Fixture

Llantwit Major RFC Under 13s Tigers were back in action this weekend for the first game of 2019, at home to Clwb Rygbi of Cardiff.

A strong squad of 17 players had the Christmas cobwebs blown clean away by a strong, cold wind and a determined opposition, in what turned out to be a classic game of two halves.

The visitors took full advantage of the conditions in the first half playing with the wind and down the slope on the Llantwit Major Druids pitch.  They also ruthlessly took advantage of some mistakes and rustiness by the Tigers, allowing them to take a commanding lead into the break.  

Following an inspirational half time talk by head coach Kris Pilcher, the tables turned.  With the conditions now in their favour, the Tigers showed great determination and no little skill to fight their way back into the game.  Some impressive kicking out of hand by open-side Ethan Harding and inside centre Tom Lamerton allowed the Tigers to work their way into the opponents half and launch their own attacks. 

In his first game as new team captain, second rower Dan Bartlett led from the front, powering over for 2 trademark tries.  In the backs, some slick handling allowed outside centre Fred O’Carroll to increase his try count for the season, dancing through attempted tackles to finish off a flowing move under the posts.

The contrast in the Tigers performance between the first and second half was stark, with both forwards and backs contributing to a huge turn around.  Ultimately however, the Tigers ran out of time to complete the fightback, so honours on this occasion go to CCRC.  

Congratulations to them for their win and also to debutant Cameron Wheadon, who in his first game for the Tigers did a great job.

Now the cobwebs have been blown away, the Tigers can look forward to their remaining games and build on the confidence shown by a dominant second half performance. The lesson to learn is to take that attitude into every half of every match.  The potential is there, and with more hard work this group should have nothing to fear from any opposition.