Fixture

Matches against local opposition are always eagerly anticipated, with friendly rivalry stroked even more in this fixture by the presence of a number of ex-Llantwit Major players now wearing the green and white of Barry RFC instead of the red and black of the Tigers.

And it was in hope of a good game, as well as in catching up with familiar faces that that Llantwit Major U13s eagerly travelled to Barry RFC this weekend.

With their last two matches being cancelled due to unplayable ground conditions, it was a relief to the Tigers that this week the weather played ball and the match could kick off with just a stiff breeze offering a challenge on the sloping yet scenic Barry pitches.  

Unfortunately for the Tigers, their lack of recent match practice became very evident against a well drilled Barry outfit who charged into a commanding lead by half time.  The Tigers performance was peppered with errors that constantly keep them on the back foot, and allowed Barry to maintain field position and play their own game and to their credit they made the best of their opportunities with some intelligent play.

After a much needed half time talk, the Tigers made more of a game of it in the second half, edging possession and territory but once again failing to cut out the errors and unleash their backs.  Barry showed great determination in keeping out the Tigers, making good use of a full squad by continually rotating players and keeping the tiring 14-Llantwit players from scoring, building on their first half score to eventually run out comfortable winners.

Congratulations to Barry on their win and good luck for the remainder of the season.  

In a bad team performance for the Tigers one player was picked out by the coaches as their man of the match.  Normally heralded for his fleet footed attacking play, on this occasion it was the defence of Fred O’Carroll that stood out as well as his never say die attitude, so well done to Fred.

For the Tigers, it is hoped that getting back up to full strength and having a run of games will provide the team with the confidence to re-capture the form seen earlier in the season and get back to winning ways.