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Pentyrch Youth Squad stand tall to win through to become East District Youth Champions for 2007/08. PICS
A close encounter against Llanharan Youth who were worthy opponents. Challenging until the end but Pentyrch taking the honours and holding the trophy aloft.
Penytyrch Youth XV 12 points - 10 points Llanharan Youth XV.
A fantastic achievement from the whole squad.
Thursday 8th May - lost 13-5 to Glamorgan wanderers in league Sat., 1st March away St Joseph`s 46 - 8 (Won) S.A. Brains Cup
Mon., 3rd March away Glamorgan
Wanderers 21 - 19 (Won) Cup
Wed., 16th April Llandaff
North RFC Rumney 19 - 5 (Lost) Cup
Sat., 26th April Cork,
Ireland Sunday`s Well 42 - 12 (Lost) Tour Friendly
Wed., 30th April away Ystrad Rhondda 44 - 12 (Lost) League
Taffs Well Carpets sponsor Youth Polo shirts A second defeat for the youth - this time against at home against 14-13 to St Peters. A scrappy game with irratic refereeing did not allow the Tyrchs talent to show on Saturday. A tight game was won by a penalty in the last two minutes of the game for St Peters Pentyrch youth still top of Division BB despite 15-18 defeat to Pontypridd, this was the first league defeat for the Tyrchs in nearly 24 months. Narrow win, 11-10, against Glamorgan Wanderers see the @Tyrchs youth maintain their place at the top of the table! Next Fixture: Latest Match Report WEBB ELLIS CUP
PENTYRCH YOUTH XV versus MERTHYR TYDFIL YOUTH XV
Saturday, 9th February, 2008 @ Merthyr RFC Kick-off: 11:30am
BREAKFAST MENU
(8:45am – 9:30am)
Orange Juice
Bacon Butties
Tea or Coffee
Essentials to be brought for FREE breakfast
boots
kit
towel
smellies
Breakfast will be served by T.V. (totally vindicated) Personality Chefs:
Messrs.
Malcolm Jones
&
Phil Bartle
Any quest for exemption from eating is disallowed.
Being serious though, what a wonderful start to a fabulous day out. Marred only by the final result of the day this was to be a day that will be remembered for a long time by all involved.
Gratitude must be showered over the following and support that this team of young adults has engendered Whether it be family, friends or club supporters the appreciation hasn`t gone unnoticed and we welcome your cheer and vocal rendering whenever. It goes without saying that the Welsh and Irish have the best supporters in the world in the game of rugby football but it must be said that our army of followers from Pentyrch are exemplary.
Supporters, thank you again.
We can think long and hard at the game itself but where credit is due it must be given. Merthyr took the game to us for three-quarters of the time but the last quarter was, without doubt, ours. Maybe ten minutes more and we may have got there. We were beginning to dominate and gain territory - eventually having a belief in ourselves and, most definitely, our fitness was, noticeably, far superior.
They say there are NO GOOD LOSERS, and let us be truthful, we were disappointed and many of the boys felt that we could have won, but the end result is what the record books go by – 18 points to 10 in Merthyr`s favour – and we wish them all the best in the semi-final and, if they progress, in the final, too. Well done.
I imagine all those that went on to Merthyr RFC had a wonderful time, enjoyed the Wales v. Scotland game and slowly forgot about the cup result but remembered about all the marvellous events of the day.
Even the sun was full of heat and contributed to the ambience and relaxed atmosphere of the day.
A TRIBUTE TO THE GAME
How the game was made up:
5 points – 0 points driving maul, try
10 points – 0 points forward drive, try
Half-time: Merthyr Youth XV 10 points – 0 points Pentyrch Youth XV
15 points – 0 points outside-half break, pass to centre to score, try
15 points – 5 points Lewis Edwards (6), loose ball at back of Merthyr scrum and pounced on, try
18 points – 5 points outside-half kicked penalty
18 points – 10 points James “Jimbob” Locke, inter-passing to score 1 minute from “no side,” try
Final score:
MERTHYR YOUTH XV 18 points – 10 points PENTYCH YOUTH XV
FRIENDLY MATCH
PENTYRCH YOUTH XV versus PONTYCLUN YOUTH XV
Saturday, 2nd February, 2008 @ home. Kick-off: 12 noon.
Pentyrch began this encounter full of confidence and enthusiasm. From the kick-off the home team “eight” demonstrated the ability to command from the front. Producing some fine, early forward rushes enabled the team to come dangerously close to scoring having been only a short time into the game.
This early advantage gave us a good territorial presence and being pitched in the visitor`s 22 with the forwards applying a huge amount pressure it would only be a matter of time before a crack would appear in the Pontyclun`s defence and a score be created.
The home team forwards secured several fine rucks and drives before the ball was sent out from the left by scrum-half, Michael Simmons (10). With slick hands the ball flew into Nick Elvin`s grasp, the inside-centre (12) slipped through the gap in defence and placed the ball down, sweetly, between the posts. It remained only a formality for Hywel Chatham to deliver the ball between the posts. (7 points – nil.)
An early penalty by the Pontyclun fly-half (10) who made a great attempt at goal. The 40 yard kick was struck well on target but fell just short of the required length. The score remained at 7 points to nil.
Even though the Pontyclun half-back pair were struggling to get the mid-field moving through orthodox means their inside-centre (12) was causing all sorts of havoc by changing direction and making his runs down the blind or short side. Normally a backrow player his guile and determination gave our boys a nightmare and on many of his runs shrugged off numerous tackles. Fortunately, for us, someone in the team would eventually take his legs from under him, enabling us to deny him/them a try.
It was some time before the next score. This was produced from the ability of the backs to counter-attack. The passage of play began from deep inside Pentyrch`s half.
Collecting the ball from a kick David “DJ” Jones, left-wing (11), ran straight at his opposite number and as the defence was closing in kicked the ball deep into the opponents` half. Giving chase “DJ” had the defence take desperate measures and scramble the ball into touch. It was from the resulting lineout that the Pentyrch forwards produced clean, clinical ball from our own throw in. Positioned in the same left-hand corner of the field where the first result came the “pack” conjured, again, the tactical, driving maul to engage in another strong surge. With much tight cohesion and technique the “set” moved forward some 5/6 yards to drive beyond the line. It was no surprise to see Rhys Thomas, open-side flanker (7), emerge with a grin across his face and the ball between his hands. A united effort by the forwards to have the ability to drive over was a marvellous feat, a credit to everyone, but the ball in Rhys` possession records the try in his favour. Hywel Chatham`s well struck attempt at conversion, from wide out, sailed just wide of the left upright.
(12 points – nil).
Some lovely touches by the backs had the Pontyclun mid-field defence stretched but we couldn`t quite break to the line. One fine, 20 yard, solo run by James Herbert was a pleasure to watch but, again, the Pontyclun tackling was superb and the move fizzled out through lack of support.
Half-time: Pentyrch Youth XV 12 points – 0 points Pontyclun Youth XV
Each and everyone had plenty to say at the interval. We needed to play with a commitment and play as a team – i.e. 15 players as one team.
One of the downfalls in our game was the control in the ruck, normally one of our strengths. Pontyclun had the uncanny knack of coming around and stealing the unprotected ball. We were constantly trying to produce a platform under so much pressure. They wouldn`t allow us this pleasure.
One great run by the opposition right-wing, handing-off his opposite number, and seemingly getting away, but a superb tackle by our outside-centre, Nick Gill (13), quelled the situation.
A great opportunity arose from one beautiful chip and chase from Barry Topping-Morris. Running at his opposite fly-half Barry chip-kicked for the goal-line from just inside Pontyclun`s 10 metre line. The ball held up 2m short of the visitor`s line and was bravely secured by a sole defender. His determination held forth before his support came to regroup and save the day. From the ensuing scrum, pressure should have been crucial but we relaxed and another chance to add points went astray.
Our inability to capitalise in this situation is frustrating because we often get to the 5m-line and then seem to mess-up any chance that we have to increase the score-line. Something to think about!
A credit must be given to the Pontyclun centre and captain who was a true general and had the ability to make good decisions. This enabled his team to keep in close view of our score. He kept them plugging at our weaknesses, any mistakes that were made, and took advantage of the remotest and smallest chinks in our armour. An admirable player and obviously respected by his team.
At a certain point in the second-half the game began to get a little fraught and tempers began to rise. Frustration, from both teams, began to set in. Small niggles were beginning to emerge and it came as no surprise when “all hell” let loose near the end of the game. The bravery of certain players, from both sides, helped dampen tempers and curtail the flying”free-for-all” fists. If it wasn`t for these certain players stepping in and thwarting the situation the referee may well have been waiting for the final bell of the 10th round! With the eventual separation of both teams the referee gave quiet time and this allowed for anger and tempers to quell. Then, brought the game to its rightful conclusion.
Scores: Tries – Nick Elvin (11) and Rhys Thomas (7).
Conversion – Hywel Chatham.
