Fixture

Llantwit Major U14 Tigers travelled to the Rhondda Valley this weekend to the stunning, if rather wet home of Cambrian Colts. 

Perched on the side of a mountain in true Gren style, this Valley team has in recent times been close to folding due to lack of numbers.  With the Tigers finding themselves in a similar position due to lots of player departures over the summer, both teams were determined to play a game no matter the numbers.  As it turned out, through lots of effort the opposition had seen a change of fortune which meant that the 11 available Tigers were met by around 19 Players for the home team!

With many of these being new players the two teams agreed to play 11 a side: 6-forwards and 5-backs and to play in 10-minute blocks to allow for lots of player rotation. 

The target for the Tigers was simply to put into practice everything that has been worked on in training and to have some fun.  The score and the eventual result was in many ways immaterial, as just by playing the game and keeping the team going means the boys are winning every week.   On this occasion, the coaches got exactly what they were looking for, especially with the forwards bringing everything from training into the game.  Prop and eventual man of the match Ben Raymond, epitomised this spirit with his hard, direct running and teamwork.

At the final whistle it was the home team that comfortably took the honours, but the visitors were able to hold their heads high.

Having recently been in a similar position, the home coaching staff paid a great tribute to the Tigers and praised them for their attitude and especially their behaviour.  They urged the team to keep working hard for each other, because ultimately it’s about the game and the boys enjoying themselves.  On this occasion, and in many ways due to the great reception from the home team all the Llantwit players achieved that goal.

Credit to the players and to the parents and coaches who braved the journey to what must be one of the most awkward venues in the calendar.  In the end is was all worth it as the boys played their hearts out and showed coaches Matt and Paddy that their efforts are not being wasted on a lost cause.  

A great morning of rugby.