/finals_video.htm 

22/4/2012

U.16's League Cup Final

Mardy Tigers U. 16's 0 v 1 Cardiff City U. 16's

@ Bridgend Town Football Club

Having beaten the tigers comfortably on several occasions this season Cardiff probably thought they only had to turn up today to win the cup but if that was the case then what a shock they were in for as the tigers fought valiantly from first to last minute and can count themselves unlucky not to have taken the game into extra time with the winner luckily coming back off the post straight to the feet of a Cardiff player to slot home. With Big City teams attracting large numbers with oversized squads it's always going to be difficult but as we've shown in the past and will do so again we've never been afraid to mix it with the so called "Super Clubs". Perhaps when the new regions rule comes into play next season we'll see more local clubs like ourselves challenging for honours which surely is what The S.W.G.L. should be all about. Today was all about enjoying the cup final and showing a few of the F.A.W. people that talent is far and wide and not only at the Big Name clubs. This was also the case as I watched the Women's Cup Final as U.W.I.C. ran Cardiff all the way to penalties despite them filling their squad with internationals. Back to the 16's final which was always going to won by the first goal on a boggy pitch due to some heavy showers earlier in the morning. Highlight was a superb finger tip save from Bethan. To their credit the tigers battled right to the end and Alice Morgan had a couple of chances late on only to be denied by some good defending. Credit to the victors but oh boy was there relief as the final whistle blew. Maybe not as easy as they thought???

Mardy Tigers F.C. & P.I.L.C.S Football Club are proud to announce  a bright new venture for the 2011 - 2012 season in South Wales with the formation of a ladies senior team for the very first time at the Pontypool based club. The new side will play in The South Wales Womens League and players will be encouraged to come along to a summer training session held at the club during June & July.

Mardy Tigers F.C. coach and club secretary Wayne Jeremiah welcomes the new partnership and believes it can only be great news for girls and womens football in Gwent.

The Tigers U.,16's/18's have played at P.I.L.C.S for the past 2 seasons and been made very welcome by everyone at the club. With no permanent base in Abergavenny it was felt that setting up a senior team in Pontypool linked closely with Mardy Tigers junior sides it could become a stepping stone for all those youngsters looking to further their footballing life beyond the junior game.

The first training session and general get together will be at P.I.L.C.S Football Club on Sunday June 5th @ 11.00a.m.

Anyone interested please feel free to come along. Please contact Wayne Jeremiah 01873 880915 or e-mail - jeremiah365@aol.com for further details.

www.eteamz.com/mardytigersgirls  & www.pilcsfc.com

I can't believe another season is coming to an end. It only seems like yesterday when we were kicking off a brand new campaign with high hopes for the 9 months of competitive football that lay ahead of our 5 age groups.

However there's still so much to play for in the remaining week or so with 2 league cup finals, our U.16's still fighting for league runners up spot and not to mention the small matter of The U.K. Tesco Cup Finals and a semi-final tie with CELTIC at St. Andrews, the home of Birmingham City Football Club. Already tucked away in the trophy cabinet, which in answer to one "SADDO" who wrote an e-mail to the S.W.G.L. asking if it was sale - "In Your Dreams SADDO", are the U.14's & U.16's Gwent Tesco Cups plus the Welsh U.16's Tesco Cup. Add to this runners up spot in the U.14's league and should be also in the U.18's league although the league in their wisdom have deducted 3 points which could cost them this position to Valleys United. Our U.10's has trebled in size whilst our U.12's finished a very respectable seventh out of 18 and reached the cup quarter-finals. International honours for: - Shauna, Sophie, Rhian, Katie, Zoe & Mali and all in all it's not been a "BAD SEASON" has it tigers?

South Wales Girls League Cup Finals - Sunday 15/5/2011

Mardy Tigers U.14's v Garw U.14's - K.O. - 12.00 Noon

Mardy Tigers U.18's v Valleys United U.18's - K.O. - 2.00p.m.

Bridgend Street F.C.   The Willows   Cardiff   CF24 2YE

A coach will be leaving Brynmawr bus station @ 9.30a.m. and picking up @ K.H.S. @ 10.00a.m. Seats on the coach are just £4.00 and I ask that as many people as possible come along to both games to cheer on the tigers. Those making their own way there note that U.14's are to be at the ground @ 11.00a.m. and U.18's @ 1.00p.m.

