Cowbridge RFC Under 12’s shine in West Wales Sevens

Following their previous weekend's success at the Bridgend Athletic tournament, the interpid travellers from the Cowbridge RFC Under 12's headed west for their first seven a side tournament of the year. Such is the depth of talent in the current squad that the coaches were allowed to enter two sides into the event, and still leave some talented boys out. The B side had undoubtedly been pitched into the hardest of the pools, facing the previous season's shared tournament winners, Burry Port and Cydweli, and the unknown quantity Gowerton. Their first game was against seven's specialists Cydweli, and although they lost the game, they learned some hard lessons along the way. Next up was the home side Burry Port, and despite visibly improving from the previous game the boys had to play long periods of defensive rugby and eventually lost to the better side. Their final pool game was against Gowerton, and although the opposition weren't in the same league as the first two opponents, they still promised to provide the Cowbridge boys with a stern test. However by now the Cowbridge boys were ready to show that their hard learned lessons in the previous pool games were not about to be repeated. Straight from the start hard hitting forward Andy Ward drove over to open the score, and was soon followed by scrum half Lewis Llewelyn. Well led by hooker Ali Richards, and ably supported by Jamie Griffiths, the threee man pack controlled matters in the tight exchanges. With Freddie Harries and Charley Morris combining well in the midfield, and the mercurial Harry Thomas always ready to provide attacking impetus, the boys played fluent and exciting rugby to romp home 7-1. The seven tries were scored by Charley Morris, Freddie Harries, Andy Ward (2), and Lewis Llewelyn (3). One of the highlights of the game was the re-appearance of Tom Smith in Cowbridge colours, having been laid low for the last three months with a viral infection. Hard working forwards Keiran Smith and Lloyd Stock made up the rest of the team. Unfortunately this classy performance was not enough to ensure progress to the semi-finals. Meanwhile the A team were getting a much easier ride in their group which did not contain the two tournament favourites. A slow start saw them beat Llanelli Wanderers 4-0, with tries coming from Christian Walters, Rhys Griffin, Hari Trotman, and Sam Roberts. Next up were Ammanford, and by now the boys had got to grips with the seven a side game and ran in 6 unanswered tries, scorers were Pete Edwards, Sam Roberts, Christian Walters (2), Gus MacPherson, and Rhys Griffin. The final pool game against Waunarlwydd was another rout with a further six tries being scored by Sam Roberts, Sean Boga Lake, Jack Haines, Pete Edwards, Tom Harper, and Matt Sullivan. The drawing and passing of their opponent by Tom Harper and Sam Roberts was of the highest order. As undefeated pool winners the A team progressed to the semi-finals where the formidable Cydweli side were waiting for them. Perhaps the Cowbridge boys were a little too confident and relaxed because despite opening the scoring, Cydweli came back at them with two tries before half time. However all that was needed during the break was a sharp reminder from their coaches to wake up and play to their potential. This the boys duly did, and in a bewildering flurry of passes, runs, and enterprise, the visitors added five further tries to their total to win the game comfortably and reach the final, the Cowbridge tries coming from Rhys Griffin (3), Christian Walters, Pete Edwards, and Sam Roberts. Predictably the home side had also made it to the final, so the stage was set for an absorbing contest betwen what had been clearly the two best teams in the tournament. The game kicked off at a fast and furious pace, and it was from a fired up Gus Macpherson drive that brought the visitors to within metres of the home line. From the ensuing ruck hard hitting centre Chris Walters smashed his way over to establish the lead. Unfortunately one of the home players had to receive a lengthy period of medical treatment at this stage, but was happily cleared to walk away with just a bruised neck. Following a host of off-the-ball incidents, back came the home side, and crossed for two tries themselves to put them into the lead at half time. The Cowbridge Under 12's are usually up for any physical challenge, and the coaches had to remind them at half time to concentrate on playing rugby rather than risk getting drawn into any real or imagined physical contests. Thankfully the advice fell upon receptive ears, and Cowbridge dominated the second half. First Sam Roberts and Matt Sullivan came close to scoring, and then Christian Walters added to his first try to level the scores with a typical blind side break. Although the home side pulled ahead again, Rhys Griffin managed to jink his way through the home defence to level the scores. Despite their line being under continual pressure from the rampaging Jack Haines, and Pete Edwards, the Burry Port boys managed to prevent any further tries and the final whistle was blown with the score tied at 3-3. The game then went into extra time, and it was the tired Cowbridge boys who conceded the 'Golden Try' that allowed Burry Port to claim the trophy. Such is the progress that the boys have made this season that they were utterly devastated at having not won the tournament. Nevertheless, such is the wealth of talent available to the coaches that they are confident further success will follow in one of the other tournaments later this month. The A Team squad comprised Matt Sullivan, Sam Roberts, Christian Walters, Tom Harper, Rhys Griffin, Sean Boga Lake, Gus MacPherson, Pete Edwards, Hari Trotman, and Jack Haines.

Cowbridge Under 12’s beat Osprey’s Champions to win tournament
Cowbridge Under 12’s finished the season in some style by claiming their first ever silverware, when they won the prestigious Bridgend Athletic tournament on the weekend. The host club had just the previous weekend been crowned Osprey’s Cup champions, reflecting their status as the best team in the Bridgend/Neath/Swansea catchment area. Unfortunately most of the original invitees announced their withdrawal following the Bridgend side’s crowning, which left the home side, and the current Derbyshire champions Melbourne to play a ‘Round Robin’ format to decide the winners.