Final score:
PENTYRCH YOUTH XV 12 points – 0 points PONTYCLUN YOUTH XV
PENTYRCH YOUTH XV versus LLANTWIT FARDRE YOUTH XV
Saturday, 26th January, 2008 @ Llantwit Fardre. Kick-off 2:30pm
Sorry, no report on this game but here is the rundown on how the scoring came about.
The first points on the board were given to:
Llantwit Fardre, 1 try: (driving maul). 5 points – nil.
Pentyrch, 1 penalty: Barry Topping-Morris (10). 5 points – 3 points.
Pentyrch, 1 penalty: Barry Topping-Morris (10). 5 points – 6 points.
Pentyrch, 1 try: James Cashin (5). 5 points – 11 points.
Pentyrch, 1 try: David “DJ” Jones (11).
1 conversion: Barry Topping-Morris (10).
5 points – 18 points.
Half-time score:
Pentyrch Youth XV 18 points – 5 points Llantwit Fardre Youth XV
Pentyrch, 1 try: Tom Marley (12).
1 conversion: Hywyl Chatham (6). 5 points – 25 points.
Final score:
PENTYRCH YOUTH XV 25 points – 5 points LLANTWIT FARDRE YOUTH XV
LEAGUE FIXTURE
PENTYRCH YOUTH XV versus TREORCHY YOUTH XV
Saturday, 12th January, 2008 @ Treorchy. Kick-off: 2:30pm.
The long awaited “Battle of the Giants” had finally arrived and spectators waited with baited breath for the start of this important game.
In complete contrast to the previous Saturday`s match we were immediately impacted by a forward onslaught from the home team. Minutes into the game it could be derived that their forward had only one objective. This was to drive our “eight” into the ground through physical prowess and verbal intimidation. For them the writing was on the wall within the first 5 to 6 minutes. A try was conjured up through a driving maul that must have taken them a good 20/25 yards before they jubilantly scored the try. With the conversion failing Treochy were up and running. This lit up the scoreboard showing a 5 points to nil lead.
If this way of scoring were so easy would this be the tactic that they would employ? Or would they have a plan “B” tucked away in the coaches, little, red notebook. It would make for an interesting game if they did.
The boys soon recovered from the early setback and we crept quietly toward Treorchy`s 22 where we had some fine passages of play.
Our forwards had to deal with some very harsh methods of play from the opposition forwards as they were killing our ball, cleaning our players out from the side and pulling players from out of mauls. Some openly, harsh stamping of our players on the ground went unnoticed. This obvious intimidation, illegal play and bending of the rules weren`t justly dealt with by the referee and showed his lack of control of the game and limited authority.
I praised the referee last week for his knowledge and command of the game. Unfortunately, the official for this contest had lost the plot. Harsh words for an official whom had been given the stage to control a very important game.
Within Treorchy`s 22 our forwards had some fine attempts to peel or taxi around the side of the mauls and rucks but the home side stood firm. A couple of attempts by our backs to break the three`s defence didn`t materialise. However, one did. The forwards created several good ruck ball and when David Gilbert (9) sent the ball to Barry Topping-Morris who timed a beautiful pass to Tom Marley at inside-centre (12). Tom was able to run straight and break two tackles and eventually hand on to Nick Gill (13) who appeared to cross the goal line and score just to the left of the goalposts. There was no doubt in some of our players` minds that Nick had grounded the ball. However, the referee didn`t see it that way and the score remained at 5 points to nil.
Moments later a penalty for holding and not releasing the ball was given in Pentyrch`s favour on the opposition`s 22m line. The kick should have put us on the scoreboard. What was an easy penalty in front of the post, taken by Barry Topping-Morris (10), was pulled wide to the left and 3 points went astray.
Some good runs by our backs and, thankfully, some fine, tactical kicking kept the home side three-quarters under pressure and on the back foot.
A counter-attack by Ross Williams (15) timing his run and coming into the line at speed saw him put in a fine, low, trajectory kick toward the left touchline and gain ground up to the 22. A similar situation, from a backs run, had Tom Marley kick in an almost identical low ball to place our forwards in another perfect position for them to launch an attack.
A scrum and a high ball from the base by David Gilbert (9) had his kick caught by Treorchy`s right wing. Outside the 22 he had no option but to run. Quickly set upon by David Gilbert and flanker, Rhys Thomas (7), had their defence in tatters. Thankfully, for them, their fullback played an important role in slowing down the ball to enable their defence to re-group.
Keeping the pressure on and gaining the upper hand territorially meant that a score was almost inevitable. This eventually came from good groundwork from the forwards. Constant pressure close to the opposition goal line had Tom Marley (12) take the initiative and ground the ball for our first points. The more difficult kick from that of the first failed penalty attempt, was easily put over from the right-hand side by Barry Topping-Morris (10). (5 points – 7 points.)
Near the end of the first half Treorchy were awarded a penalty out on the right-hand side. Fortunately for us the outside-half pulled the ball wide and so we kept the lead at the interval.
It was no coincidence that we were beginning to get the upper hand with our forwards working so hard to nullify the home team`s heavy pack and countering their well organised, driving mauls. With any possession coming our way our backs had no problem in executing fine moves and creating running opportunities.
Needless to say the latter 35 minutes would be a great test for both armies!
Half-time: Treorchy Youth XV 5 points – 7 points Pentyrch Youth XV
We needed a good, sound start to the second half if we were to establish the late advantage we obtained at the latter end of the first. Unfortunately, receiving the re-start wasn`t to our plan and so Treorchy, from their own lineout throw were able to begin the age-old torment of driving us back in the mauls.
With reluctance, our forwards decided that Treorchy weren`t going to have it their own way. The pack fought “tooth and nail” to stop them gaining ground and for the best part of the half they did. Apart from an early setback, when Treorchy did drive over for an unconverted try, our “Glorious Eight” were outstanding.
(Treorchy 10 points – 7 points Pentyrch.)
The home side kept the ball tight by constantly picking and driving. By this time the Pentyrch pack had the measure of their tactic and instead of going forward they could only crab sideways across the field. We only needed scraps from spilled or turnover ball from Treorchy for our backs to be let loose and run the ball at the home team backs where they would have no answers.
That being our objective we had one glowing opportunity when our full line of backs were in wait for quick ball with only three defenders in the open – and the middle person being a prop!!! David Gilbert (9), our scrumhalf, waiting for the ball to emerge from the ruck, was pulled by the scruff of the neck into the melee. A certain penalty to us with a possible “yellow card” being given to the offender! Not likely.
Another bad decision by the referee and one that may well have had a devastating effect on the game.
Fortunately for Pentyrch the backs had one last opportunity to attack the Treorchy backs and match them man-for-man. Quick handling, slick passing and straight running enabled Dylan Jones, right wing (14), to be given the chance to amend the score. With only 5 metres between him and the touchline, with the cover defence moving in rapidly, Dylan, as calm as a cucumber, took the final pass and with his speed took the last 10 yards in his stride and executed the touchdown. What a finish! No conversion but we were in the lead. (10 points – 12 points.)
It was near “No side.” We had to, now, wind down the clock. From the re-start we took the ball down the left touchline where Barry Topping-Morris (10) ran down the narrow blindside and grub kicked the ball through. With the ball stopping short of the goal line and with players in hot pursuit the fullback had no alternative but to place the ball into touch. With the ball coming into our hands after the lineout and ensuing ruck, Lewis Edwards, blindside flanker (6), with time up, done the sensible thing and kicked the ball into touch.
GAME OVER. GAME WON. GAME EUPHORIA.
Scorers: Tries – Tom Marley (1); Dylan Jones (1).
Conversions – Barry Topping-Morris (1).
Final score:
PENTYRCH YOUTH XV 12 points – 10 points TREORCHY YOUTH XV
Footnote: “Sometimes you wonders, Why?” and other times, “Why you wonders?”
Nothing could feel so strange to me as to “Why?” any rugby team would play a game of rugby where 2/5ths of the team are hardly used. Surely such a negative approach doesn`t uphold the ethos of the game where rugby football encourages and encompasses the involvement of all who participate on the field of play.
Whatever size, shape or ability of whatever player, on either team, should have the right to be involved in the game that they play in.
FRIENDLY MATCH.
PENTYRCH YOUTH XV versus KENFIG HILL YOUTH XV
Saturday, 5th January, 2008 @ Kenfig Hill RFC. Kick-off: 2:30pm.
Heavy downpours throughout the night and early morning might well have put this game in jeopardy of actually taking place. However, the drainage at Kenfig was such that the surface was only heavy and tacky to the boot and there was little danger of the game being called off. Hence the game flourished and an afternoon of shear joy and entertainment went ahead as scheduled.
A number of things were pleasing about the game. Firstly, in the way both teams approached the contest with an aggressive but gentlemanly attitude. Even though no quarter was given, this hard, physical encounter was by no means dampened by the weather and the game flourished in the fine spirit of how rugby should be played. This token of a fine spirit was rewarded by the attitude of everyone believing in playing good, tough, honest rugby. A highly commendable game was had and one that many will remember.
