Fixture

When setting up fixtures for the team, we try to find opposition that will provide a good challenge for what is still a developing combined U15 and U16 team. We base the decision on past playing experience and also on discussions with the opposition coach or team manager. 

Sometimes this works well; but on other occasions, it doesn't. 

Following a really encouraging start to the season 2-weeks ago, there was a little trepidation in the run up to game 2, at home to Penarth, a team who had not played a game for nearly 2-years. 

With no bench mark to measure against, the quality of the opposition was a little unknown. But the fact that Penarth were looking for a run out to work on their structures, prompted some raised eyebrows in the home coaching team.  

An early disaster was averted when Mini And Juniors chairman Marc Reece stepped in at the last minute on his day off to referee the game, following the late withdrawal of home coach and planned ref Liam Padmore due to injury.   Get well soon Paddy.

The next threat to the game might have been the weather, but after an early shower conditions improved and the game kicked off on time on the first team pitch, for the first of what proved to be 4 very challenging quarters for the home team. 

It soon became clear that the prematch worries were justified, as a very physical, aggressive and well drilled Penarth outfit took charge and opened a commanding lead. Hampered by injuries to key players including team captain Jakub Jeziorski, the home team had run out of injury substitutes by the end of the first quarter. 

The remaining players however stuck to their task and continued to put in lots of effort with some creditable performances from debutant prop Jay Lacey, scrum halves Zac Grinter and Maison David, neither of whom took a backward step, the determined backs leader and outside centre Kelyn Joseph and second row Ben Raymond who excelled in the line out, benefiting from the service from hookers Evan Sterk and the dynamic Corey Cox, who even after spending some time in the sin bin for some fruity language, went on to claim Man of the Match for some great runs and for snatching the hosts only try. A try ably converted by lock Jack Dixon. 

Although ultimately a one-sided encounter, the coach of the visiting team made a point at the end of the game of praising the attitude of all the home players, and although there was disappointment in the manner of the defeat, one of the benefits of playing any sport is that it can teach resilience and it also provides an opportunity to bounce back in the next fixture.

Congratulations go to Penarth. It's safe to say that their structures are looking pretty good, but there's no reason why Llantwit can't also learn from this game and put things right for the next one.