Fixture

Llantwit Major Tigers U14s travelled away this weekend, eagerly looking forward to continuing the friendly rivalry with Porthcawl RFC.

As U13s the teams faced each other 3 times.  Limited player numbers and a lack of experience in the Porthcawl ranks contributed to their 3-losses in that age group, albeit in close and competitive matches.

This season however, the tables have dramatically turned and it was Llantwit Major who were short on both numbers and experience as they travelled with their 11-available players to home of the green and blacks.

With revenge for the previous season a clear motivation for the home side, Porthcawl players chose not to make up the numbers in the Llantwit team, so the match was played with 11 a-side with flankers and wingers being dropped.

Playing on the wide expanses of first team pitch at Porthcawl and with just 22-players on the field, it left a lot of empty space for both teams.  Porthcawl however have spent a lot of time working with their backs, and this became evident as they raced away into an early lead.  Being starved of possession, the visitors struggled to get into the game and although they battled hard the were not able to deal with the pace and power of the home team.

In flashes it was encouraging to see the Tigers put into practice what they’ve been working on in training.  The forwards especially stood up to the Porthcawl team and when working as a unit showed glimpses of what might have been.  The scrums especially were a great success as once again was the line out.  

Although the result eventually proved to be disheartening for the Tigers, it is to their credit that they continued to fight for each other and the team.  Captain and eventual man of the match, Kelyn Joseph led by example with a fine defensive and offensive display, and showed good leadership in encouraging players to work together and keep on going even when under the posts for yet another conversion attempt.

Congratulations to Porthcawl for their victory.  The Tigers will be working hard to make sure they are ready for the return fixture later in the season.