Fixture

Llantwit Major RFC | Under 16s 19 - 48 Cwmavon RFC | Under 16s
Dylan Marsh
Try 1
Corey Cox
Try 2
Ieuan Harrison
Conversion 2

Match Report
04 October 2021 / Team News

Combined U15s & U16s defy rain for tough encounter at home against Cwmafan RFC.

It’s definitely Autumn.  The sun cream and shades adopted by supporters in pre-season warm up games have now been replaced with overcoats and umbrellas; with hats now being used to protect from driving rain instead of sunburn.  That at least was the case for todays fixture for the Llantwit Major combined U15 and U16 team, at home to Cwmafan RFC.

Having not played each other for a long time, there was some uncertainty in how the match would go.  Pre-game Cwmafan had made all the right noises about not playing their strongest team and giving their fringe players an opportunity, as well as playing up four or five U15 players to make up their 16-man match day squad.  

Choosing to play as a combined age group team, Llantwit Major are always more interested in playing teams that want to help players improve rather than those who just want to put other teams to the sword.  It turns out that Cwmafan were true to their word and what resulted was a very competitive game of rugby with both teams winning one half each.  In truth, the visitors created a lot of chances and were comfortable scoreboard winners, but that does not give a true reflection of the game as a whole.

With a strong breeze blowing across the pitch from the start, and other conditions swinging dramatically between bright sunshine with rainbows to lashing rain, both teams deserve credit for their attitude.  The same goes for the spectators, who braved what will hopefully be remembered as the worst pitch side conditions of the season.  

Having said that, the pitch condition itself was actually very good, so with a later than normal start time it was the home team who eventually kicked off, playing uphill on the sloping Ham Lane pitch.  

In what has to be recognised as appalling conditions, the visitors made the best start and quickly romped into a big lead.  

Unusually for the always slow starting home team, they struck back with a carbon copy of the move that saw a try last time out.  Under pressure in the line out, second row Cameron Hegney was able to pop the ball back down into the arms of hooker Corey Cox who had arced behind his own forwards on an unstoppable run, breaking three tackles and carrying the last defender over the line with him for the first score of the day.  Also in a repeat of the previous week, the conversion was kicked by prop Ieuan Harrison, who continues to impress with his dedication to kicking.

Thoughts of a comeback were quickly dispelled unfortunately, as the visitors once again played the conditions well and took advantage of the slope to extend their lead, going in at half time with a comfortable advantage.

Having seen some success with their ’tap, tap, go’ move in the first half, the home team were encouraged by coach Mat and coach/ref Paddy to slow things down in the second and play to their strengths.  An improved second half defensive display led by outside centre and eventual man of the match Kelyn Joseph, put pressure on the visitors and forced them into making mistakes, which allowed the home team to apply some pressure.

This time, a tap penalty on the Cwmafan 5-metre line provided Corey Cox with the chance to stretch his legs, and once again the defence was no match.  Showing typical determination, the team vice-captain broke a tackle and with a defender desperately trying hold him back dived over the line.  

With injuries taking their toll on both teams, Llantwit Major were pleased to see the team captain and number 8, Jakub Jeziorski return to the field after a first half knock.  Shrugging this off, it was his powerful drive upfield that provided the opportunity for the third try for the home team.  It’s not exactly clear how the ball got to inside centre Dylan Marsh, but it did just 3-metres out and right in front of the posts.  Choosing the direct route, and taking 2-defenders over the line with him, it initially looked like the defence was holding the sole attacker up, but somehow, even when completely surrounded by 5-defenders he managed to wrestle himself free and drop down for a hugely impressive score.  Ieuan Harrison again provided the extras with the conversion.

That was the end of the scoring for both teams, and with another injury to the home team with no more subs, as well as it starting to chuck it down again, it was decided to call the game a few minutes early.

A far from perfect performance, but one again that demonstrated a growth in the development and maturity of the team and gives us something to build on.  Hopefully the weather for next week’s match away at Cambrian RFC will be a little kinder.

Congratulations to Cwmafan on their win.  We’ll look forward to the return fixture at the end of November.

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