The opening game saw Cowbridge take on Bridgend Athletic on their large first team pitch, and the home side true to form used their powerful pack to pressurise the smaller visitors. When Cowbridge did win possession, their favoured ploy of using Blues centre Christian Walters was well read by the home side who had two of their best players permanently marking him. However the Bridgend game was starting to become predictable, especially their use of the blind side where they were getting no change out of hard tackling flanker Jack Haines, and gradually the Cowbridge boys started to impose themselves. Eventually the first try came, and it was scorching wing Harry Hitchcock who took a well weighted pass from outside centre Sam Roberts to open the Cowbridge account.

With Bridgend concentrating their attention on Walters, outside half Rhys Griffin was able to exploit gaps and open the home defence on a number of occasions, with one particular jinking run leaving a trail of would be tacklers spread-eagled in his wake as he offloaded to the supporting Walters to cross for the second try. By now Walters had subdued his ‘minders’ and true to form scattered them with a typical crashing run to cross for his second try. Prominent in keeping the waves of attacks going was openside flanker Hari Troman, and as always, cool full back Matt Sullivan broke the line on numerous occasions to set wingers Harry Thomas and Tom Harper on sweeping runs.

Bridgend did score a breakaway try before the interval, but the Cowbridge coaches still felt confident enough to make 5 changes for the second half. Whether it was over-confidence or the unsettling effect of the changes, Bridgend then proceeded to dominate for most of the second half. By keeping play tight, their large well drilled pack kept Cowbridge under constant pressure for most of the half, as first one try was scored, then another to bring them within 2 points of Cowbridge. The amount of defensive work done by the Cowbridge boys to prevent further scores was hugely impressive, with Andy Ward and Evan Phillips in particular helping staunch the Bridgend flow. The pack literally had to put their bodies on the line in order to contain the lively home eight, and the bruises, and bumps carried by the likes of Pete Edwards, Lloyd Stock, and Jamie Griffiths were witness to their collective bravery. From a succession of penalty moves on the Cowbridge line, quick thinking Sam Roberts recognised the most threatening move, and was able to dispossess the supporting ball carrier before the move was completed to relieve the pressure. A further desperate kick out of defence put the pressure back onto the home side, and from a stray pass, Rhys Griffin was able to intercept and cross for the fourth Cowbridge try. True to form Bridgend came back and were rewarded with a try that took them within two points of Cowbridge. With the conversion failing, the Cowbridge boys had won probably their hardest game of the season.

The boys were then given some time to recover as they watched Bridgend beat Melbourne in a reasonably close game 24-10, which allowed the Cowbridge coaches to work out the various ploys of their next opponents. Unlike Bridgend Athletic the English boys knew nothing about the likes of Walters, Roberts, and Hitchcock, and the mobile pack picked for the first half provided the talented outside backs with enough possession to almost score at will in the first half. Tries from Christian Walters (2), Alistair Richards, Lewis Llewelyn, Jamie Griffiths, and Cam Hughes saw the Cowbridge boys finish the first half 38-0 in front. A further 8 changes were made for the second half, and the tries continued. Following scores from Jack Haines, and a debut try for Keiran Smith, the referee called a halt to proceedings as the rules stipulated he should if the score exceeded 50 points. After having come close to winning silverware many times in the past, it was a huge pleasure for the captain Pete Edwards to claim the side’s first ever tournament winner’s trophy. The full squad involved were, Matt Sullivan, Tom Harper, Freddie Harries,Cameron Hughes, Harry Hitchcock, Harry Thomas, Jasper Watkins, Charley Morris, Chris Roberts Walters, Sam Roberts, Rhys Griffin, Sean Boga Lake, Lewis Llewelyn, Evan Phillips, Lloyd Stock, Kerian Smith, Pete Edwards, Ali Richards, James Griffiths, Andy Ward, Rhun Dafis, Jamie Griffiths, Hari Trotman, Jack Haines.

Cowbridge Comprehensive School

(Mostly Cowbridge RFC U12)

Win Vale School Trophy

14th & 15th April 2007

COWBRIDGE UNDER 12'S SHINE IN WEST WALES

Having completed their most successful season ever, the players and parents of Cowbride RFC Under 12's travelled west last weekend to participate in two prestigious tournaments, the Llaneli Wanders on the Saturday, and the Neyland tournament on the Sunday. The Llanelli tournament is the second largest of its kind in the UK, and features some of the best sides from around the country.

Playing in swealtering conditions, Cowbridge kicked off their campaign against the Mid District champions Nelson.In a close fought affair, both sides defended well to withstand periods of pressure from the other, and it was not until the end of the game that Cowbridge fell for a dummy move from a defensive scrum that saw Nelson score the only try of the game. The second opponents were the Leicestershire champions Lutterworth, an impressive looking outfit that had previously beaten ex pace setters in the Cardiff area, Pentyrch. This also prove to be a tight match, with both sides denied scores by excellent defensive play. One tackle in particular from the outstanding Christian Walters against one of the Leicester Tigers Academy players saved a certain score. The game ended 0-0 with the Cowbridge boys having maintained their proud record of never having lost to English opponents. The final pool game was against local rivals Pentyrch, a side that had been the district champions for the last two seasons. This game started at a furious pace with Cowbridge encamped in the Pentyrch 22, as the forwards set about monopolising the possession. Despite valliant defending, the Pentyrch line finally cracked as a hugely fired-up Gus MacPherson crashed his way over to open the scoring. With both sides making substitutions for the second half, the relentless pressure from Cowbridge eventually broke the Pentyrch will, and tries were added by Christian Walters, Harry Thomas, and Sam Roberts. A deserved victory, the foundations for which came from a huge pack performance with Pete Edwards, Evan Phillips, Matt Goodlad, and Andy Ward being particularly prominent.