Secondly, in his approach to the game the referee had control but also let the game flow. We can all criticise the official in charge but would we like to place ourselves in that responsible position? I, for one, wouldn`t! Working individually on such complex scenarios is no mean task especially when dealing with, for the want of a better word, strong, virile and energetic young men, and physically mature, wanting to achieve success on the field of play. I thought that instead of being critical we would give this man praise for a job well done.
And, lastly, the way that our boys raised their game from the two previous encounters. No lacking of “Oomph,” we began our game with far more vigour and determination and our change in performance, of latter games, was characteristically improved.
Pentyrch played up the slight gradient in the first half and started with gusto and great determination. Dominating forward play soon lead us into the opposition`s half and a penalty for offside was placed, for what may have been an early lead. Unfortunately Barry Topping-Morris pulled the ball narrowly wide of the left-hand upright.
Due to the dry, heavy conditions it was obvious that the game would be decided by forward dominance. Our kicking game has a lot to be desired as early on we put high balls toward their fullback, but he was as solid as a rock. Each time he caught the ball he would pump it back down the field and make us pay for all the hard work that had been done by the forwards. Back down in our half their forwards produced several fine moves. Some excellent runs from loose play as performed by both their No. 8 and open-side wing-forward. These were class players but were confined to working without much support. Kenfig`s backs attempted to throw the ball around too, but good defensive work by our mid-field kept them at bay. The inside-centre made some early runs but great tackling from Dylan Jones (12) and Nick Gill (13) soon put an end to this pattern of play.
What impressed me was the way in which our forwards controlled and dominated the set pieces and completely mastered ruck and maul situation. It`s so important to have this platform in a game otherwise the foundations could so fragment and problems would soon begin to pop-up.
Good forward work lead to Pentyrch`s first try where turn-over ball was so important. Pressure was the key to this success as Rhys Thomas (7) took the opportunity to run in for a try from 15 yards out to ground the ball mid-way out on the right. What should have been a relatively easy conversion, the attempt failed (0 points – 5 points).
Swift, clean and clinical passing from the backs had the home team worried and only through good, hard tackling did they prevent our backs from crossing the line. The game began to stabilise inside Kenfig Hill`s half and us visitors were firing on all four cylinders. It wouldn`t be long before our barrage would break through their defence. Sure enough through pure forward power we drove and inter-passed from the middle of the pitch where Hywel Chatham (6) broke through the gap.
Hywel`s pace took him on a good 15 yards and with extraordinary vision, when being taken by a great tackle from behind, he popped the ball to Rhys Thomas (in close support on his right shoulder). Rhys sped away, vied to the right and with two of the opposition in hot pursuit, throttled up the turbo chargers and outpaced the failing bodies to round and score under the posts. It was just a formality for Barry Topping-Morris (10) to step up and kick the goal. (0 points – 12 points.)
Both wingers had fine runs in the first half especially one by James Herbert (22) (replacement for David “DJ” Jones (14) on the right-wing). His dynamic run from just inside his half took him a good 30 yards before passing inside. Fine tackling thwarted the attack this time. A number of runs by Nick Elvin (11) by counter-attacking from kicks saw him make plenty of ground by using his natural speed. Again, the defence was too strong to break through.
Sound scrummaging helped to create a platform for tactical box kicking from David Gilbert (9) and the occasional feed from the base of the scrum from No. 8, “Jimbob,” for David to put in the occasional, relieving touchline kicks.
The third try from the half came from good ruck ball. From the right of the posts 15 yards out our forwards gave clinical ball for David Gilbert (9) to send Barry T-M. (10) away and bring the three-quarters into play. Beautiful handling brought the ball to Hywel Chatham who had cleverly brought himself into the fullback spot. Running out of space the perfectly executed grub-kick was placed in readiness for a challenging forward surge. Several passages of loose play later, and not before some fine defensive work from the home team`s forwards, did captain, James Locke (8), get driven over and score 5 yards out from the left touchline. A grand attempt at conversion, by Barry Topping-Morris, didn`t quite have the legs and dropped just short of the crossbar (0 points – 17 points).
Half-time score: Pentyrch Youth XV 17 points – Kenfig Hill Youth XV 0 points
If we thought that the coast was clear for a welter of tries then we were wrong (disillusioned might be the word). There was still plenty of game left in the enemy and that`s what made this game such a challenge to us. We weren`t allowed to relax and we had to keep up our standards and not sit back and “rest on our laurels.” The first twenty minutes of the second half was a classic “tit-for-tat,” encounter. It was a time in the game where the control and territorial advantage could swing either way.
Our forwards were resilient and the backs asked many questions of the home team`s defence. Capitalising on getting close to the Kenfig goal-line a forward drive, on a well controlled maul, had James Cashin (5) claim the deserved score. Nought points against and twenty-two points for we still didn`t have the ability to convert the try into additional points. (0 points – 22 points.)
To come back from a 22 point deficit and score a try, that was certainly well deserved, could only profile the character and determination of this Kenfig Hill team. It made the game such an enjoyable one for our boys to play in and for the spectators alike. Such a marvellous contest was being battled out that this game couldn`t fail to be responsibly for helping in the development of individuals from both sides.
Soon after James` try the home team fought their way back into our 22 and from a set scrum the clearance kick from David Gilbert (9) was charged down by Kenfig`s fly-half who deservedly won the race for the touchdown. (Evidently, this was the original full-back who had been switched to No.10 at the half-time break.) Our clean-sheet, no longer intact, meant the score was now 5 points to 22 points. The conversion attempt from quite far out on the right failed.
This, in fact, became a somewhat turning point in our game. Ross Williams took the reins at outside-half and seemed to kick-start some of the fine runs that the backs were due to encounter. Ross fielded a kick from deep inside the 22m area and made a fantastic run that cut straight through the home team defence. A fine, saving tackle brought him down close to the half-way line where his pass inside to captain James Locke wasn`t well executed and because of the lowness of the ball couldn`t be retrieved. If “Jimbob” had been able to catch this ball he would have had four players outside him and the damage could have been catastrophic!
An almost identical situation arose when Sam O`Neil (22), on as replacement full-back, outstripped the defence to off-load the three-quarters onto a passage of play that was to take us well into to opposition`s half. This move was thwarted by the tremendous cover defence of the Kenfig backs who were able to bundled our player into touch.
Nick Elvin (11) made a fine run but unfortunately got tackled with plenty of players in support on the outside. Frustration on the faces of the three-quarters told its story.
Much headway was now being made and our pressure was becoming more intense as time went on. One of the highlights of the game and most memorable for me was the chase for the line by Rhys Thomas (7) and one such home team back.
The ball, having being dropped by an attacking Kenfig Hill players, was quickly seized upon by Rhys. Not one to pass off a challenge Rhys immediately hacked the ball forward from the halfway line. The shoulder-to-shoulder chase was on. A couple more hacks on by Rhys had the ball “bob” nicely over the goal-line. The touchdown made and, according to Rhys, on this occasion the referee made the correct decision. No try. I had one similar experience and like me one you`ll always remember.
Camped on home team try line for the last ten minutes and with constant pummelling and good handling couldn`t produce a score. The Kenfig defence was too strong and full credit to the way they defended to the end.
Our last score came from a opportunist move by Lewis “Bog” Davies who seems to have the audacity to turn up at the right place at the right time. A great try by Lewis for he is one to ravage and hunt for the slightest error or mistake and pounce on it. (5 points – 27 points.)
A fitting finish to the game that was full of surprises. However, there is one aspect of our game that we have to begin to take charge of and that is “finishing.” Part of our work in training this coming week will deliver, “The Finishing Touch.”
One other point that may be worth a mention is our kicking game. I saw intelligent, tactical kicks from Ross Williams (15) and David Gilbert (9) – although one was charged down! All the other kicks were in positions where we were attacking and had the opposition on the retreat!
IF YOU WANT TO BE A “MARADONNA” PLAY FOOTBALL
DON`T BE TEMPTED TO LOOK THE FOOL AND PLAY LIKE A
“MARA-DONUT”
Final score: PENTYRCH YOUTH XV 27 points – 5 points KENFIG HILL XV
LEAGUE FIXTURE:
PENTYRCH YOUTH XV versus LLANTWIT MAJOR
Saturday, 29th December, 2007 @ Llantwit Major. Kick-off: 2:30pm
Result:
PENTYRCH YOUTH XV 22 points - 16 points LLANTWIT MAJOR
Scorers: 2x tries Tom Marley; 1x Penalty try; 1 try Nick Elvin
Penalty try converted by Barry Topping-Morris
WEBB ELLIS CUP
PENTYRCH YOUTH XV versus HAVERFORDWEST YOUTH XV
Saturday, 22nd December, 2007 @ Pentyrch RFC. Kick-off: 2:30pm
Lucky to draw the home fixture we were soon to see the opposition arrive with plenty of time to spare before the start of the game. Relaxed and looking in a positive state of mind by joking, laughing and throwing the ball around in the car park enable them to shrug off the stiffness of their long journey from west Wales.
This East versus West encounter meant that there was to be no second chance for either team. This was a “do or die” situation. The winning team would progress into the last eight of this high profile national competition.
