Fixture

Llantwit Major RFC | Under 13s 7 - 43 Penallta RFC | Under 13s
Fred O’carroll
Try 1
Ethan Harding
Conversion 1

Match Report
17 March 2019 / Team News

U13s winning run ended

Llantwit Major RFC U13s Tigers were home this weekend, hosting Penallta RFC.

With matches being cancelled all over South Wales due to water logged pitches curtesy of Storm Gareth, it was with relief that the early inspection of the home teams Youth pitch returned a positive result and the game could go ahead.

A strong side wind meant that conditions would still be challenging, but having survived the rain in Bedwas and the gales in Porthcawl in recent weeks, everyone was pleased to see the sun come out in this eagerly anticipated return fixture.  Having lost by a single point with the last kick of the game late in injury time in December, there was hope of another close game to keep the supporters entertained.

Sadly however, only the traveling support got much enjoyment from the game.  Following 2-impressive away wins, the Tigers had hoped to extended their winning run to three but on this occasion they were not able to deliver to the same high standards.

Penallta to their credit played very well, using big players to constantly challenge the home teams defence and getting rewards with a couple of close range tries.  A third try was to follow before the Tigers managed to work their way upfield and start to challenge the visitors defence.

Constant infringement of the offside line resulted in a run of close range penalties, but try as they might the Tigers were unable to break the strong Penallta defence and take advantage of the possession and territory.  To make matters worse, the Tigers then lost their top try scorer to injury as captain Dan Bartlett took a blow to the face in attempting to force his way over the line from close range.  Ethan Harding took over captaincy while Ben Raymond was called into action from the bench.

Although playing with the slope in the second half, it was again the visitors made the best start, taking advantage of some ineffective tackling by the home team to further extend their lead.  It was turning out to be just one of those games for the Tigers, who struggled to get to terms with the conditions, the aggressive opposition and the refereeing of the offside line, much to the displeasure of the home supporters.

There were signs of encouragement however.  Winger Cameron Wheadon had a great run on the left wing, while lock Jakub Jeziorski and flanker come centre Kelyn Joseph battled endlessly to fill the gap left by the injured captain.   Tom Jones at scrum half offered a threat, but it was once again centre, and eventual Man of the Match, Fred O’Carroll who restored some pride for the home team with a typically determined run to hold off 4-defenders and score late in the game.  Ethan Harding converted to continue the teams impressive, 100% kicking record from the last game with another well executed kick.

The final whistle confirmed Penallta RFC as deserved winners, so congratulations to them.  

The Tigers were left scratching their heads a little to explain the performance, but should be optimistic for the future as new players bed into positions and the team finally get back to training on grass after a Winter of non-contact, 3G training.  Next weeks fixture away fixture at Cwmafan RFC comes at a great time to demonstrate their bounce-back-ability.

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