Unfortunately despite ending the pool stage with having only conceded one try, and having scored the most tries in the group, it was Nelson rather than Cowbridge who progressed to the semi-finals. However the day had not finished for the Cowbridge boys, runners up in another group, West Park from Leeds, challenged the Cowbridge boys to a one-off game as they wanted to make their long journey south worthwhile. Like Cowbridge they had lost their only pool game 1-0 so on paper the two sides were evenly matched, however it took only a couple of minutes from the start to realise that the reality was starkly different. A rehearsed miss move put centre Sam Roberts into space and as he glided around the Leeds defence he made the perfect offload to winger Tom Harper who accelerated away from the surprised Leeds defenders to cross for the first try of the game. More were to follow as the English visitors had no answer to the direct running of powerhouse centre Christian Walters, dynamic hooker Pete Edwards, and the scavenging flankers Jack Haines and Hari Trotman. In all five further tries were scored from Christian Walters (2), Sam Roberts, Hari Trotman, and Pete Edwards, with the game having to be abandoned after the sixth try had been scored in line with tournament rules. The day thus ended on a high note for Cowbridge, and but for one lapse that allowed Nelson to progress and win the tournament, it could well have been Cowbridge bringing home the silverware from this prestigious tornament.

A second squad then travelled further west on Sunday to pit their skills against the best that Pembrokeshire had offer in the 21st Annual 10 a side festival in Neyland. In contrast to the previous day, conditions were far cooler which was welcomed by some of the Cowbridge boys as a few were still suffering from the effects of the sunshine. Unfortunately, what hadn’t changed was the fact that they were once again drawn in a very difficult group. First up, was Whitland who, rather unfortunately, wore the same strip as Cowbridge. Despite this distraction, the Cowbridge team "out skilled" their opponents and dominated the Whitland team up front with Keiran Smith, Matthew Sullivan and Lloyd Stock causing all sorts of problems at the breakdown area. This resulted in Cowbridge scoring three unanswered well taken tries through Christian Walters (2) and Jack Haines.

Next Cowbridge played Crymych and were once again dominant throughout the match. With so much ball, the backs led by Charlie Morris started to put some moves together and the likes of Jasper Watkins and Dafydd Esau were given room to shine. Inevitably, the pressure told and quick ball from Lewis Llewelyn enabled Christian Walters to score in the corner. With one minute to go, and for the first time in the match, the Cowbridge defence fell asleep which allowed Crymych to score an undeserved equalising try.

In the next match, Cowbridge played one of the tournament favourites, Pembroke Dock Quins. The Vale side knew that they were in for a tough battle as three of the Quins side were over six foot. And so it proved to be the case, and despite a magnificent defensive display, in particular from Sean Boga-Lake, Christian Walters and Jack Haines, the Quins won by two tries to nil.

Before their last game, Cowbridge knew that they had to beat Fishguard by more than three tries to qualify for the semi final. A great team effort led by captain Peter Edwards produced four well executed tries, three of which were from the magnificent Christian Walters and one from the captain himself, Pete Edwards.

The semi final saw Cowbridge play the Pembrokeshire champions Narbeth who had ten players in their squad playing for the district. Unfortunately, this proved to be a match too far and Cowbridge conceded two early tries. Whilst Walters scored (another) try after a fine Freddie Harries break, the Pembrokeshire champions held on to win. The final saw the Quins scoring a golden try after a scoreless normal time. During the post match presentation, Christian Walters was awarded a well deserved "Player of the Tournament" trophy having scored six magnificent tries. Cowbridge Squad for the weekend : Freddie Harries, Matt Sullivan, Cam Hughes, Harry Thomas, Charley Morris, Jasper Watkins, Sam Roberts, Dafydd Esau, Christian Walters, Tom Harper, Rhys Griffin, Lewis Llewelyn, Sean Boga Lake, Evan Phillips, Pete Edwards (c), Lloyd Stock, Keiran Smith, Matt Goodlad, Andy Ward, Hari Trotman, Gus MacPherson, Rhun Dafis, Jack Haines

Well done Cowbridge Under 12’s

Against a Rumney side missing only a few regulars, the boys from Cowbridge achieved their best performance with a 55-5 win. Full match report to follow! Next fixture is against the unbeaten Bonymaen side, who haven’t even conceded a point yet this season!

Match on the first team pitch on Sunday 25th March. Sunday 18th March is now free, so enjoy Mothering Sunday.

Cowbridge Under 12’s do Wales proud in Paris

In an effort to broaden their minds, and introduce new cultural experiences, the boys of Cowbridge Rugby Under 12’s decided it was time to take their parents on their first foreign rugby tour. The weekend chosen just happened to coincide with the France versus Wales game at nearby Stade de France, making for a doubly worthwhile exercise.

