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Old Penarthians were the visitors to the Recreation Ground this weekend as the mini section faced off against their Vale rivals. 

The Under 10’s had a tough time as an impressive Old Pens team scored with repeated ease during the game. Llantwit Major did manage a few scores but came off second best for the second week running against the Pens.

Our Under 11’s match drew a big crowd and the game thrilled the fans as the teams played out a 6-6 draw. With the game ebbing back and forth each team took it in turns to lead and some incredible tackling on both sides help keep the game close.  Conor Williams and Tom Collins shared the player of the match award and the coaches and parents were incredibly proud of their players performance.

Another tense affair followed on the 1^st XV pitch as the Under 12’s went up against the Old Pens B team. Llantwit Major started in their traditional sleepy manor and gifted Old Pens the ideal start as they took advantage of some lethargic tackling to race into a 12-0 lead. Llantwit struggled for any field position or possession as Old Pens applied the pressure early on in the game. Llantwit finally woke and after getting some good field position Number 8 Abbie Cutting broke through the defence to score and bring Llantwit back into the game with the half time score 12-5. Llantwit started the second half well and got back into the game with a Rees Harris grabbing a score. Harris soon added another after some enterprising play got Llantwit close to the line and within minutes the home lead 15-12. However Llantwit couldn’t hold on and Old Pens broke free in the closing minutes to score in the corner and finish 17-15 winners. Some good performances from first time props Jack Painter and Sean Edwards. With a lot of new faces and players learning new positions this promises to be a tough year for the Under 12’s but they are looking forward to the challenge.

The Under 13’s had an early start away to Old Pens as the coaches had asked beforehand for the players to focus specifically on forward patterns and defensive organisation and it was pleasing to see the team took everything on board and showed real application during the game. As the game worn on injuries took their toll on the Tigers and Old Pens pace out wide ultimately proved to be the difference, but at the end both teams knew they had been in a really competitive game. Man of the match was Ryan Daw who, on debut for the team, tackled everything and contributed hugely to what is developing into a very competitive forward unit.  Ryan is playing up a year from the U12’s, but showed such maturity and rugby know-how that no-one would have known. Additional credit must go to Kai Harris, Kelyn Joseph and Kian Barnett who kept working hard even when injured, to Ollie Gale and Blake Gifford for playing completely out of position on the wings and to the parents of all players for getting everyone to the early start. Old Pens run out 41-0 victors but yet again more positives for the developing U13’s. 

Llantwit Majors Under 15’s also travelled east to Old Pens and for the second week running they came away victorious. Tries for Owen Rutherford (2), Dylan Thomas and a penalty try added to two successful kicks for Kyle Smith accounted for the visitor’s points. These conversions proved crucial as Llantwit won 26-24.

Llantwit Major Mini and Juniors would like to thank their sponsors Pier Consulting, Davey Daw Building and Sinclair Motors.