The game started with both teams being reluctant to give anything away and with the referee being very handy with the whistle progress into an entertaining game was slow. Believing this game to be one with plenty of potential it was evident that the “stop-start” scenario was going to be an issue! Our catching, dropped passes and lack of belief in ourselves was uncharacteristic of our game. A half that we should have dominated was determined by many unforced errors. Were we trying too hard? This point could be looked into and addressed for future reference.
A lack-lustre first fifteen minutes of the game had people thinking that things weren`t going to happen for us. Penalties were pushing us back after we were having most of the territorial advantage. However, Haverfordwest`s disruption in the line-outs were causing us havoc and disrupting our platform. Even though the forwards were dominating and the backs were causing all sorts of problems we just couldn`t get that foothold on the game. Passing, good handling, penetrating gaps and getting the ball out to the wings eventually produced some fine runs. Finally, after so many games, both our wingers, Dylan Jones (14) and Nick Elvin (11), were being let loose. It was only through tremendous defence and superb tackling from Haverfordwest that kept us from scoring a number of tries and taking the lead in the first half.
Scoring the first points and taking the lead fell favourable to Haverfordwest. Even though our performance up to this point wasn`t brilliant I did think the score was against the run of play. The visitors, on one of their rare occasion, took the ball into our half. A well executed move, from a set piece situation, saw the Haverfordwest outside-half (10) and inside-centre (12) executed a move which enabled a gap to open and consequently gained yardage to Pentyrch`s 22m-line. Good tackling stopped the advance but the home defence was caught lying on the ball and slowing down play. The referee`s decision to award a penalty meant that the visitor`s outside-half (10) had the easiest of place kicks. From 20 yards out and in front of the posts the gift was converted into three points. (0 points – 3 points.)
The arrival of the turn-around point in the game meant that Haverfordwest would go into the second-half with the small, lead advantage. So much said that our game had to be played with a belief, with more confidence and with, indeed, a great more control if, in the second-half, we were to come out of this game on top.
Half-time score: Pentyrch Youth 0 points – 3 points Haverfordwest Youth
We needed to inject more determination and aggression. Begin to control our phases of play. Bring belief and confidence into our game. Harness our ability to play with more continuity and to eradicate those unforced errors that was so characteristic in the early part of our game. We needed to play as a team again.
The transformation in our team performance in the second-half was uncanny. Santa`s pixies must have thrown “stardust” over the players as they huddled for their half-time pep talk.
The change in the team`s attitude, from instantly receiving the kick-off, was staggering. No sooner had the ball been received by our pack that we ran with zeal, enthusiasm and aggression straight at the opposition and immediately impacted the ball into the Haverfordwest`s half. The ball was taken in a combined forward surge with short linking passes and excellent rucking and cleaning-out. That gave us such an initial boost that such a platform was established that Haverfordwest were never able recovered from. The remainder of the half was spent camped in the visitor`s territory.
We were now in business and the visitors were going to have a busy time in their defensive role. Credit must be due to the amount of tackling and guile that came out of their game because they still prevented us crossing their goal-line on so many occasions.
Heightened forward aggression was stimulated by the robust work of Jon “Joffy” Coombs (3) and Lewis Edwards (6) who worked endlessly to enthuse the game and lead by example. Again, captain and staunch leader James “Jimbob” Locke kept up his verbal dialogue, encouraging his team throughout. The forwards were now inflicting so much damage in rucks and mauls and combined with the three-quarters passing with such speed and precision it was inevitable that a score would soon come. That it did. It eventually came from superb forward control, the ball went out to the backs and was quickly spun from right to left and it only needed the final pass from Ceri Llewelyn (12) to place Tom Marley (9) over in the left-hand corner. We finally had a score on our sheet! The kick from Ceri Llewelyn fell just short of the crossbar.
(5 points – 3 points.)
Being in the lead and with our tails in the air it would only be a matter of time before more points would be put on the board. Similar circumstances lead to our second try with Nick Elvin (11) running in on the left to ground the ball near the corner flag enabling the team to gain a further boost. Ceri Llewelyn sailed the conversion just wide of the right upright.
The second part of the game saw our structure and stability being reinforced in the set pieces. Scrummaging was far more cohesive and we were able to place their half-backs under considerable pressure by driving their “eight” back. We did, however, when in a try scoring position underneath Haverfordwest`s goalposts, lose the ball against the head. This was devastating as a score was almost inevitably.
Line-out work was also becoming a headache for the visitors as we took so much clean ball and our driving mauls gave Haverfordwest nightmares. One of our drives was going so well that a try was almost certain. Eight yards from the opposition goal-line the rolling maul was so blatantly brought down that a penalty should have been awarded, if not a penalty try!!!
Devastating tackling by the visitors was keeping the try count to a minimum and it seemed that whatever we tried they had an answer. Eventually, though, our forward drives began to count as our fitness, technique and loose ball skills were wearing down the visitors from the west.
Several line-outs, packed on the right, five yards from the opposition line saw driving ball being thwarted, but eventually the ball was picked up from a ruck four yards out by scrum-half Tom Marley (9) who made a determined dart to cross over and score his second try. Again, Ceri Llewelyn`s conversion attempt sailed narrowly wide of the right-sided upright. (15 points – 3 points.)
The game was now almost at a close but with 2 minutes to go we were determined to get another try. Quickly back in the Haverfordwest`s 22 our forwards soon got close to the visitor`s try line. With the forwards supplying a good platform from a ruck on the left side of the field the ball was swiftly passed through several pairs of hand before Tom Marley had the line at his mercy. Unfortunately, for Tom, the “hat trick” of tries wasn`t forthcoming as he dropped the ball 5 yards from the line!
Given that the team had the foresight to adjust and turn the game around from the poor, lack-lustre, first-half performance and to look like a class side in the second, gives them a great deal of credit for their make-up and character. This has by no means been more than exemplified in all the hard work and dedication to the training that they have put in throughout the first part of the season.
Scorers: 2x tries Tom Marley; 1 try Nick Elvin.
Full-time score:
PENTYRCH YOUTH XV 15 points – 3 points HAVERFORDWEST YOUTH XV
Nice to see some past residents returning to the village in the shape of Ken and Ann Mills, along with Calum and Euan. But where was Finlay and the dog? Seriously, great see you all and being there to support the youngsters. FRIENDLY MATCH
PENTYRCH YOUTH XV versus PONTYCLUN YOUTH XV
Saturday, 15th December, 2007 @ Pontyclun. Kick-off: 2:30pm
Heroes to a Man. When you think of a match that you believe to be one that is going to be competitive you then begin wonder how such a game could be dominated by one side. A team that hadn`t played for three weeks, due to weather conditions, but still produced a performance that looked like only going one way!
Early Passage of News. The word was going around that nine of their youth team would normally figure in the club`s first XV when they play. A worrying problem for us if it was true. Whatever the truth, the game still had to be played.
Our lack of sharpness from the off was noticeable and therefore we weren`t able to get into our stride in the early stages of the game. Slow progress into the home team`s 22 saw an off-side call go against Pontyclun after some good handling moves and forward recycling. A relatively easy penalty kick for Barry Topping-Morris was struck well, sail high but passed outside the goalpost. A chance to go into the lead went a begging.
Down in our half decisions were going against us. If their goal kicker had been on target then we could well have been twelve points down! Such is the name of the game that there was only three points (a penalty) in it at the interval. This, by a well, struck kick from 40 yards out, by the Pontyclun No.12. This gave the opposition the slight edge, but only on points. However, our line was only ever threatened in the initial stages of the game and once our forwards got up a head of steam we were back on track. The remainder of the game was to be controlled by our pack.
Half-time score: Pentyrch Youth 0 points – 3 points Pontyclun Youth
The second-half was reminiscent of the Dinas Powys game, in that our forwards began to run the ball with zeal and enthusiasm. They found many gaps in the Pontyclun defence. Straight running, good support and vision meant that territory, from our point of view, was becoming, percentage wise, favourable. Justly so, and thus with relentless pressure, we were soon able to captured the goal-line with two well executed tries from, our captain and staunch leader, James “Jimbob” Locke. Scores recorded as 5 points to 3 and moving on to 10 points to 3.
Being in the driving seat means that it is easier to steer the way. Confidence was rising and our tackling in defence was impeccable. Our next try came from such a mistake in the opposition defence that Nick Gill was able to take the opportunity to ride three tackles and speed through from 40 yard and score between the “sticks.” This made for an easy conversion for Barry Topping-Morris. (17 points – 3 points.)
Pressure now abounded and from a quick, short penalty, 25 yard out from in front of Pontyclun`s posts, we were able to run in for an easy try. The opposition were certainly caught napping at this point! Tom Marley the scorer midway out to the left of the goals. A beautifully struck conversion from halfway out enabled Barry Topping-Morris to put the icing on the cake. (24 points to 3 points.)
There was one scare near the end of the game when the Pontyclun attack punted the ball through, it bobbed and ran close to the left-hand corner flag. Right-winger, James Herbert, chased back, went down on the ball and made a miraculous recovery. With the help of the forwards he was able to drive the ball 15m and on to safety. This certainly saved the possibility of a try being scored against us.