The coach journey all through the day on Thursday was a remarkably good-natured affair, and after an early morning training session on the Friday morning, the rest of the day was spent exploring the centre of Paris. Trips to the top of the Eiffel Tower and munching on snails were two popular pursuits. The day ended with an early night (for the boys at least), in readiness for the task that awaited them on the Saturday.

When the fixture against RC Massy was arranged, little did the coaches know that not only is there not an Under 12 category in French rugby, they play Under 13’s, but that RC Massy are the current Parisian Under 13 champions. Nonetheless Cowbridge Under 12’s opted to field two equally matched sides rather than a first and second team. Arriving at the impressive RC Massy stadium the boys were disappointed to find that they would be playing on the pitch just outside of the stadium, and playing to French rules which are based on a 10 a side game. Both teams competed extremely well against the large and fast Massy boys.

After they had both struggled for the first half to get to grips with the different rules, both sides managed to win the second halves of their games with tries coming from Sam Roberts and Gus MacPherson in the one game, and James Huntley in the second. The boys now having got to grips with the French laws, then faced RC Orsay, and the experience gained from the harder RC Massy game stood them in good stead as the two sides won six tries to nil, and 10 tries to nil. After the game the hospitality laid on at the RC Massy clubhouse was literally ‘jaw-dropping’, as tray after tray of hams, pates, cheeses, and other fare more akin to a wedding than a post match meal, were laid in front of the starving Cowbridge boys. The boys sang their hearts out whilst watching the brave Welsh performance, and the adults indulged in typical tour rituals with their enthusiastic hosts. A satisfying weekend for all involved, and special mention must be made of the hard work done by Keri Haines and her gang of lady helpers, to Simon Lake for having found such a hospitable fixture, and to COM21 who kindly sponsored the boys’ new rugby shirts. The team look forward to welcoming their hosts back for a return fixture next year when they will be playing under Welsh rules, and more importantly both sides will be the same age.

Vive la difference!

Cowbridge welcome back David van de Meuve

Cowbridge under 12's rugby squad played host to fellow Vale team, Dinas Powys on Sunday. With the home side having not lost for sixteen matches, the visitors knew that they were in for long and hard morning.

As usual the selction headaches were compounded by the large squad, in fact such was the size of the Cowbridge squad they were able to field two fully charged teams for each half. It was great also to see ex Cowbridge boy David van de Meuve return to the Vale after 6 years in South Africa where he had made a name for himself in the Natal Under 14's academy. With such a large and fast scrum half the side is still further blessed with attacking riches. The first half started in outstanding fashion with the Cowbridge forwards denying their opponents any ball through supreme and disciplined rucking from Lloyd Stock, Evan Phillips and Charlie Morris. Inevitably, the pressure told and fullback Sam Smith broke through numerous tackles to score under the posts and this was quickly followed with a further try from utility back backrow dynamo, Jack Hodges who outpaced the entire Dinas Powys backline to score in the corner. To their credit, the visitors dominated the next ten minutes of play and scored two excellent tries as a result. Not to be outdone, the home side finished off the half with a fine try after the ball had passed through the hands of Pete Edwards, Freddie Harries, Harry Thomas, Dafydd Esau, Jasper Watkins and Lewis Llewelyn. From the base of the ruck, Harry Trotman blasted his way over the try line and under the posts.

The second batch of Cowbridge players stepped on to the pitch keen to build on the efforts of the first half team members. Right from the whistle it was clear that the visitors were not going to be able to cope with home sides strong running forwards, in particular, Andrew Ward, Ali Richards and Harry Hitchcock. In addition, the backrow of Matthew Sullivan and Rhun Dafis were always first to the breakdown. The home sides forward domination enabled the Cowbridge backs to have a field day. Players like Sean Boga-Lake, Cameron Hughes and Tom Harper had so much time to "strut their stuff" with the latter scoring a fine try and returnee scrum half David van de Meuve scoring four touchdowns. Once van de Meuve gets to grip with the younger age rugby, and curbs his tendancy to physically lift players off the ground and carry them backwards, then he should very shortly be challenging for district honours. At 5'7" and 11½ stone, this sprinter certainly has all the physical credentials! At this stage, the forwards were getting frustrated with the backs stealing all of the glory and as a result, David Samu barged his way over from a five metre penalty to prove a point.

Final score Cowbridge 49, Dinas Powys 14

Next week, the Cowbridge Under 10s and 12s squads travel to Paris to play two teams (Massy and Orsay) to show their French counterparts what the "Welsh way" really is.