U.K. Tesco Cup Finals @ Birmingham - 20 & 21/5/2011

A very special weekend to look forward to for our U.16's squad as they travel to the Midlands to represent Gwent County & Wales in The U.K. Tesco Cup Finals.

Saturday - The coach will leave Crickhowell High School @ 9.00a.m. and pick up @ K.H.S. @ 9.30a.m. We'll then travel to: - The RICOH Arena, the home of Coventry City F.C. to watch the 2011 Womens F.A.Cup Final - ARSENAL  v  BRISTOL ACADEMY. Tickets for this special match are FREE for the tigers and just £4.00 each for our travelling "Barmy Army". Following the cup final we'll then travel to our hotel in West Bromwich for a meal and a quiet evening as we anticipate the big day on Sunday.

Sunday - Following an early breakfast the squad will travel to the ground by 9.00a.m. for photo opportunity and to prepare for the game. We play CELTIC from Scotland in the semi-final with the game 15 minutes each way. Lunch for the squad and then depending upon our result an afternoon to watch and support the other Welsh teams or indeed prepare ourselves for The U.K. Final. Special team and player presentations are at 5.00p.m. with special guest Martin Keown and then a "Quiet" journey back to Wales.

Special T-Shirts have been ordered for the players and coaches but please note that they are FREE only to players up to date with their subscriptions. A charge of £10 will be made to the others.

Players are reminded that track suits and t-shirts are to be worn on Saturday & Sunday and as we'll be representing Gwent County, Wales & MARDY TIGERS a strict code of conduct regarding behaviour will be expected. It should be a "Weekend To Remember".

2011 Mardy Tigers F.C. Presentation Evening - 10/6/2011

@ The Parkway Hotel   Cwmbran  -  7.00 - 11.30p.m.

Team managers are collecting names and money for this very special evening and needs to be in by Sunday May 22nd please. The evening will consist of live entertainment, a buffet style meal, trophy presentations to ALL age groups. Tickets are priced @ £13 with TIGERS FREE. Please note that there are no concessions for children and any attending must pay the full price. Our Guest Of Honour will be Sharla Passariello, a past tiger who has played for Wales 4 times and is currently studying and playing in America. 

Friday 10th June 2011 - Mardy Tigers F.C. Presentation Evening @ The Parkway Hotel Cwmbran - This always promised to be a special evening and that's exactly how it turned out as over 200 guests met up to celebrate all things Mardy Tigers - "The Best Club In Wales". Guest Of Honour at the event was a tiger legend and Welsh international Sharla Passariello who is home on leave from her 4 year course @ University Of South Florida. She came with Barry who has been a lifelong tiger supporter and a huge influence upon Sharla's junior football career. It was great to see them both and I know they had a superb evening catching up with some old friends. Entertainment was provided by female singing talent Beth Lacey who belted out some fantastic tunes to the delight of the dancing tigers in the corner. Looking round the packed room it was with huge pride that I watched players from 8 up to 18 all mixing together as 1 massive tiger army celebrating what had been another amazing season for the club. Time now to feed the hungry tigers as they all tucked into a sumptuous buffet before settling down for the main event of the evening, the awards to all age groups. As club secretary and coach it's always my honour to make the speech but this year I have to admit to a few nerves standing up in front of so many people. I began by thanking the many many people who give up their time freely to help make our club what it is today, the envy of many to say the least, from the parents to the managers to the committee and the referees they all played their part in the season and the girls showed their appreciation. We then moved onto the players and each team was called up in turn to receive their individual trophies and receive the applause they deserved for their endeavours on the field of play over the last 9 months. Time now to recognise individual achievements within those teams and the "Special Awards". For the very first time this year we included our "TIGLETS" Mardy Tigers U.10's and gave them the respect of receiving the same awards as all the others. You'll here some clubs say "They're too young" but we're not some clubs are we?

Golden Boot - This award went to the top scorer in each age group in all league and cup games during the 2010 - 2011 season and were as follows: - U.10's - Ffion James   U.12's - Rhianna Harris   U.14's - Alana Murphy   U.16's - Alice Morgan   U.18's - Amy Thrupp. Between them these 5 tigers had scored close to 200 goals last season.

Most Improved - Special awards to players who had made great strides during the last campaign went to: - U.10's - Eliza Atkins   U.12's - Megan Powell   U.14's - Emily Williams   U.16's - Naomi Cook   U.18's - Demi Bounds.

