Fixture

Zebras Defeat Squirrels at The Oval

From our Guest Correspondent

The weather in Treorchy was the perfect advertisement for Summer Rugby. Sunshine, warm breeze, sizeable crowd, families enjoying the entertainment on offer.  What more could you ask for?

From the two squads and coaches representing both Clubs on and around the pitch – absolutely nothing.  Everyone taking part inside the whitewashed lines of The Oval deserves praise for the performances they delivered.  The Zebras for their free-flowing, fast running game that I’ve seen them play over the past few seasons.  It was to be expected really – it’s what the Zebras are.  A classy, well drilled side who won’t back down, just keep coming at you, bringing the game to you and testing your response.

And the Squirrels – what a performance from the Group who came and represented the Club today!   Yes, WE (I include our faithful travelling supporters here, too) lost, but the manner of the play by all involved proved a commitment to representing the Club that was more than admirable.  The Squad for this match was much changed from the previous week and included some surprises for your guest reporter.  Charlie Elton at fullback – been out injured for past 18 months or so?  Iestyn on the wing. Ollie in the centre? Great to see Chris Huntley back in the mix. I think I saw Seren Y Gem Rhys Morgans in the centre too. 

Despite the changes and being on the backfoot for a lot of the match, players stepped up and delivered.  Fenton, Trewartha, Pat and JDabs never stopped running and tackling.  Loren was his usual power running, bruising self.  James buzzed around the scrum and Nick linked up the play for the Squirrels.  KTB had opportunities to show his neat footwork and speed on the wing (and bagged a try, too).

Yes – WE lost the match – but there was a lot to be proud of in the performance.  Second half we were mostly camped around the Zebra’s defensive zone and asking questions of the defence.  Yes - we could have had another try or two to make the score line more respectable. 

Could we maybe have won the match if we’d got those scores?  Probably not – the Zebras deserved their win – well done guys.  Could we have been any prouder of the performance of the Squirrels group today? Definitely not – they gave everything.  It hurt to lose guys, but it’s how we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down and approach the next match that will define us as we close out the season.  #LBBA, guys – Learn, Build, Believe, Achieve.   Still plenty to play for.