Sunday, 28th January, 2007

COWBRIDGE UNDER 12'S TAKE ANOTHER IMPRESSIVE SCALP Cowbridge RFC Under 12's welcomed their illustrious visitors Tondu on Sunday, a side they had never before beaten. As with all age group teams from Tondu the visitors side was packed with district players, and the same side had beaten the Cowbridge boys comprehensively earlier in the season when the Cowbridge boys were having difficulties coming to grips with the move up to 15 a side rugby. Even missing a couple of players through injury, the visitors would thus provide the home side with a good measure of exactly how far they had progressed during the season. Although not as big as the Cowbridge forwards, the visitors competed very well at the breakdown where they were well led by the Bridgend and District captain, and after five minutes the visitors had scored a well worked try after creating an overlap. Fortunately the home side were able to compete well from the restart, and it was the impressive Christian Walters who ran through a number of opponents to equalise the scores. There then followed a sublime piece of multi-phase play in which slick handling from Sean Boga Lake, Charley Morris, and finally Cameron Hughes who committed the last defender in text book style, passing to wing Harry Hitchcock who crossed the line putting Cowbridge in front. Sean Boga Lake increased the lead with the conversion. The marauding visiting pack ensured that the Cowbridge boys had to compete for every scrap of possession, and were never allowed the luxury of time to develop many attacking moves. However as the half progressed the outstanding Cowbridge back row of Gus MacPherson, Jack Haines, and newly converted from full back Matt Sullivan started swinging the balance in favour of the home side. The fitness and mobility of the two flankers complimented perfectly the sheer strength and power of MacPherson at number eight. As usual captain Pete Edwards was prominent in all facets of play, and with Andy Ward and Matt Goodlad lending their strength to the cause, the forwards started to establish enough of a platform for the backs to show their skills. Again it was the irrepressible Walters who caused the most damage, and it was from another of his barnstorming runs that he put winger Harry Hitchcock into space. The flying winger had the pace and strength to break through two tackles for his second try to increase the home side's lead. The first half continued with only desperate defence by the visitors stopping the green waves of attackers from increasing the lead still further. Unlucky not to score was centre Sam Roberts whose pace and size tested the Tondu boys to the limit. Outside half Tom Harper passed well to ensure the powerful centres were given plenty of opportunities to cause mayhem in the visitors' ranks. For the second half the Cowbridge coaches made a number of changes, and for a while the home side were at a disadvantage as they sought to re-establish their rhythm. During this period the visitors scored a deserved try to reduce the Cowbridge lead, but as the half progressed so the re-arranged Cowbridge side shifted the balance back in their favour. Jamie Griffiths and Rhun Davis took on the Tondu forwards at the breakdown and this allowed the Cowbridge boys the opportunity to turn the game in their favour. Stability in the tight was provided by Lloyd Stock, Keiran Smith, and Hari Trotman who all stood their ground against the terrier like Tondu forwards. With the improving Lewis Llewelyn installed at scrum half always a threat to the close-in visitors defence, the Cowbridge boys piled on the pressure searching for a final try. Eventually following a flowing movement in which centre Sam Roberts made a searing break, it was the tireless work of the two flankers Haines and Sullivan who put the visitors defence under huge pressure allowing Jack Haines to pounce on a poor defensive pass to put the Cowbridge boys in an unassailable position. Final score Cowbridge 22-Tondu 10, and the Cowbridge side's unbeaten home record stays intact. Cowbridge Squad : Cam Hughes, Harry Hitchcock, Charley Morris, Jasper Watkins, Sam Roberts, Dafydd Esau, Christian Walters, Tom Harper, Lewis Llewelyn, Sean Boga Lake, Evan Phillips, Pete Edwards (c), Lloyd Stock, Keiran Smith, Andy Ward, Matt Goodlad, Jamie Griffiths, David Samu, Hari Trotman, Gus MacPherson, Rhun Dafis, Ali Richards, Matt Sullivan, Jack Haines.

COWBRIDGE UNDER 12'S TAKE TOP SIDES UNBEATEN HOME RECORD

Sunday 21st January 2007

Following a series of comfortable home wins in the lead-up to Christmas, the Under 12 side from Cowbridge RFC welcomed the invitation to travel to Bridgend Athletic whose pitch appears to be always playable, despite the storms that had made most other grounds unplayable last weekend. The Bridgend side is consistently one of the better sides in South Wales, and like Cowbridge had not been beaten at home this season, so the Cowbridge boys were about to receive a testing start to the New Year as they sought to get back into their winning ways. The game started at a furious pace, and it was not long before inside centre Chris Walters ran in a superb individual try from just inside the home side’s half. This early set-back served to jolt the large home pack into action, and they started to exert a measure of control over the visitors. Despite huge hits being put in by Gus MacPherson, Walters, and Jack Haines, the home side eventually converted their pressure into points as they scored twice to capitalise on their possession and territory.

The home side maintained their stranglehold on the game until the half time whistle, which gave the weary Cowbridge forwards the chance to regroup, and for tired legs to be replaced by fresh new players. The second half started in similar fashion to the first, as Walters again cruised in for another spectacular long range try which was converted by Rhys Griffin to give the lead back to the visitors. Despite a hefty looking back-line it was obvious that the Bridgend backs found the blockbusting centre too strong to stop. Whenever the Bridgend backs thought they had him contained he was able to release the straight running outside centre Sam Roberts who similarly caused the home defence problems. With a plethora of wings all vying for the starting positions, the attacking options behind the scrum are really quite formidable for the Cowbridge side. By now the fresh legs in the pack ensured that the home side were never going to re-establish their first half superiority, and following deft handling by Ali Richards, full back Cam Hughes raced down the touchline to score a scintillating try that further increased the visitors lead. The one time Bridgend threatened the Cowbridge line with a break up the middle of the field it was tireless flanker Jack Haines who nullified the threat with a shuddering tackle, then proceeded to steal the spilled ball and bring play back into the Bridgend half. By now Cowbridge were dominant in all phases, and following a fluid handling movement between Roberts, Rhun Dafis, and Jamie Griffiths, the unstoppable Walters was put into enough space for him to run in another long range effort for his deserved hat trick and put the game safely in Cowbridge’s favour at 22-10. There was still enough time for livewire captain Pete Edwards and hungry back-rower Tom Smith to both make spectacular runs that almost resulted in further tries. The final whistle was met with jubilation from the large travelling support, and the win against quality opposition further underlines the Cowbridge boys status as one of the better Under 12 sides in South Wales this season.