Parents' Player Of The Season - Blame your mums and dads for these tigers: - U.10's - Cicely Cooley   U.12's -   Rhiannon Chamberlain   U.14's - Shauna Pentney   U.16's - Megan Purvis   U.18's - Carys Lloyd.

Player's Player Of The Season - Voted for by the girls this award has a special feeling if you win it: - U.10's - Emily Bressington   U.12's - Rhianna Harris   U.14's - Shauna Pentney   U.16's - Zoe Simmonds   U.18's - Amy Thrupp.

Club Girl Of The Year - A chance to reward the unsung heroes of the club: -U.10's - Bethan Phillips   U.12's - Cerys Jones   U.14's - Kate Baldock   U.16's - Leah Lovering   U.18's - Jade Edwards.

Manager's Player Of The Season - Chosen by your manager who sees you every week of the season : - U.10's - Ffion James   U.12's - Rhiannon Chamberlain   U.14's - Kate Webb   U.16's - Mali Summers   U.18's - Rhian Cleverly.

Time now for some more special awards as presentations were made to Zoe Simmonds for joing "The 300 Club" and to Amy Thrupp for making a club of her own "The 400 Club". The last player award was the much sort after The Sharla Passariello Special Achievement Award made even more special this year because Sharla would be presenting it herself. For me it was an easy decision because for a young lady to represent her country at any age is remarkable but to do it at the tender age of 13 is astonishing which is why Shauna Pentney picked up the ultimate tiger honour - "Stop Crying Donna".

We weren't quite finished as an emotional presentation took place with "Big Wayne" who is standing down as club chairman became an honorary life member of the club with a trophy to go along with the honour. U.18's captain made her own special presentation to Kate Jeremiah whilst flowers and gifts went to Sharla, Lorraine, Stuart, Becky and to myself. Well done to all the winners but remember we wouldn't be where we are without our team mates.

With the awards ceremony over it was time now for the raffle and a special auction of a signed Aaron Ramsey framed photograph. It turned into a right battle with Stuart Summers and David James going head to head all the way up to £110.00. When all was thought to have been decided up stood "Rhino" with a last gasp bid of £111 to snatch the prize away.

A night to remember ended with Beth Lacey and The Tigers singing and dancing the night away as a pint or two was sunk as the curtain came down on another magical season - "Off to Gloucester in the morning mind you".    

2011 U.K. Tesco Cup Finals

22/5/11

@ Birmingham City F.C.

For the second time in our small club's 8 year history we had made it all the way to The U.K. Tesco Cup Finals. In 2008 it was our U.14's in Manchester and in 2011 it was to be our U.16's in Birmingham and a chance to play on a Premier League ground, although it has to be said that by the time we left the stadium it was a Championship ground with Birmingham City relegated after a defeat @ Spurs on what was the final day of the season. 2008 we drew Scotland and again in 2011 it was to be "The Jocks" Celtic to be precise.

Our coach departed Abergavenny @ 9.30a.m. on Saturday morning setting off for the midlands, The RICOH Arena home of Coventry City F.C. to watch The 2011 Women's F.A. Cup Final between Arsenal & Bristol Academy. A good journey though it has to be said the choice of music "blasting" out of the back left an awful lot to be desired, or maybe it's my age? We arrived @ Coventry in plenty of time and a chance to catch up with some "Old Tiger Friends" Sharla Passariello, Ellie Curson, Ellie Leek & Ashleigh Harris, who were there to cheer on their Bristol mates. Arsenal Ladies were far too good for their West Country opponents and were comfortable 2 v 0 winners of a slightly disappointing cup final for the 13000 crowd. Our captain Mali was happy though as she's a devoted GOONER.

Off to our hotel now in Birmingham and a chance for the tigers to meet some new friends from teams who'd come from all over the U.K. Settle in and then the squad as taken out for a slap up Chinese meal. Have to say at this point a few of the adults certainly took advantage of the all you can eat menu and the desert section wasn't bad either. Rhian Cleverly does need a little work on her ice cream pulling technique. Back to the hotel and the girls had a sing song with the Irish in the corridor before it was off to their rooms and settle doen before tomorrow's big day.