A sincere attention to attitude: OUR GOAL-LINE WAS KEPT INTACT.
Scorers: 2x tries - James Locke; try - Nick Gill; try - Tom Marley.
2x convertions – Barry Topping-Morris.
Final score: PENTYRCH YOUTH 24 points – 3 points PONTYCLUN YOUTH
CARDIFF & THE VALE CUP
PENTYRCH YOUTH XV v. PENARTH YOUTH XV
Saturday, 17th November, 2007 @ Penarth RFC Ko 2:30pm
A perfect day for a game of rugby. With quite a large adult following, from Pentyrch, in support of the youngsters, this was going to be a challenging day for the team.
Penarth were up for this game as their attitude showed from the beginning. No surprises then when they went over for the first score near the start of the game (5 - 0). This was a very evenly and well balanced game where the ball travelled from one end of the field to the other. Both teams were trying to dominate certain aspects of the game. Pentyrch began to command the rucks and mauls and were making good headway in the loose department. Unfortunately, continuity in phase play didn`t materialise and we tended to lose ball through basic errors.
However, through shere perseverance we were able to draw level with a well taken try by Rhys Thomas (5 – 5). This remained the score `til after half-time.
Half-time score: PENTYRCH YOUTH 5 points – 5 points PENARTH YOUTH
The second-half told a different story. Even though we still didn`t play to our full potential we did begin to make inroads into the Penarth defence. Their structure in this department, in the first-half, was sound and we couldn`t break it down enough to increase the scoreline. Eventually, stitches in the cloth began to unravel and our second try was soon in the making. Coming from our captain, “Jimbob,” playing out of position in the second-row, he finished off grand work done by the forwards and this enabled us to take the lead and finally kick-start in getting our heads in order. A lust for our game of running rugby meant we tend to ignore some of the finer aspects of our game. Yes, that`s it, converting a try into a goal! Some of our conversion attempts are a lot to be desired! Unconverted try and the score remained at 10 points to 5.
At this point in the game our threequarters began penetrating the Penarth defence and were establishing boundaries beyond the gainline. We were now placing our trademark on the game and soon we created a wonderful opportunity for James Herbert to dive over in the right-hand corner. Lewis “Bog” Davies makes me eat my words when he slots the ball between the uprights! Fantastic kick from the touchline. (17 – 5).
Indiscipline from ourselves, after the try was scored, meant the home team received a penalty from the centre spot and placed us on the back foot yet again!
Try number four came from the elusive running of Nick Gill and to, thankfully, place the ball in a comfortable position for Lewis (“Bog”) to bag the points (24 – 5). The team were now going from strength to strength and with new players taking the field, and with fresh legs, meant our dominance was beginning to show. With the clock ticking down we still had the attitude that another try should be registered. Sure enough, near to no side, our illustrious wing, Nick Elvin, was given the ball and sped down the left wing to score far out.
The score stayed at 29 points to 5 with the Penarth team being worthy opponents and being a credit to their club.
All replacements were used by the Pentyrch team and it is an asset to this squad that we have such strength, ability and talent in depth. Going beyond that we have that remarkable turnout in numbers for every training session that we put on. WELL DONE.
Scorers: Tries: Rhys Thomas; James Locke; James Herbert; Nick Gill;
and Nick Elvin.
Convertions: 2x Lewis Davies.
Final Score: PENTYRCH YOUTH 29points – 5 points PENARTH YOUTH PENTYRCH YOUTH RFC v. RHYDYFELIN YOUTH RFC (home) on Saturday, 10th November, 2007.
Friendly Match.
An early changing room meeting and discussion between players, coaches and management where views were aired regarding the concerns of all the above meant that we established a greater understanding and produced a more aligned way forward. We will proceed a more cohesive unit with closer bonding.
Our initial reaction after this meeting was to direct our thoughts to the game at hand. One hour`s time and we would be in the fray of a match that we knew would be hard and, so, the team needed to carry forward the attitude of the latter stages of the previous week`s commitment!
A game against St Peter`s that started as a folly and ended with controlled authority. The build up to this game was to start on a high.
This mind-set was immense from the outset and the force began to take the bull by the horns early in the game. The forwards took control in the lineout and forced the Rhydyfelin Eight to try and counter our initial drive. This established, our back were able to take command and the probing runs and cutting edge decisions gave us ground beyond the gain line a short time into the game.
With this advantage we gained territory and soon found ourselves pitched inside the opposition`s 22. Our pressure eventually paid dividends as their defence was caught offside and Hywel Chatham put the ball sweetly between the uprights (3 points - nil).
Pentyrch forwards were beginning to put much pressure on the visitors in the lineout and loose play. The backs defence was faultless and we were turning over ball on a regular basis.
The drawback, stumbling point, 13th Step: call it what you may, was our set scrums and discipline. We can rectify the scrums being driven back by implementing unit and set piece techniques. This is the coaches` job to identify the problems that are encountered on the pitch and put them to right as best we can. However, the individual discipline has to come from within the player. With visiting team penalties being advanced 10 yards, against us, on quite a number of occasion, we couldn`t help but wonder why our discipline was going down the pan. The verbal remarks by various players meant that the rest of the team were being let down!!! This part of our game seems to be getting worse. It may, eventually, become a costly error and become a negative factor in the teams` results.
Sound advice: don`t answer back; keep the language to yourself; and, lastly, leave any dirty play well under wraps. It`s not the type game we want and we certainly don`t want to be dragged down to anyone elses level. Be professional, both on and off the field, keep your standards high and focus on the task at hand. If we all make a concerted effort to do this as a team/squad, we won`t go far wrong.
It is actually synonymous in Welsh rugby that we fail so many times in the area of retrieving the ball from the kick-off. Again, this happened to ourselves. Being put on the back foot with the restart meant that Rhydyfelin took early possession and the opportunity for their outside-half to kick across field and place the ball neatly in the right-hand corner. The ensuing maul from the lineout saw the ball spin out to the fly-half who weaved over the try-line mid-way between posts and corner flag. The relatively easy kick was missed which left the score at 3 points to 5 in Rhydyfelin`s favour. (3 points – 5 points.)
Our game continued with relentless pressure from our forwards. We have a pack that hunt ball that isn`t in our possession. A rare charge-down from the opposition scrum-half`s attempted clearance, close to their goal line, gave the opportunity for team captain, James Locke ("Jimbob"), to turn the bobbing, loose ball into five more deserved points. The conversion failed. Our lead was now established to 8 points. (8 points to 5).
Half-time score: Pentyrch Youth XV 8 points – 5 points Rhydyfelin Youth XV
Too many times we have turned around at half-time and found ourselves facing a different team. There must be some magic potion in the water to signify a change in attitude. Must get hold of the recipe!
Holding on to the ball and making it hard for us to break out of our 22, for a good 15 minutes, Rhydyfelin were beginning to take charge of the game. Some fine scrummaging by their front five began to be wearing on our forwards. However, an opportunity did arise to get us quickly out of trouble. The ball was moved sharply to David “DJ” Jones who had come into the line from full-back. He put in a massive, relieving, spiralling kick that saw us return to the visitor`s half. This seem to, momentarily, break the back of the Rhydyfelin moral. From here we advanced to the try-line and good handling and forward play saw Lewis “Bog” Davies make the white line and produce a score that was probably against the run of play. (13 points – 5 points.)
It wasn`t too long before the visitors found their feet and were able to put us under pressure again. A ball, shooting out of the base of the scrum, gave the scrum-half take the opportunity to snatch the ball and race for the line. The right-wing in support it became an easy touchdown. With the winger scoring in the corner it meant that Rhydyfelin were within one score of our lead again. (13 points – 10.)
With our captain questioning the referee over a bad decision and an utterance of foul language resulted in the opposition receiving a penalty kick from the restart.
By this time in the game we made some tactical changes. This enabled us to take sole command of the game. We were beginning to produce some fine moves along the line and our forwards were showing their dominance through sheer skill, fitness and stamina.
Territorially we began to dominate and began to bombard the opposition line. There was no way that they could sustain this barrage for too long. It had to come. It was with precise, clinical passing that saw Nick Elvin outstrip two defenders, race 25 yards and score out on the left-hand side. No prizes as to whether we kicked the goal. (18 – 10.)
Scorers: Hywel Chatham 1 penalty; James Locke 1 try; Lewis Davies 1 try; & Nick Elvin 1 try.
Final Score: PENTYRCH YOUTH XV 18 points – 10 points RHYDYFELIN YOUTH XV
3rd November : won away against St Peters 43-12 WEBB ELLIS CUP MATCH
Saturday, 27th October, 2007 PENTYRCH YOUTH XV versus CROESYCEILIOG YOUTH XV
Away ko 2:30pm
There was no doubt that the level of comittment for the game against Croesyceiliog Youth was going to be set at such a high pitch. We had vertually the whole squad making the half-hour coach trip deep into the beautiful pastures of Gwent. With our journey timing being spot on it enabled us to prepare to our maximum efficiency.