Cowbridge Squad : Freddie Harries, Cam Hughes, Harry Hitchcock, Charley Morris, Jasper Watkins, Sam Roberts, Dafydd Esau, Christian Walters, Tom Harper, Rhys Griffin, Lewis Llewelyn, Sean Boga Lake, Evan Phillips, Pete Edwards (c), Lloyd Stock, Keiran Smith, Andy Ward, Jamie Griffiths, Tom Smith, Hari Trotman, Gus MacPherson, Rhun Dafis, Ali Richards, Jack Haines

Cowbridge Under 12's maintain unbeaten home record in style

Cowbridge rugby under 12's added two more scalps to their impressive list of opponents beaten at home this season as they extended their unbeaten record last Sunday in comprehensively beating first Dinas Powys 43-5, and then Glamorgan Wanderers 63-0. First up were Dinas Powys who are in the process of rebuilding their side, and whom the Cowbridge boys had never before beaten. Playing with their full complement of Blues Under 12's, the Cowbridge backs ripped their opponents to shreds with Harry Hitchcock scoring a hat trick, and further tries coming from Christian Walters, Sam Roberts, Gus MacPherson, and Rhys Griffin. The biggest cheer of the morning was for prop Lloyd Stock's conversion of one of the numerous tries scored. Plucky Dinas did have the final word however as they crossed for a consolation try in the last movement of the game. Although the backs dominated the scoring, it was the sledgehammer of a pack that paved the way for the backs to display their skills. Second on the programme were Glamorgan Wanderers, a side who had always caused the Cowbridge team problems in the past. Straight from the kick-off the Cowbridge forwards secured possession, and the backs sent inside centre Chris Walters on an arcing run that saw him bulldoze his way through numerous opponents for a fine individual try. The second try was a typical forwards' effort as the pack ground their opponents back to within 5 metres of their try line for flanker Hari Trotman to dive over for a well deserved try. The first half continued in the same vein with the Wanderers only ever entering the Cowbridge half to chase their restarts. Three further tries were added by Harry Hitchcock, Gus MacPherson, and Sam Roberts. The usual rota changes at half time brought no respite for the poor Wanderers. Despite the vociferous pleas from their coach, the visitors were left chasing shadows as further tries were added from Cam Hughes, Peter Edwards, Matt Goodlad, Andy Ward, and Rhys Griffin. By now conversions were being attempted by some of the most unlikely kickers on the field which added to the carnival nature. However the game ended on a sour note as one of the Wanderers players fell awkwardly in a tackle, injured his neck, and had to be removed from the field by ambulance. At that point, the referee saw no further sense in prolonging the agony and blew 10 minutes early. The Cowbridge management found out later that the Wanderer?s player was not badly injured and was taken to hospital purely as a precaution. These well deserved victories were the perfect send off to a year that has seen the Cowbridge Under 12?s become one of the most feared rugby sides in the region. The full cast of characters appearing on Sunday were :- Matt Sullivan, Cam Hughes, Harry Hitchcock, Harry Thomas, Sam Roberts, Chris Walters, Charlie Morris, Rhys Griffin, Sean Boga Lake, Lloyd Stock, Evan Phillips, Pete Edwards (c), Alistair Richards, Keiron Smith, Matt Goodlad, David Samu, Andy Ward, Tom Smith, Gus MacPherson, Rhun Dafis, Jack Haines, Hari Trotman.

COWBRIDGE UNDER 12'S PLAY WELL IN MONSOON CONDITIONS

Thanks to a well drained pitch, Cowbridge under 12's rugby squad were able to play Bridgend Athletic at their recreation ground on Sunday. Already without their three Cardiff Blues players, a very small squad of sixteen boys made the short journey down the A48 to one of the best teams in South Wales, Bridgend Athletic, for a hastily organised fixture. The coaches agreed to play three periods so that all of the 25 Bridgend players could get some match time. Bridgend dominated the first period as Cowbridge were outmuscled in the forwards and lacking any cutting edge in the backs. This first period was the visitor's worst period of the game, with the only effective player in this first period being Jack Haines and even he had to retire injured shortly before the second period started. After some stern words from the coaches, the second period was a more even affair as the visitors started to work as a team. Forwards such as Matthew Sullivan, Matt Goodlad, Ali Richards and Peter Edwards started to dominate the breakdown areas for Cowbridge which enabled the backs to have cleaner ball to work with and it was only down to some last ditch tackling that stopped Cowbridge from scoring. Against the run of play the home side once again worked the ball to the wing to score the only try of the second period. In the knowledge that they could match the Bridgend team, Cowbridge went up another level in the third period. Right from the kick off, barging runs from Lloyd Stock and Evan Phillips, and good support play from Keiran Smith led to a penalty being awarded to Cowbridge just short of the Bridgend line. A quick tap from Sean Boga-Lake gave enough time for Jamie Griffiths to pile drive over the line. This try boosted the visitors confidence and the backs led by Tom Harper started to express themselves and a great move which went through the hands of Charlie Morris, Rhys Jenkins and Cameron Hughes put Sam Roberts in space to blast his way down the touchline and score under the posts. Unfortunately resolute defence from the home side prevented the visitors from scoring the equalising try. Despite losing the match Cowbridge can draw many positives from the game and if they had played as well in the first period as they did in the last period the final score could have been different. The Cowbridge squad was: Evan Phillips. Peter Edwards, Lloyd Stock, Keiran Smith, Matt Goodlad, Jack Haines, Matthew Sullivan, Jamie Griffiths, Ali Richards, Sean Boga-Lake, Tom Harper, Charlie Morris, Sam Roberts, Rhys Jenkins, Cameron Hughes, Harry Thomas.