All quiet on the western front until 1.15a.m. when the bloody fire alarm woke the sleepy tigers. It was Shrewsbury 2009 all over again although this time the tigers had nothing to do with the false alarm. Good job for a few tigers it was a false alarm as they slept through it. Get some sleep before it was up at 6.45a.m. for breakfast. 

Sunday morning arrived and a bright eyed bunch of tigers sprinted down to breakfast, which wasn't the best I've ever had. All packed up and kits on for the coach journey to St. Andrews and prepare for the big game. We arrived at the ground at 9.00a.m. which gave the squad plenty of time to have their photographs taken and have a good old fashioned kickabout on the hallowed turf. My 20 yard free kick into the top corner will be a memory of mine for quite a while. It was a relaxed atmosphere prior to the games kicking off but 10.00a.m. saw the semi-finals begin. We all watched Manchester City U.16's reach the final beating Sion Swifts from Ireland and then it was off to the dressing rooms to get ready for the big game. We were given the plush HOME dressing room to change in and a few choice words from myself and Stuart sent the tigers on their way down the tunnel and out into the sunshine to the cheers of all the travelling "Barmy Army".

As we took our places in the dug out a short time to reflect on what our small club had achieved by reaching the U.K. semi-final and take on the mighty CELTIC. If there was a "Roy Of The Rovers" for girls he couldn't have written this one. We all knew that this was going to be a battle against physical opposition and so it proved. Very little time on the ball and a quick tempo from the Scots meant we couldn't play our normal game. Having said that the only goal of the game came after a free kick given away on the edge of the box after 7 minutes and thumped home. The referee had played advantage initially but when the Celtic player was then tackled by Katie he brought the game back, wrongly in my opinion. The tigers found it difficult to carve out a clear goal scoring opportunity and were feeding on scraps of posession at times. A half chance from Alice late on was comfortably collected by the Celtic keeper and it wasn't going to be our day. A brave tiger performance but a fair result and it was Celtic who joined Manchester City in the final. Manchester City would win this 2 v 1 after trailing 0 v 1 at the interval with 2 screamers taking them to the title. The tigers took the applause of their supporters and went for lunch in "The Legends Bar". Richie and myself went on a search for The Carling Cup but only reached the boardroom.

A long afternoon now lay ahead but it was helped by the Wales U.13's Boys reaching their final before losing to England after a penalty shoot out. With England reaching all 3 finals it did give the Irish, Scottish & Welsh a chance to join forces against "The Old Enemy" and what a superb atmosphere it made for. Jobs worth stewards tried to dampen the fever but the tigers were having none of it and sang their hearts out all afternoon. This carried on during the trophy presentation too as Martin Keown dished out the various awards and cups. Mali went up to collct the medals and silver tray for the tigers to loud cheers.

A superb end to a special weekend which will live long in the memories of all who were there. The girls let their hair down on the journey home with a shandy or two and the odd dance off.

Season's end then but one to remember - WELL DONE TIGERS & THANKS TO THE SUPPORTERS. 

Sunday 20/3/11 @ Goytre F.C.

Mardy Tigers U.16's 2 v 1 Villa Dino Christchurch U.16's

Mardy Tigers U.14's 3 v 0 Cwmbran Celtic U.14's

A gloriously sunny afternoon and a fantastic setting @ Goytre Football Club plus a large crowd meant this was going to be a special occasion for everyone taking part. With The Tigers looking to hold onto the trophies they'd won in 2010 again @ Goytre they knew that this would be a tough ask and their opponents would be well up for the battle. The U.16's final took centre stage first with Stuart looking to protect his 3 Belgium bound Wales U.17's players if he could and only use them if needed. To be honest not fielding his strongest line up meant that this would be a real battle and not a great spectacle if truth be told. All the goals were scored in the first half with the tigers taking a 2 goal lead thanks to Rhiannon & Zoe only to see their lead halved right on half-time with a free kick which the referee had indicated as being indirect looping over Charlotte and into the net without a touch off anyone. The second half didn't really improve much but it must be said the tigers defence seldom looked in any trouble and the girls deserved their victory with captain for the final Leah Lovering lifting the trophy. The officials also made another cock up by playing 45 minutes instead of 35 minutes each way. The U.14's who'd been cheering on their mates in the U.16's final now took to the pitch for their taste of the great atmosphere. The tigers started much the stronger and with goals from Jemma & Fiona took a deserved 2 v 0 lead in at the break. Comfortable yes but when the third goal went in thanks to a cross shot from Alana the girls knew that this would be their day also. Shauna lifted the trophy for the second year running and both teams will now travel to Newtown for The Welsh Finals on May 1st. The club would like to thank Goytre F.C. for their kind hospitallity and superb playing surface.

