Fixture

Rhiwbina u16 - Match Report 6th November 2022

The Return of a Legend? 

A true autumnal morning - heavy rain in the warm-up broke in time for kick-off; and as leaves kicked across the pitch the game was set for Rhiwbina to prove themselves against the Dragons Cup winners.

Thanks to Mr Morris for reffing - a fine all round performance; and also thanks to those boys who played for the opposition - either in the first half or second, which ensured we could play 15 a side (James Southcome and Lucas 1st half, Dan P aka Doddie, Iwan & Ben in the second).

An administration error from the chief meant he arrived 5 mins late for KO, and Rhiwbina were already 2 tries up!

So from memory .. either mine or Owain P’s … 

The Game

Some early pressure from Rhiwbina saw them approach the 10 meter line, then with a feint that threw the defender and a perfectly weighted Gruber kick from Finn, Joe Flynn sprinted through and scored the first try, a safe conversion from Finn saw Rhiwbina 7-0 up.

The pace of the game was quick, illustrated by the energy and commitment to attack by Rhiwbvina following the re-start.   Great follow-up running, saw the ball come along the line with a timely offload from Joe F to a powering Jac Morris to go over the line.  12-0.

It felt it was all going as planed and for a comfortable win, however you don’t win cups without the ability to respond and Cwmbran began to show their metal.  Strong running from a period of sustained pressure needed try stopping tackles from Niall, Luca W and Jack; and a good clearance kick from Finn saw him get an elbow in the face for his efforts.

More pressure from Cwmbran saw them camp on the 10m line ultimately resulting in a long ball out to their wing who went over.  12-5.

For the second half there were considerable changes as the boys who played for Cwmbran in the first half swapped and there was a reshuffle of positions.  

For the first 15 mins of the second half there was great back and forth rugby.  Firm pressure from them, needing kicks to clear our line.  Great chasing by Joe F and Max saw a real opportunity as John picked up and repeatedly powered forward, there was only 4 on him this time and so the thundering wildebeest that he is, continued to drive for the line only falling to the sheer pressure of numbers as the defenders realised they needed to add another 2 or 3 to his back in order to stop him.

Play then centred around the half way line and then a high kick into our half saw the leaping salmon (aka Niall) reach into the heavens and draw the ball safely into his arms; a few plays later, a couple of side stepping dummies from Fraser saw the ball going along the line to Joe Rich to speed round the last defender and touch down. 17-5.

Momentum seemed to be on Rhiwbina’s side and a clearance kick from Cwmbran saw the ball, go high, but thankfully it fell safely to Aaron who caught it as if it was a small baby, seeing an opening, he cradled the ball, ducking and diving, jinking between players, binging tears to the cheeks of those who remember the late great Merv the Swerve, finally so as not to wake his cargo he softly placed the ball over the line, and with a conversion from Fraser it ensured a very safe victory for Rhiwbina.   24-5.

Man of the Match was Alfie - such a solid all round performance, his physical threat when running at speed reminds of Jonah Lomu - keep it up!!

Written by G Pasley aka The Cheif