Fixture

So, was it worth playing that game?

Tricky.  If you look at it from the perspective of just a rugby match, then objectively you might say that no, it wasn’t.  

But today’s game wasn’t about a rugby match.  

That’s just as well of course, as this was actually a total miss-match between one team flying high in tournaments, and another that in truth, isn’t.  So, what was the point if it was clear from the start that there was only going to be one scoreboard winner?

It’s time to be honest and accept that for almost every game this season, the combined U15 and U16 Llantwit Major team have always been massive underdogs.  That’s been reflected on the scoreboard with 19-games played, 16-losses, 2-draws and a solitary win, and an average points scored of 13-for and 51-against.  

Considering that, you might ask, was the season worth it?  What good can possibly come from such a season?

Again, tricky.  But consider this.  In September 2021 a group of local boys collectively made the decision to help support each other in playing rugby.  Without them agreeing to do this, there would likely not have not been a Llantwit Major U15 team or U16 team.  Boys might have gone onto other teams, and perhaps had some success, but this group chose right at the start, to support each other so that they could all continue to play for Llantwit Major RFC.  Without each other, it would not have happened.

That two groups of boys who have never played together before, can combine and work collectively as a team is a real credit to the boys and the coaching group.  It’s never been the U15s and the U16s, it’s always been the team, and the younger boys are fully part of that.

Hang on though.  Is a team of U15 players and U16 players always going to struggle against teams of just U16 players?  Won’t the combined team be weaker?  On occasion yes, there’s no point pretending that this was not a challenge, but the mere fact that the combined team had the courage to even try to compete with bigger teams, speaks volumes.

This players have known the challenge every time.  But they’ve kept coming to training, kept making themselves available for games and kept on giving everything during the matches, no matter what the scoreboard says.

A constant throughout the season, and again echoed by the coaches of the winning Baglan RFC team today was that the boys keep on going and don’t throw in the towel.

Robert F. Kennedy said that “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.”  

This group have indeed achieved greatly just in getting through the entire season as a combined age group.  Sticking with the team and supporting each other through the highs and lows had been a massive achievement so congratulations to all players and the coaching team of Mathew Dixon, Ben Lewis and Liam Padmore.  

Today’s game marked the end of the road for many of the U16 players in their time with Llantwit Major RFC, and while some might continue their journey in the youth team they all deserved a final send off on their home pitch. A huge amount of thanks must go to them all for making the season one to enjoy.  

A new chapter now starts with the U15 boys who move up to become officially, U16 players.  I’m sure the experience of this season will be something they will learn from and carry forward, so we wish them every success in this.  

To end on a high note, a special mention to Rory Jones in the U15s who made his debut for the team after just a handful of training sessions and produced a genuine, man of the match performance with some spectacular tackles and charging breaks.  An amazing start to what will hopefully be a successful and enjoyable rugby experience with Llantwit Major RFC.  One that is only made possible of course, by the commitment of this season’s players.  

So, was it worth playing that game?  In my opinion, yes. 100%.