This had been a special day all round for the club with news of a fantastic 2 v 1 win for our U.12's @ Troedyrhiw against the champions elect. With the U.10's having played in the morning @ Abergavenny plus our U.18's dispatching Sully 7 v 0 @ PILCS this had been another great day for the club. 

1/5/2011

Welsh Tesco Cup Finals

@ Newtown Football Club

"What time is the bus picking us up"? was the question asked in training by 1 tiger. "6 O'Clock" was the reply from coach Jeremiah. "IN THE MORNING" replied a stunned tiger.

A dull and damp Sunday morning as the tigers U.14's & U.16's players and supporters embarked on their journey to Mid Wales with pick ups in Newport, Pontypool, Abergavenny & Crickhowell ensuring the Abergavenny team wouldn't be short of voices as they attempted to win a second Welsh Tesco Cup title following their U.14's triumph @ Aberystwyth in 2008. A subdued and sleepy journey was only interrupted at times by the voice of Smurf echoing from the upper deck as the travelling "Barmy Army" contemplated a full days football against some of the best sides in Wales. The dull and damp start gave way to a glorious sunny, if a little breezy day with layers of clothing coming off throughout the afternoon. We arrived @ Newtown by 9.00a.m. which gave everyone plenty of time to settle down, get breakfast, fill out the many forms and have their photographs taken by TESCO.

10.35 was kick off time for both age groups and the U.14's had a tough start gifting GARW a 2 v 0 lead at the break due to errors at the back. News from the other pitch was better thanks to a Clev. screamer giving the U.16's a 1 v 0 interval lead against Llangyfelach. A fight back in the second half saw Smurf give the U.14's hope but a disgraceful challenge on Jemma which saw her end up in the ambulance for a check up and went unpunished knocked the stuffing out of the brave tigers. Alice Morgan had doubled the U.16's lead with a cool finish to seal the points for the U.16's. A mixed start to the day then but heads up was the message because a long day lay ahead.

With all our games staggered now support was assured for both age groups and wow what a performance from our U.14's with a thumping 5 v 0 win against Llanidloes thanks to goals from: - Grace, Shauna, Jemma, Alana & Fiona giving them renewed hope. Second up for our U.16's saw a repeat of our tasty Welsh Cup Quarter-Final and when the tigers went 1 v 0 down early against Mardford & Gresford they could have been excused if panic had set in. NO CHANCE Rhian and Zoe showed their class with 2 quick fire strikes and the tigers defence held firm to maintain their 100% start. 2 wins and 2 to play - They Couldn't - COULD THEY???

Back to the 14's now and another fine win 2 v 1 against West Wales outfit Garden Village thanks to goals from a fully recovered Jemma, after her assault, and Shauna put them right back in the hunt with results elsewhere going their way too. Mid afternoon now and a chance to catch breath and take stock - And A Quick Pint - Thirsty work this shouting you know.

Now for the crunch and could the U.16's hold their young nerves against Valleys United and gain revenge having thrown away the Welsh Cup Final last month with some sloppy finishing and bad luck. Cometh the hour cometh the tiger and you can always rely on Titch to get you a goal when you need one. 1 v 0 TO THE TIGERS and a contrst to the players that had left the field in Bridgend just 4 weeks ago. "Revenge is sweet". 3 wins and 1 game to go - BLIMEY We Could Do This You Know!!!

Our U.14's crunch game came next and a catalogue of missed chances and a goal ruled out due to offside was to cost the youngsters dear as a 0 v 0 draw against Bricfield Rangers ended hopes of what could have been a double celebration. Heads bowed the tigers left the field to be cheered up by supporters and U.16's alike knowing that some better finishing would have seen them still in with a chance with 1 game left.

Late afternoon now and everyone headed for PITCH 4 to see if the U.16's could actually finish the job. Northop Hall were the opposition and it doesn't come much tougher. Jeremiah & Summers gave their words of wisdom and sent the tigers out to battle knowing teams were watching hoping for them to slip up. "Give us a goal" was the call and Rhian obliged after 5 minutes to settle those young nerves. Couldn't be that simple though knowing Mardy Tigers and so it proved with Northop levelling the scores just before the break. 1 v 1 would do for the tigers but not on your life because a bullet header from Titch with 5 minutes to go only flipping won it and the final whistle brought joy on the field and misery off it for other watching teams. Finishing the day on the field our U.14's played out a 0 v 0 draw which was enough for their opponents to win the title and worthy champions they were too.