Mal Jones lead the squad into an awsome warm-up and mental focus to sequence the session so that the boys` mind set, characteristically directed at our own game level, motivated and maximised the matches` beginning to good effect. With all three coaches` preparation over, the changing room fever set on a high level, it was time for pitch battle.
A pitch that would have been ideal for our style of play - large, perfectly flat and in reasonably good condition - had a fine rain blowing across it - was made ready for the game to begin. Even though this rain abaited a little it was felt that, under the circumstances, it would be a good leveller .
As expected, the boys started the game with gusto and early points began to accumilate on the score board. Two early tries, out on the right-hand side, saw David "DJ" Jones make the touch down for both. Difficult angles for both kicks left both tries the only score (10 - 0). A failed kick to touch, played under extreme pressure, had Nick Gill eyeing the gap and penetreting through the middle of the field to score under the posts for an easy convertion by Barry Topping-Morris (17 - 0).
We thought that the confrontation up-front would have been more demanding but our front five were beginning to dominate. Phil has been working hard on the cleaning out and securing of good ball in training sessionsand this was working to grand effect. A sound platform from the forwards and breaking ground by our three-quarters had "Croesy" under a lot of pressure. Much of the pressure came from the backrow who were outstanding in this department. Also, the backs came to realise early on that "Croesy`s" mid-field were flying up so quick that a "Miss 2" was going to get beyond them easily and with devistating consequences.
Many of Croesyceiliog`s relieving kicks were not finding touch and this played right into our hands. With fielding and running injection from David Gilbert (15), Nick Elvin (11) and "DJ" (14) and being prepared to attack from the half-way line made the most of those kicking errors.
The onsaught from the forwards and pincering spearhead defence from no`s 6, 7 and 8 meant that the opposition half-backs were almost always on the backfoot and runs by their backs were soon nulified. However, their fly-half took it upon himself, from one set piece, to make a break but the movement petered out with the tackle from Barry (10) and Rhys (7).
Constant pressure from the forwards in a maul situation saw the home team spil the ball only for Lewis "Bog" Davies hack the ball on and win the chase with a "Crosy" defender and score the try close out to the touchline. With the goal attempt being unsuccesful both sides turned round for the break with the score at 22 points to nil.
Half-time: Pentyrch Youth 22 points - 0 points Croesyceiliog Youth.
The second-half had the home side begin with a different attitude. They were going to change their tactics and keep the ball tight to the forwards. Understandable after the first-half performance. Watching from the side we realised that the game was going to be much tighter!
Controlled possession from "Croesy" enabled them to progress deep into our 22. Good line kicking saw us progress slowly back into the home side`s half. Dominating the encounter we camped close to their goal line for 15 minutes. The team`s lines of running and the angles for hitting space were tantamount to Mal`s initial warm-up.
Scores came readily in this third quarter of the game but the last 10/15 minutes of the game had Pentyrch desperately defending our line. Speaking highly of our immense tackling strategy, we were able to keep Croesyceiliog at bay. With several drives at the target they managed to get beyond our line but were held up by the defence`s shere and shared determination. Our slate was kept clean!
Tries in the second-half came from: Nick Gill, converted by Hywel Chatham (29 - 0); Jonathan Pamment (34 - 0); Rhys Thomas, converted by Hywel Chatham (41 - 0); and, nearing the end of the game and completing his "hat-trick," David Jones (46 - 0).
Scorers: David Jones 3x tries; Nick Gill 2x tries; Lewis Davies 1 try;
Jonathan Pamment 1 try; Rhys Thomas 1 try;
Barry Toppin-Morris 1 conversion; Hywel Chatham 2 conversions.
Final Score: PENTYRCH YOUTH XV 46 points - 0 points CROESYCEILIOG YOUTH XV
For your diary: Next round of the Webb Ellis Cup is on Saturday, 22nd December, 2007 against Haverfordwest at Pentyrch. Kick-off time tbc.
PENTYRCH YOUTH DEVELOPMENT XV v. WESTON-super-MARE HORNETS (Colts) @ home.
A word of thanks must go to two club members for their generosity and help.
Firstly, to Phil Edward for giving us the opportunity to choose as to whether we play on the first team pitch or second team pitch as the Seconds XV, too, were hosting a visiting side. We obviously chose the former.
Also, to Barry Toppin-Morris Senior for downing his gardening tools and doning his best refereeing attire to take charge of a game that lost its designated referee one hour before the kick-off!!! What an episode that was.
Again, our gratitude to both.
Due to the refereeing problem the match started 15 minutes late (2:45pm).
We were well aware that the visiting team, under the coaches guidance and watchful eye of their manager, Andy Francis, were preparing for an encounter where they wanted to win.
Our developing team started well and an immediate move from a ruck saw Lewis Davies (10) carve his way through a gap and make 20 yards before being brought down by a fine tackle. A good opening to the match. Play eventually took us down to Weston`s right-hand side 5m line. A couple of line-outs later we saw the forwards drive a controlled, set maul to allow Luke Ramage (2) to carry and drop over the line. 5 points to nil, without the conversion, and we were in the lead.
In an almost identical situation the pressure that came soon after the first try saw, again, a forward surge with scrum-half (9) Sam O`Neill taking the opportunity to pounce over the try line. Failed conversion, but 10 points to nil up.
Weston showed some promising signs and made good insertions with their driving mauls. These were gained by the clinical work of the visitors line-out. They had a marvellous set at the back of the line-out with the blonde no.6 taking good, clean ball. The two lifters must take much credit for their technique and skill. Well done. Unfortunately for Weston their possession was limited and what ball they did get was put under so much pressure by our backs that their fly-half had little opportunity but to kick.
One of the outside-half`s well executed kicks founds its way ot our right-hand side 5m line. Identical position to ours the other end of the field. A penalty was awarded to the visitors for an infringment in the lineout. Quickly taken and our defence was caught napping and their second-row burst over for a try. The fly-half`s conversion hit the upright and flew back. Seemingly, you get no points for that. (10 - 5).
Half-time: Pentyrch 10 points - 5 points Weston-super-Mare Hornets.
Thanks to Pentyrch`s fast and industrious backrow we were able to turn over quick ball and the front five were able to do the rest. A platform by our forwards has been developing over the past month or so is enabling the backs to function efficiently and have the confidence to deliver.
Lewis Edwards, in his first competitve game for two years, showed his class in the backrow (No.8) and his experience spilled over to the two flankers playing alongside him. Kristian (6), only 16 years of age, showed his potential and Jake, at openside (7), was outstanding. Not a missed tackle, and certainly in the mould of our other fine flankers in the squad.
The visitor`s kicking tactic fell into our favour as one of our team strengths is running from deep (the counter-attack) by our three-quarters. We exploited their mid-field and gaps began to open.Even though the game was marred, at certain times, through indicipline and silly, foul play our players put those thoughts behind them and created many opportunities that came to fruition.
The youngster`s confidence began to soar and the eagerness of the replacements to want to get on the field was evident. All replacements were use and their role also contributed to the team`s success on the day.
The two tries in the first half saw that number doubled in the second and the added bonus of not allowing Weston to make a further score saw the result stand at 32 points to 5. Tries in the second half came from: Rhys Thomas; Tom Marley; Dylan Jones; and Nick Jones. Mike Simmons kicked one conversion.
Final score: PENTYRCH YOUTH XV 32 points - 5 points WESTON-super-MARE HORNETS (Colts)
Tries scored by: Luke Ramage; Sam O`Neill; Rhys Thomas; Tom Marley; Dylan Jones; and Nick Jones.
1x conversion by: Mike Simmons
.
Saturday, 13th October, 2007
PENTYRCH YOUTH XV v. LLANTWIT FARDRE (h).
League Fixture ko. 2:30 pm.
With respect for a past, well loved player and a old stalwart of Pentyrch RFC, Ross Philips, a minutes silence was honoured for his departure from this life. I, stand to be corrected, but I believe he was one of the first youth members to play in the inaugural Pentyrch Youth XV.
The Match.
Our starting line-up was made up of the more experienced players in the squad due to this league encounter with Llantwit Fardre. Viewing their warm up it was evident that their forwards were big and looked extremely mobile. Pentyrch forwards had to start with bite and continue with venom. It didn`t take long for the platform to be established and the forwards to be in the position to take a steering command. Immediately we took the ball into the opposition half and with pressure from a free kick we were awarded a kickable penalty, from almost in front of the post, which was easily converted by Barry Toppin-Morris (3 - 0).
Again, from the kick-off, we were quickly down into the Llantwit 22m territory when we were awarded a penalty 15 yards out on the left-hand side. Quick to react, Tom Marley tapped the ball to himself and ran
left toward the defence and the delivery to Dave Gilbert was just a formality. An unconverted try put us 8 points to nil up, in as many minutes.
Down in the opposition 22m area again with the forwards cleaning out and setting up tremendous ball for our three-quarters, fast, direct ball distribution, along the line, enabled Tom Marley to run in for his try. (13 - 0.)