COWBRIDGE UNDER 12’S SCORE ALL THE POINTS

TO BEAT PENTYRCH FOR THE FIRST TIME

On a beautifully crisp Sunday morning, a touchline full of proud and expectant parents witnessed an Under 12’s rugby match to remember. Cowbridge welcomed their nemesis, Pentyrch and having never beaten them before in a full match were keen to show how far they had come since narrowly losing to them last year.

As each team had over twenty players, both sets of coaches agreed to play three periods to ensure that all players had some game time. The Cowbridge coaches knew that to have any chance of beating Pentyrch they had to match the massive visitors pack up front and to ensure that they arrived first at the breakdown areas. Having received this brief, the Cowbridge boys stepped onto the field to do battle. Right from the first whistle, the Cowbridge forwards tore into their opposite numbers and excellent clear out work by Evan Phillips, Lloyd Stock, Tom Smith, Matt Goodlad, Peter Edwards and the ultra dynamic backrow of Jack Haines, Matthew Sullivan and Harry Trotman ensured that Pentyrch were always on the back foot. When the visitors did have the ball they were regularly knocked back by the likes of Tom Harper, Christian Walters, Cameron Hughes, Harry Hitchcock and Sam Roberts. In fact, this total commitment led to the first try following a turnover. Quick hands from Sean Boga-Lake saw Sam Roberts break past several defenders to cruise over in the corner. Unfortunately for Cowbridge, a lack of concentration and missed tackles resulted in an equalising try by ironically, a team mate at Cowbridge Comprehensive, Wil Anthony who was probably Pentyrch’s best player on the day. After a number of substitutes, the second period started in the same vein as the first, with Cowbridge dominating in the breakdown area. A bullocking run from Andrew Ward and cameo performance from Ali Richards enabled Matthew Sullivan, now playing at full back, to blast his way down the touchline to score in the corner. The Pentyrch heads went down after this score and some lively work from Lewis Llewelyn and Rhys Jenkins put Tom Harper in space for him to score under the posts leaving the conversion by Sean Boga-Lake a formality. The Pentyrch coaches laid into their team before the third “half” and like any unbeaten side, came out firing on all cylinders, and for most of the third period were camped in the Cowbridge twenty two. Much to the delight of the massive support the home side held on to record a landmark victory over one of the very best sides in South Wales.

Final score: Cowbridge 17, Pentyrch 5. Every member of the Cowbridge squad should feel proud of what was a totally committed and exceptional performance.

Squad: Rhys Jenkins, Sean Boga Lake, Sam Roberts, Cameron Hughes, Christian Walters, Tom Harper, Lewis Llewelyn, Harry Hitchcock, Freddie Harries, Jasper Watkins, Wil Drew, Rhun Dafis, Lloyd Stock, Keiran Smith, Jack Haines, Andrew Ward, Ali Richards, Peter Edwards, Jamie Griffiths, Evan Phillips, Hari Trotman, Tom Smith, Matthew Goodlad, Matthew Sullivan.

Cowbridge Under 12’s hit form in the sun

In complete contrast to the previous monsoon condition in Pencoed, the Cowrbdige Under 12’s rugby side entertained Llandaff at home in warm and balmy conditions. Once again the visitors were an unknown quantity to the home side, who looked quite a useful outfit as they went through their warm up drills. The first five minutes saw both sides probing for openings, as both sets of backs tackled well to prevent tries. Then with a scrum just inside the visitor’s half, scrum half Sean Boga Lake in a pre-rehearsed move sent Rhys Griffin flying down the blind side. As the cover defence raced across he slipped the ball to winger Harry Hitchcok who weaved his way through the desperate defenders for a spectacular opening try. With the Cowbridge forwards starting to establish supremacy the backs were able to entertain the crowd with their newly learned moves and running angles, and the tries soon followed. Eight further tries from Sam Roberts, Rhys Jenkins, Chris Walters (3), and Rhys Griffin (3), all of them backs, showed how the boys are quickly learning to distribute and create opportunities in the fifteen man game. In a totally unselflish display, it was the foundation provided by the hard working pack who provided the foundation for this victory. As usual Gus Rees MacPherson was a colossus at number eight, and with Jack Haines supporting every attacking move the large visitor’s pack visibly wilted. Continuing his recent run of form, hooker and captain Pete Edwards stole four strikes against the head, and making his first appearance for the side, lock Andy Ward combined well with the combative Matt Goodlad to add steel to the pack. Having removed Rees MacPherson and Haines to try and give the visitors a sporting chance, the rest of the pack, with Evan Phillips to the fore, ensured that normakl service was maintained as the demolition continued to the final whistle. A tougher task awaits next week when the boys entertain Pentyrch at home. Cowbridge Squad : Lewis Llewelyn, Cam Hughes, Harry Hitchcock, Sam Roberts, Christian Walters, Rhys Griffin, Sean Boga Lake, Evan Phillips, Pete Edwards, Lloyd Stock, Keiron Smith, Tom Smith, Matt Goodlad, David Samu, Gus Rees MacPherson, Jack Haines, Rhun Dafis, Rhys Jenkins, Jamie Griffiths, James Griffiths.

