Fixture

After squelching through a wet and muddy training session on Thursday evening, it was with mixed feelings that the combined Llantwit Major U15 and U16 team travelled to a 4G pitch for their away game at Caerphilly.  At least the weather was fine, although a cold wind made things a little uncomfortable for the supporters.

Having not played Caerphilly before, there was a little trepidation in the run up to the game, but having been recommended as being an option to play by regular opposition, Cambrian RFC there was hope of a competitive game.  Unfortunately, the chances of that were reduced by losing 2-props in the days before the game, then another prop on the day of the game plus the teams first choice outside half.  

To make a game of it Caerphilly agreed to drop one player to match the Llantwit numbers. Usual second-rower Jack Robson and back rower Rob Dixon stepped up to play props, but having very little experience there the coaches agreed to uncontested scrums.  In the backs, inside centre Dylan Marsh moved in one place to cover outside half, while normal outside centre Kelyn Joseph played 12 allowing open-side flanker Kieron Martin to play completely out of position at 13.

With such disruption, combined with limited training since the Winter break, the odds were always stacked against the visiting team, especially when faced with a very big, aggressive and direct Caerphilly pack.  That proved to be the case as the home team used their size advantage and made the most of some poor defence to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Valiant defence by individuals, typified by a Man of the Match performance by fullback, Dexter Milburn was not enough to stop the tide, so when the referee blew up for the end of the game there was one clear winner on the scoreboard.

A gutsy display by a disrupted Llantwit Major team, and one that sets a benchmark against which to measure future games.  Not for the first time, the coach of the home team made a point of commending the boys for their good attitude and in keeping going right up unto the final whistle.  

Congratulations however, goes to Caerphilly for their win.  But with a home game next week against opposition from a similar part of the world when they face a combined Bedwas and Senghenydd team, Llantwit Major can look forward to another stiff challenge.  Now that the benchmark has been set, it’s up to the team to step up to it