Fixture

With a delayed kick off to accommodate Wales’ world cup game against Uruguay, Llantwit Major U14 Tigers took the field this week at home to Porthcawl inspired by a winning, Welsh performance.

Having created a great rivalry last season, the home team were eager for the challenge especially having suffered a heavy away loss to the same opposition just 4-weeks earlier.

Since that early season defeat the depleted Tigers have been steadily improving, focusing on simple principles of working collectively and supporting each other.  Although this has not yet turned into any wins, it’s clear from training that the boys are buying into the concept and are seeing continuous improvement.  Working hard with the forwards, the team came into the game following an exhausting session on Thursday where players developed a clear plan for what to do in the opposition 22.

The Tigers also entered the match with a secret weapon -  four Llantwit Major U13 players.  Having only 11-players available to them, the U14s were delighted to welcome Keiron, Evan, Maison and Dylan who all played up a year for the first time.  Playing 15 a side meant that the wide open spaces that Porthcawl made such good use of in their first game were reduced, and what a difference that made.

Faced with conditions that switched between wet and very wet on the slopping Youth Team pitch, it was clear from the start that Porthcawl were in for a very different experience in this game.  Slippery conditions and reduced space along with a dogged Llantwit defence meant that there were just 12-points between the teams at half time.  

Suffering a little at the breakdown, the Tigers were starved of field position for most of the game.  Eventually however, the visitors defence creaked and a great run by U13 player Evan, put the Tigers into the visitors 22.  Strong, direct running in the forwards got the team within 5-metres of the line, before, in almost a carbon copy of last weeks score, hooker Corey Cox darted from the base of a ruck and forced his way over the line.  

Having failed to trouble the scorers in their last encounter, this was a huge boost for the home team and re-enforced once again the progress the boys are making.  

With the advantage of being able to bring on fresh players, Porthcawl did get the last score of the game to ease into a comfortable scoreboard victory, but the contrast between this performance and the previous fixture was stark.  The home team, boosted by their borrowed U13 players showed a great attitude and gave the visitors a real game.  All U13 players performed brilliantly and made a massive difference so thanks go to them.

Congratulations go to Porthcawl on their win.  The Tigers look forward to the next game.