What ensued from the kick-off was a great take from "Geoffy," a mini run and short pop to "Jimbob," in support on his left, where the No.8 made a 30 yard surging run to deliver a timely pass to Dave Gilbert and we were in for try no. 4. The convertion by Barry T-M made the score 20 points to nil.
Territorially we had the advantage and with pressure coming from both forwards and backs we were able to nulify any good ball that Llantwit were able to get.
The forwards were certainly making great strides by now and the constant pressure lead to us being awarded another penalty. Quickly taken and delivered to the fast, quick of foot Nick Gill and he was in for a try half-way out on the right-hand side. Placing the ball between the posts, Barry Toppin-Morris` conversion took us into halfway stage with a 27 point deficite in our favour.
Half-time score: Pentyrch Youth XV 27 points - 0 points Llantwit Fardre.
Llantwit Fardre`s pep talk at mid-game must have stirred their appitite for an improved performance because they came out of the blocks, at the kick-off, a different looking team. They took some good ball down the right-hand side on a number of occasions only to be bundled into touch or have some of our great tackling keeping them from gaining points by crossing over the line.
Good work by the forwards saw a superb individual try being taken by Tom Marley. Inter-passing by the forwards enabled the gap to open for Tom to inject some pace and run for a full 40 yards down the middle of the pitch and place the ball under the posts. An easy conversion by Barry T-M took the score to 34 points to nill.
The second-half wasn`t such a walk over as the first and it was more of a tussle with the Llantwit side making more of an impact and forcing Pentyrch into mistakes and wrong decisions.
The final episode was due to some fine opportunistic work by Nick "The Flyer" Elvin on the left wing. A kick through, by one of our backs, saw an exciting chase down the left-hand side by our flyer and an opposition defender. Nick managed to get his foot to the ball, hack-on and win the chase to the touchdown. Try sealed, with the wide-angled kick being unsuccessful, saw the game close at 39 points to nil.
A convincing win and a fine delivery by all players.
Final score: Pentyrch Youth XV 39 points - 0 points Llantwit Fardre.
Scorers: Barry Toppin-Morris 1 penalty (3 - 0)
David Gilbert 1 try Barry Toppin-Morris 1 conversion (8 - 0)
Tom Marley 1 try (13 - 0)
David Gilbert 1 try (20 - 0)
Nick Gill 1 try Barry Toppin-Morris 1 conversion (27 - 0)
Tom Marley 1 try Barry Toppin-Morris 1 conversion (34 - 0)
Nick Elvin 1 try (39 - 0)
PENTYRCH YOUTH XV v. YNYSYBWL Away on Sat, 6th October, 2007 ko. 2:30pm.
I`m seeing a game that had everything. Looking at the way the game went if the score had been a draw I don`t think either team would have complained.
Two teams that had wonderful forward skills. Two teams that wanted to play open and attractive rugby and two teams that didn`t want to relinquish any foothold that they had on the game.
It was an inspiration to see the next era of Welsh rugby players perform with such high standards of skill and with a passion for the game of Rugby Football.
Ynysybwl were in the Premier League, we were a league below. That set the platform for an exciting encounter.
Early on our forwards began to dominate the game and territorally Pentyrch were far superior. Our backs had also made some incisive impact in the backline but couldn`t quite make the finish line. But for a number of dropped passes and one delivery that fell short, we would have been the first team on the scoreboard. Also the opportunity to take three points for an infringment wasn`t even taken! We must learn from this.
Camped well inside "The Bwl" half we couldn`t capitalise on our position and possession when suddenly a breakaway saw the opposition clear their half with a loose ball being kick and than chase down field. With both teams in hot pursuit the grounding by one of the Ynysybwl backs saw the lead going their way. With the kick going wide it was 5 - nil to the home team and, most definitely, against the run of play.
Back in the home territory we began to play some good rugby and with the new half-back link of Tom Marley at scrum-half and David Gilbert at 10 we were causing big problems to the midfield defence of the opposition. The forwards were awesome and the lineout and quick ruck ball enabled our three-quarters to enhance this advantage. Perseverance and good pressure gave us our reward and it was inevitable that a score would come. Rhys Thomas gave us the honour and the try put us on level-pegging at the interval.
One of the problems that we were encountering was the driving in the set scrum by the opposition on our put-in. Due to this we were driven back on two, maybe three, occasions and lost the ball against the head. A mention was made to the referee and, in fairness, the problem seemed to be cured!
A number of other individual breaks by Ynysybwl almost saw them score again but the cover and defence by Pentyrch was fantastic. Opposition being held up on a couple of occasions to prevent the ball from being grounded.
Half-time score: Ynysybwl 5 - 5 Pentyrch.
At half-time our players had a belief in themselves. The feeling was that this game could be taken. Early in the second-half Pentyrch were given a penalty on the Ynysybwl 10m line, directly in line with the posts. A calm Hywel Chatham took the opportunity and put the 40m kick between the posts.
With battle raging between both halves of the pitch and the game in the balance at 5 - 8 the "Bwl" were out to regain the lead. This came with some precise kicking from their outside-half. Putting the ball down in our right-hand corner of the field and into touch put pressure on our defence. What ensued was an onslaught by the "Bwl" forwards. A good piece of combined work by the Ynysybwl forwards and backs saw them go over to score midway out on the right-hand side. Fortunately for us the kick went wide. Ynysybwl 10 - Pentyrch 8.
It was at this stage of the game that the Pentyrch forwards started to completely dominate. We won lineout ball and drove "The Bwl" back, set the scrums and pick and drove to wondrous effect. The backs, by this time, were completely in control and it would only be a matter of time before the Ynysybwl defence would crack. It came minutes from "no-side."
A set scrum to Pentyrch placed on the right-hand side of the field in "The Bwl" half. 15m in from the touch, 15m from their goal line. The perfect set scrum, pick and feed from scrum-half, Tom Marley, to No.10, David Gilbert, on the blindside with the gap opening up. With no cover from the home team, the steering in was simple and clinical. It clinched what was a fantastic win through a remarkable team effort. No points for the missed conversion though (10 points - 13 pts).
Scorers: Pentyrch Rhys Thomas 1 try (5)
Hywel Chatham 1 penalty (3)
David Gilbert 1 try (5)
Ynysybwl 2 x tries (10 points)
Final result: YNYSYBWL 10 points - 13 points PENTYRCH
PENTYRCH UNDER 17`s v. Cyfarthfa School 1st XV Home, Thursday Sept 27th
It was interesting and comforting to see so many players who had come along to take part in this game. Pitched as a friendly match-cum-trial we, the coaches, were able to see and assess the talent that has come through from the Under 16`s of last season and any new faces that would be welcomed into the fold.
The game started in complete contrast to the previous week`s cup match at Dinas Powys with the youngsters putting 14 points on the board within seven minutes! Kyle Johnston (11) going over for two early tries and inside-centre Lewis (12) kicking both conversions from difficult angles.
The early prediction wasn`t to be and the Cyfarthfa inside-centre went in for a try, converted by their fly-half (10): 14 points to seven and the opposition had drawn blood that was to eventually begin pouring. We were struggling to obtain any possession from the forwards and the Cyfarthfa Eight were beginning to gain in confidence and their No.8 was becoming a pain in our side. A sequence of scores saw the visiting side go into a ten point lead and the deficit looked immense, especially in the way Cyfarthfa School was playing.
From 14 points to seven and going up: the opposition no.13 - 1 try (14 - 12); 1 try (14 - 17); and 1 try & 1 con. (14 - 24). It was going from bad to worse. This made the challenge a hard one to rise to. However, going into the last 15 minutes we needed to get a score. Eventually David Jones (alias "DJ") got the try that was to set us back on track. The conversion by Ross Dyke (21 - 24) now put pressure on Cyfarthfa to keep us out. We were gaining ground. Our fever was pitching high and the boys didn`t want to be placed second.
Newcomer to the club, and replacement at scrum-half (9), Geraint saw a chink in the defence and made a 30 yard dash for the try-line. His pace was too quick for the full-back to cover and he was in for his moment of glory and to the relief of the Pentyrch players we were back in front. With the conversion being unsuccessful Pentyrch ran out "lucky" winners by 26 points to 24. A really close shave.
Final result: PENTYRCH UNDER 17`s 26 - 24 Cyfarthfa School 1st XV.
A mention of thanks must go to Adam Rosser and Dave Ince for making this, what seems an annual fixture, possible. Was there talk of a return fixture!!!? Let us know.
Cardiff and District Cup:
PENTYRCH YOUTH XV versus DINAS POWYS (away) Saturday, 22nd September, 2007. Ko 2:30pm.
This wasn`t a game to be taken lightly. However, the coaching staff felt that the strength we had in depth throughout the squad merited other players making a start to those of the previous week.
Dinas Powys started with a bang and within minutes we were down 5 points with a well taken opportunity for a try that came completely out of the blue. We didn`t know what hit us! That, and an accumilation of some silly errors and bad decisions made "life in the big city" somewhat confusing. We were up against a good team, we had problems with nerves and we certainly not playing to our true potential. This needed to be sorted.
