Fixture

Caerau Ely RFC | Under 8s D - D Llantwit Major RFC | Under 8s

Match Report
26 September 2019 / Team News

Riders on the storm

 

The pitter, patter of rain did a good impression of the keyboard intro to the Doors’ classic as Llantwit Under 8’s arrived at Trelai Park, Caerau .  The carpark looked like spaghetti junction during Friday rush hour, with parents and coaches trying to find that elusive parking spot closest to the pitches.

Studs click-clacked gingerly across the sparkling tarmac and once the barriers were vaulted, the vista of the park was laid out before you. 

What a facility the people of Ely are blessed with! Football and rugby pitches as far as the eye could see, peppered with a shading of old growth oaks and backed by a triple-canopy forest, complete with rising mist that looked airlifted from Vietnam.  Apocalypse Wow!

The under 8s were delighted to find not just Caerau but teams from Llanishen and Pontypool Utd warming up, whilst hardy parents hunkered down under umbrellas.   Llantwit were fully committed with a total of sixteen players ready to brave the elements; the best attendance out of any of the teams.

Coaches Alex and Rich put the players through their paces, whilst the matches were organised. 

With the rain unceasing, it was decided that a round robin of not stop games was the call, with no half-time!   Two pitches were used concurrently with one team seeking shelter under the imposing oaks.

Llantwit divided into two teams and battle commenced.  LLanishen kicked off against Llantwit and put together some nice passages of play; they offloaded and switched play with aplomb.  This was matched by Llantwit’s patented finger-tip defence and some excellent off the ball work.  A close and compelling match.

Llantwit’s other team under Coach Alex, were on next against a spirited Pontypool, who were keen to conjure up the spirit of the Front Row Union and  Dai Bishop with their steely defence and sniping runs. However,  Llantwit’s charges were not to be denied with the mercurial George Davies seemingly having been possessed by Shane Williams, with his jinks and darts.  Emlyn too backed up his man of the match performance from the first game and finished off some flowing movements.

Caerau  then hosted Coach Rich’s team with rookie Casey putting in a strong showing with some well  chosen tags and interventions.  Harri , Tomos and Mason brought the experience and newer players such as Codan and Jasper added pace and exuberance.   Six tag turnover ball was the order of the day with Llantwit offloading like a Liverpool docker on double time.

Finally, the rain abated and the sun sneaked a peak from behind the treeline , and then stepped out in all its glory.  Coats were shed, umbrellas shaken and the players responded with the final round of games producing the best rugby of the day. 

Ollie Symonds and Isaac Bennet heeding the supporters cheers making excellent forward progress to deliver scoring passes to their teammates.   Rylee was tagging relentlessly and demanding the ball as Llantwit attacked and linked up well.

Coach Rich’s Man of the Match was George, who was majestic throughout, whilst Coach Alex choose Mason, a bouncing Tigger of a player, who maintains his enthusiasm whatever the weather.

As the final whistle blew the last clouds away, the 8s basked in the sun’s rays and the warm glow that only a hard-fought rugby game can bring. 

 

 

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