Dreams do sometimes come true then as our U.16's turned their thoughts to Birmingham and The U.K. Tesco Cup Finals on May 22nd.

Time for the presentations and this year they were made by Neill Taylor of Swansea City. "Who" - I've never heard of him either but who knows maybe a Premier League player next season.

Shauna collected the U.14's medals on behalf of her team and was soon to return to receive The Player Of The Tournament award becoming the first player to receive the honour having not played for the winning team.

Now for THE CHAMPIONS - Mali led her team forward to receive their medals and hold high THE CUP. to the loudest cheers of the day since we were the only club there with 2 teams and 2 sets of supporters. Special awards to Keeper Of The Day Charlotte, Defender Of The Day Megan & Player Of The Tournament Leah.

A tired bunch of tigers returned to the coach with the smiling Stuart finding it difficult to contain his joy. It was a relatively quiet journey home with some tired and bruised tigers having been up since 5.00a.m. plus the fact that Shannon was in Spain and missing the celebrations. The silence was only broken from time to time by yes you've guessed it the voice of Smurf echoing from the upper deck. I bet her dad is glad when she goes to sleep.

Journey end and all back home safely with the cup and dreams of 3 weeks time walking out @ St. Andrews, the home of Birmingham City F.C. in the red shirts of WALES.

PROUD OF ALL THE TIGERS & FANTASTIC SUPPORTERS.

Wayne Jeremiah

Coach
Mardy Tigers F.C. 

2 superb cup final hat- tricks but contrasting fortunes as Amy Thrupp's set the tigers U.18's on the road to cup glory whilst inspirational captain of the tigers U.14's Shauna Pentney's wasn't quite enough to see her team home.

All roads led to Bridgend Street Football Club in Cardiff on Sunday for The South Wales Girls League Cup Finals and a date with destiny for our U.14's & U.18's tigers.

Mardy Tigers U.14's 3 v 5 Garw U.14's

First to take to the half cut theatre of dreams (The mower broke down) were our U.14's and a battle with Garw. 3 times the tigers took the lead in this game but were pegged back 3 times only to see young Megan miss a golden chance in the last minute of normal time to win the cup. A hat-trick from our leader Shauna wasn't quite enough but the brave tigers gave everything they had losing out finally after extra time and were praised by their coaches in sharp contrast to the opposition who left the field to "that's the worst we've played all season). Special mention to the tigers defence who had to deal with a tricky wind but coped admirably - Emily, Megan, Katie & Kelsey. League & Cup Runners Up to add to their Gwent Tesco Cup success and Welsh National Tesco Cup third place can be considered a superb season for such a young side with two thirds of the squad U.14's again next season.

Mardy Tigers U.18's 7 v 2 Valleys United U.18's

Considering the injury ravaged season endured by the U.18's squad this season a place in the cup final was due reward for the absolutely fantastic attitudes shown by players asked to play out of their comfort zone. Carys in goal, Kate & Amy centre midfield, Rhian too in midfield, Frankie right back, Katie centre back but not a murmur of discontent as they rolled up their sleeves and got on with it. Highlight of the match has to be Amy's thrilling hat-trick leaving defenders standing as she mesmorised them with her control and finishing. Again the strong wind played a part and a 2 v 2 score at the break was in no small part due to the tricky conditions. With the wind in the second half the tigers BLEW their opponents away with a devastating display of "Total Football". A 30 yard Kate free kick special, a close range stike from Rhian plus 2 headed goals from Katie & Hattie added to The Thruppmeisters hat-trick to put the icing on the cake and an emphatic cup final victory. Captain Jade held aloft The Golden Cup as celebrations began on the pitch.. A trophy at all age groups from U.13's right the way up to U.18's shows the dedication over the years and proves that with hard work anything can be achieved. As they now move on to senior football they leave behind memories to last a lifetime, League Championships galore, Cup Finals & Tours to Shrewsbury & Brean, Manchester 2008 to mention a few - "SIMPLY THE BEST TIGERS".