Fixture

The Llantwit Major U13 Tigers were away again this weekend, this time heading north of the M4 to the pristine 3G pitch of Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni Y Gwyndy Campus, that this week was home for Bedwas RFC.

With persistent heavy rain in the forecast, this pitch provided a perfect surface for what turned out to be a great game of rugby.

For the Tigers, this game was a chance to put into practice all that they have been working hard on in training in recent weeks. For the forwards it was about supporting each other, looking after the ball and working just as hard without it as with it; while the backs focus was on defence, handling and creating space for each other.

Without exception, the soggy parents who made the journey were rewarded with a great team display from the 13-man Tigers.

In ironically appropriate conditions, the first try of the game came from man of the match and newly nicknamed Jakub ‘Jetski’ Jeziorski, who profited from some aggressive Tigers defence to break clear and power away leaving the home defence in his wake from all of 70 meters.  This was soon followed by another long range effort from the ever reliable Fred O’Carroll, playing this week on the left wing instead of his normal outside centre position, who finished off a flowing backs move assisted by a perfect draw and give from 13, Kelyn Joseph.

Not to be outdone, Bedwas fought back and claimed the next score only to be hit again by a repeat performance from Jakub and Fred, who both finished the half with a brace.

Following the half time break it was the turn of Tigers captain, Dan Bartlett to get on the scoresheet.  A threat throughout the game with his trademark charges constantly posing a threat to the Bedwas defence, his hard work was rewarded with the first of 3-tries coming soon after kick off.  Beating him to a hat-rick however, was Fred O’Carroll who once again showed great balanced running to outflank the home team and dot down behind the posts.  Tom Lamerton gained the extra points with the first successful kick of the day.

With injuries taking their toll on Bedwas, the game was reduced to 11-players aside, but to their credit both teams continued to work hard.  It was the Tigers who finished the strongest however, with 2 tries by Dan Bartlett, the second of which Tom Lamerton converted in the last act of an entertaining game.

Credit to Bedwas for their fighting spirit, but congratulations this week go to the Tigers for a well earned away win.