Fixture

With the Christmas decorations packed away for another year, it was time for the U14 Tigers to get back to playing some rugby.

For the first game of 2020, CCRC were welcomed as visitors to the very heavy, and just about playable Druids pitch of Llantwit Major RFC.

With only 12 players available, CCRC still outnumbered the 11-players of the home team, so the game started in fine conditions with 11-aside:  5-forwards and 6-backs.  Using the full Druids pitch this meant that there was a lot of space for a team with pace to utilise and it soon became clear that this benefited the CCRC team more than the hosts.

Even with the slippery conditions contributing to a number of handling errors, CCRC showed great skill and speed to make the most of each opportunity that they had and soon built a commanding lead.  The Tigers were not able to compete with the pace of the visitors, but kept working hard when they did have the ball, putting into practice the support play that had been worked on in training in the week.  The visitor’s defence stood firm however and the Tigers remained scoreless at half time.

According to the usual script, the second half should have seen the demoralised home team punished further, but that does not take into account the spirit of the Tigers this season.  As has been seen on more than one occasion, the Tigers were able to dismiss the first half and come out for the second period all guns blazing.  The Tigers were also helped by the inclusion of Cerion from the U13’s who had finished his game on the youth pitch and slotted in for the Tigers on the wing, filling an important gap in defence.

With instructions to keep the ball tight, the Tigers kept their heads up and capitalised on mistakes to gain field position.  Some great kick offs from outside half, James Wharfe put the visitors under pressure in their own 22 and the Tigers finally managed to turn pressure into points.  

First on the scoresheet was second row Cameron Hegney who cut the defensive line and held off two defenders to force his way over the line from 5 meters out.  Next, with the forwards securing the ball 10 meters from the try line following a strong run down the right flank into the opposition 22 by full-back Dexter Milburn, number 8 Jakub Jeziorski broke away and fought off 4 defenders before crashing over the line backwards, to score in the corner.

The visitors were unable to repeat the fluency of the first half, but still were able to capitalise on mistakes by the Tigers to keep the scoreboard ticking over.  The Tigers however, boosted by their own scores kept on working hard and forced a scrum in the CCRC 22.  A diving pass from number 9 Tom Jones got the ball to captain Kelyn Joseph in the centre who quickly fed Dexter Milburn on his outside.   With the attention of 4 defenders, the full back forced himself over the line, dragging the biggest player on the pitch with him in the process to score in the corner.

The final word went to the visitors and eventually they were worthy winners of the game for their first half performance.  The second half however, will be remembered for the strength of character from the Tigers and the fact that they continue to fight until the last whistle.   

All three tries for the home team showed great individual strength and determination.  The entire team however were praised by the opposition coaches for their attitude and commitment, so with the Christmas cobwebs now blown away we can look forward with enthusiasm for the remainder of the season.

Credit goes to Liam Padmore who on his debut as referee did a great job; to man of the match, Rob Dixon, a prop playing in the centre who worked tirelessly and also to injured centre, Dylan Dimmick who came along to show his support to the team!

Next week’s game see’s a rematch at home against Penallta.