The scrummaging by the home team was causing a problem because they were a big, heavy pack. That was where their strength lay. Couple that with the fact that when we did get good possession for the backs it was squandered by bad options.
Half-time: Dinas Powys 5 points - 19 pts. Pentyrch.
The result at the turn-around was a close 19 points to 5 in our favour. The picture hadn`t looked good upto that point and it needed a few pointers to be made by the coaches, at mid-break, to establish some sort of purpose and injection into our game.
"Jimbob," our astute captain, took the "bull by the horns" and started to address the situation by verbally and physically inspiring the side. It was time to move on. We began to dominate up front and demonstrate our superiority in the line-out and driving mauls. The platform was established. We began to see a cutting-edge from the back division with superb handling and angles of running. Dave Jones ran with determination from deep in our own half to set up good counter-attack play and the support was second to none.
Wait for it, we had forwards who were running through the opposition, getting beyond the gain line, and causing mayhem with the Dinas defence. The support work, by keeping the ball in hand, worked a treat.
This game bacame a classic team effort. All replacements were use and everyone contributed to the success of a remarkable performance. The transformation of the game between the first-half and second was uncanny and we ran out winners by 57 points to ten.
Series of scores: DP 1 try 5 - 0 Pentyrch;
DP 5 - 5 P 1 try Hywel Chatham
DP 5 - 12 P 1 try Hywel Chatham 1 con. Barry Toppin-Morris
Half-time score: DP 5 - 19 P 1 try Nick Elvin 1 con. Barry T-M
DP 5 - 26 P 1 try Rhys Thomas 1 con. Barry T-M
DP 5 - 33 P 1 try Rhys Thomas 1 con. Barry T-M
DP 5 - 38 P 1 try Ross Williams
DP 5 - 45 P 1 try Hywel Chatham 1 con. Barry T-M
DP 5 - 50 P 1 try David Jones
DP 1 try 10 - 50 P
Full-time score: DP 10 - 57 P 1 try Ross Dyke 1 con. Barry T-M
Score: DINAS POWYS 10 points - 57 points PENTYRCH
It is interesting to note that in the above scenerio that each five of the tries were scored by a forward!
First League Game of Season 2007/08:
Pentyrch Youth XV v. Ystrad Rhondda (h) ko @ 2:30pm on Satuday, 8th September, 2007
We just didn`t now what to expect from Ystrad. We knew they would be strong but the question was where? We soon found out. It was in the way they hid the ball up their jerseys! This wasn`t even ten-man-rugby but eight. Initially, we just couldn`t get hold of the ball.
Bad lineout ball and indiscipline placed us on the back-foot right from the beginning. Like Glamorgan Wanderers, the Ystrad pack were big, heavy and strong but the perseverence of the "Pentyrch Eight" won through in the end. The front row, as the game wore on, grew in stature and they gave every spare ounce of effort to secure ball and enable the backs to perform.
When the backs had ball they looked dangerous and it was from a counter-attack situation that we drew first blood. From near our own 22m line, on the left-hand side, quick passing enabled Nick Elvin to outstrip the defence and score a fabulous try quite near the touchline. (Remember Nick, when you`ve beaten the defence and there`s nobody there place the ball under the "sticks." Two extra points may come in handy!)
"Jimbob" lead by example and one facet of Welsh rugby that needs strong addressing is the securing of possession from kick-off. On three occasions in the game James gathered high, restart ball and we were able to take advantage. It giving our backs the chance to run loose from the kick-off. This is where we can be dangerous.
Again, as with the Wanderers game, our forwards were outstanding. We gave away tonnes of weight in the scrum but as the game wore on we dominated. Steadfast, we were able to gain a platform and Tom Marley and the backrow were able to execute moves and do irrepairable damage.
Throwing in from the lineout improved as the game wore on and we have two jumpers who are second to none in their league. Much of this is due to the coaching structure of Phil "Puppy" Bartle, The calls that he has instigated in the lineout and the safe, secure lifting by the props and backrow forwards has giveen rise to the marvellous skill factor achieved and the potential good, clean ball that is acquired for the scrum-half.
However, us as coaches need to guide our players a little more on the field of play. The lack of early possession from the lineout meant we should have gone for front jumper to establish a platform and, maybe, some 3 or 4 man ploys. With scrummaging, possibly a Channel 1 ball to create quick, easy ball. (Take note.)
As the game wore on Tom Marley was able to shunt the ball out along the line where our threequarters caused havoc. Special mention should go to Ross Williams and Nick Gill (again, both outstanding), for their wall of defence and the wonderful way they run and take on opposition.
As time went on the team gathered strength and by the end of the game were in total command. A late try by Tom Marley, through thorough forward dominance, sealed Ystrad`s fate and we ran in deserved winners.
Final score: Pentyrch 17 points - 10 pts Ystrad Rhondda.
Pentyrch scorers: Nick Elvin 1 try (5 points)
Tom Marley 2 tries (10 points)
Hywel Chatham 1 conversion (2 points)
Ystrad Rhondda scores: 2x tries (10 points)
Welsh Cup: Pentyrch Youth XV v. Glamorgan Wanderers (a) @ 2:30pm, on Saturday, 1st September, 2007.
This was to be a nail-biting contest from the start. It turned out that the game went down to the knuckle with the final outcome not being decided until the very last kick of the game.
A fiercely fought game with no quarter given by either side. With our young, mobile pack we initially struggled against a strong,well structure eight to get a real purchase on the game. Consequently our backs were given a hard time by the Wanderers three-quarter line. However, some demon tackling by Ross Williams and Tom Marley, in mid-field, kept the score at bay.
A new recruit at scrum-half, in Barry Toppin-Morris, helped stabilise the game by his generalship in the face of the heafty Wanderer`s pack but our game seemed to be thwarted by some bad line and depth kicking and through the Wanderer`s counter attack play put us under severe pressure. Also, bad judgement in certain circumstances lost us try scoring chances!. So we were very fortunate to be at the helm on the sound of the interval whistle. Our lead was a mere 6 points to three. Two well executed penalties by Hywel Chatham and an equally good, single goal kicked by the opponents (I think) centre.
Half-time score: Glamorgan Wanderers 3 points - 6 pts Pentyrch.
In the second half the forwards began to come into their own. The determination and spirit that they played with bore fruit. The dominance of our forwards in the closing 20 minutes of the game gave our backs the platform that they required to clear paths through the opposition three-quarters.
It was time to make a few fitness and positional changes 10 minutes into the second half. By doing so helped change the tempo of the game. The Wanderers were beginning to tire up front and seemingly heavy legs were being carried across the field.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained as The Wanderers cut loose for a final surge. Down to fourteen men, with our right-wing, "Herbie," being sent off (a ten minute stint in the sin-bin) they seemed to rally around a last big effort. One player down and our forwards were back playing catch-up. It was difficult. Even though we defended desperately we couldn`t keep out the barrage. Eight minutes to no-side and The Wanderers scored under the posts. With the conversion complete it was 10 points to nine in their favour.
Wanderers thought the game was over, and to be truthful, we on the sidelines too.
Our players thought differently. Literally minutes to go we restarted with the drop-out and over resulting play gained a penalty on the half-way line. There the story ends. A slight breeze in his favour, our kicking maestro calmly slotted the ball between the uprights. Joy for ourselves. Dejection for Glamorgan Wanderers.
A fantastic game and a result that could have gone either way.
Full-time score: Glamorgan Wanderers 10 points - 12 pts Pentyrch.
Pentyrch scorer: Hywel Chatham - 4x penalties (12 points)
Wanderers scores: 1x penalty (3 points)
Saturday 25th August - C&V 7's This saw the seven`s team melt in the blazing heat of "The Rumney Bowl." Ten teams, in two seperate leagues, fought out two grueling halves, in each game, of high quality, atttractive rugby and, on the most part, played with a sporting attitude.
Because of the high temperatures that we were experiencing it was decided by coaches (before the outset of the tournament) that there would be rolling-substitutions. Weren`t the players glad!?
The Pentyrch 7`s Squad enjoyed all four of our bouts, playing against some stiff opposition. We eventually came through our sector without a loss but, I hasten to add, with some very close shaves!
Our "Pool" consisted of the following teams: Llandaff (W 19 - 5); Llanishen (W 27 - 0); St Albans (W 17 - 12); and Rumney II (W 36 - 7).
Our match, for the final, was Rumney I and although we were leading in the early stages and tested them to the bitter end, Rumney turned out to be deserving "Champions" on the day, winning 24 points - 14 pts.
We`ll give it our best shot, again, next year.
Our heroes on the day were: David "DJ" Jones; Nick Gill; Ross Williams; Ceri Llewelyn; Barry T-M; Dave Gilbert; Tom Marley; Rhys Thomas; Alex Holvey; and James Cashin. Two prominent members of the team who supported but couldn`t play through injury were Geoff Coombes and Lewis Edwards
Saturday 8th August - Rumney
A new season and some new players - the season is up and running with three short trial matches against Rumney on Sat 25th August, saw Pentyrch go down in the end after being 10 nil up in the first 20mts. Final score, with chances missed by us, 27 pts to 10.
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