Fixture

Rhiwbina v Llanishen U16 - 13th November 2022 - Match Report

The Golden Era … again …?

There maybe something in this global warming shenanigans as it was a morning which we would have been happy with in mid-summer - and so … still no use for that freebie beanie.

Firstly congratulations to those who will be training with the Cardiff set-up through the Autumn - all very well deserved - Jack Ellis, Iwan Evans and Owen Lockwood 👏 👏.

Two enforced changes to the stated line-up - unfortunately Joe Flynn succumbed to Matt’s cooking … 💩 (if you know what I mean!).

And also, for the same reason Lucas ET (not sure if they were having a romantic meal for two?!!)

Before the game a minute’s silence was observed … all the boys from both teams shoulder to shoulder on the halfway line - a memorable moment, and fitting, lest we forget those who laid their lives for us to enjoy such a spectacle of rugby which we were treated to today.

One thing I didn’t realise from my previous match reports is that references to such greats as ‘Merve the Swerve’ are not landing with the younger generation, and so I will be providing foot notes where necessary in future!

The Game

A strong start by Llanishen despite some early powerful running from OJ to set us in front of the posts, Llanishen’s defending was firm with a high tackle to Joe Rich, a good positional kick from Fraser, a great steel from Freddie and some nice through the hands rugby gave a hint of what was to come.  

But, as is the way with sport, you can’t switch off for a moment - a kick up field from Llanishen saw them in our 22, an unlucky bounce and a kick ahead saw them go over.

0-7

From the restart we were on them, Freddie led with a surging run from our own half, swerving, dropping the shoulder, throwing defenders one way and then another; and immortalised in the words of Ethan [injured - bad back] “he did slightly change direction” 🤣.

A high clearance kick was well received by Luca Harris and great offload set us forward again; tussles in the centre of the park saw a great steel from Niall, but they were back at us, a try saving tackle from Luca W, another drive from Freddie and two positional kicks from Fraser saw us within 5 yards.  Good work from the forwards saw the ball fed through Luca to Finn, who deftly waited for the play to open up and with a jink to find some space was over.

7-7

From the restart it was faster hands from now on, the ball being kept alive, the play from the backs was terrific, a great take and running from Joe Rich, a scrum, out to Fraser who saw the chance, dropped the shoulder and was over.

12-7

 Some pressure from Llanishen then had to be absorbed, but with our No8 (Freddie) deciding to play the kicking game (showing the 10s how to do it!), we were on the attack again.   The thundering wildebeest (John S) was at it again (you can’t get a good man down) but soft hands too, and a beauty of a pass to Finn, some 40 yards out, saw him cruise past the last defenders and that was the end of the half.

19-7

Some changes in positions for the second half but the passing game continued uninterrupted, which was beginning to bring back memories from the golden era of Welsh rugby (footnote 1).  However, this full flowing artistry was being interrupted by Llanishen’s kicking game, which was gaining them ground.  A try saving tackle from Billy, who wrapped his man up ready for Santa, couldn’t stop a try coming from some sustained pressure.

19-12

Pressure continued but the lead up to the next try was a great tackle from Luca W on their lump of a #12. From then a cross field kick, forcing a drop out, which was met with some steely hands from Fraser, a beautiful receive from Freddie and a strong drive finishing with a release to Jac Morris to forcefully go over.

24-12

Then there was magic.  The ball flowing through hands at pace, always a man available in the right place, from one side of the pitch to another.  Llanishen were chasing ghosts.  Max claimed the try after a delightful sequence of play.

29-12

A small interruption to a rerun of one of the Grand Slam winning games from the 70s was a Llanishen penalty.

29-15

There after it was left to our man of the match - Owen Lockwood.  A barnstorming period of play from both the team and Owen.  

From the restart it was driven forward, a great drive from Jac M and a perfect pass to Owen to drive over for his first.

34-15

Then a quick tap and go from Niall, a pass to Finn, beautifully released to Owen for his second.

41-15

Quick hands from Jack Ellis, along the line, a reset and Owen is over again for #3!

46-15

Some pressure from Llanishen, that despite a great tackle from Jack Ellis, saw them score from the 2nd phase.

46-20

A final opportunity to see John S at his best, carrying a truck load of players on his back, passing the ball out the line for Luca W to score the final try of a remarkable game.

51-20.

There was some really great moments in the game today and so well worth a watch when Liam posts the video - though please don’t see if my match commentary matches what happened in the actual game!!

Man of the Match - Owen Lockwood

Commendations - Freddie Heighway - superb all-round play.   Gary Lockwood for watching the first half but not the second when Owen scored his 3 tries.  Ian’s reffing.

Footnotes

1 ‘The golden age of Welsh rugby’ - this is a reference to the side of the 70s who had the greats such as Gareth Edwards, Phil Bennet, Fenwick, JPR … and of cause Merve the Swerve to name just a few.

Written by The Chief