Cowbridge Under 12’s in monsoon thriller

A last minute re-arranged fixture saw the intrepid travellers from the Cowbridge RFC Under 12’s visit their near neighbours Pencoed, the first time the two sides had ever met at this age group. The Pencoed team are the Bridgend and District champions and were an unknown quantity to the Cowbridge boys. However after only a couple of minutes the visitors soon realised that their hosts were a quality side as the home side crossed for a gifted try. Sometimes the Cowbridge boys need this kind of wake-up call to bring the best out of them, and as the first half proceeded they not only started absorbing the Pencoed pressure, but also starting to win vital turnover ball to mount counter attacks. Living off scraps for much of the first half the midfield trio of Rhys Griffin, Christian Walters, and Sam Roberts all caused the home defence problems, and with Tom Harper playing his first ever game at full back they had a further exciting runner to entertain the large crowd. However as the rain continued to fall, the wide expansive game was becoming more and more difficult to execute, so at half time the coaches decided to adopt a more pragmatic approach. Having made some rota changes at half time the boys played a much more forward orientated game, and were soon playing hard rugby in the home side’s half. As usual the power and strength of Gus MacPherson drove Cowbridge attacks forward, and particularly prominent in recycling the resulting ruck or maul ball was flanker Jack Haines who must have covered every blade of grass in an outstanding display of committed and selfless rugby. With powerful Matt Goodlad and Evan Phillips always looking to take the direct route the Pencoed side never made it out of their own half of the field during the whole of the second half. The home side showed why they are such a competent outfit as it was their turn to absorb the waves of Cowbridge attacks, and they did particularly well to prevent scores from MacPherson and Walters. With the rain now causing large puddles of water on the field, handing was becoming ever more difficult as two scoring passes were dropped by Cowbridge, either of which would have given the visitors a well deserved score. Taking pity on the soaking players the referee called proceedings to an early end, leaving the visitors looking forward to hosting Pencoed later in the season in hopefully drier conditions. Cowbridge Squad : Freddie Harries, Lewis Llewelyn, Cam Hughes, Harry Hitchcock, Jasper Watkins, Tom Harper, Sam Roberts, Christian Walters, Rhys Griffin, Sean Boga Lake, Evan Phillips, Pete Edwards, Lloyd Stock, Keiron Smith, Tom Smith, Matt Goodlad, David Samu, Gus MacPherson, Jack Haines, Rhun Dafis.

Vale Under 12 teams shine against best in Wales

On a day that would not have been out of place in a summer heatwave, the Under 12 rugby teams from Barry, Llantwit Major and Cowbridge competed against the cream of the Cardiff and surrounding area teams in the annual district tournament. Playing some of the best teams in Wales, the Vale boys did exceedingly well to compete in the finals, and even win some of the silverware on offer. The draw pitted the Cowbridge boys against last years runners up Rhiwbina. Cowbridge had never beaten Rhiwbina ever since they had started playing each other at an early age, but even though the Cowbridge boys had suffered a difficult start to the season, the coaches felt that with a full squad available they could at least acquit themselves well against the Cardiff favourites. Unusually Cowbridge started the game at a frantic pace, and the forwards with giant Gus MacPherson to the fore gradually gained territory to bring the game to within a few metres of the Rhiwbina line. With MacPherson unstoppable from this distance he drove over to put the Cowbridge boys in front. The game continued at the same frantic pace with breaks from Rhys Griffin, Tom Harper and Harry Hitchcock causing the Cardiff side all sorts of problems. Also prominent in the Cowbridge attack was inside centre Christian Walters who’s direct style of play punched holes in the opposition defence, and enabled the forwards to set up quick second phase ball. Eventually the Cowbridge pressure told, and it was classy full back Matt Sullivan who crossed for the side’s second try. As the boys celebrated the Rhiwbina side stormed back with a quick restart to catch the celebrating Cowbridge boys cold with an opportunistic try that gave them renewed hope. The match closed with desperate Cowbridge defence, in which Matt Goodlad and Peter Edwards excelled, keeping the score at 2-1 in Cowbridge’s favour. The next game was against local rivals Llantwit Major, a side that had only a fortnight earlier inflicted a 27-5 defeat on the Cowbridge boys. The first half saw a spirited Llantwit side gain the ascendancy, with forwards Dafi Sion and Jack Austin in particular gaining hard yards, but with full back Sullivan in imperious form the boys in red and black could not cross the Cowbridge line. Cowbridge clawed their way back into the game in the second half and in a reverse of the first half it was brave Llantwit tackling that denied the boys a score. Particularly prominent in the Cowbridge pack were Hari Trotman and Rhun Dafis. Although the match ended scoreless it was nevertheless a thoroughly absorbing and entertaining game. Llantwit then entered the plate competition where they deservedly won this prestigious trophy. Meanwhile through to the quarter finals of the main competition Cowbridge faced Glamorgan Wanderers, the side that had beaten them in the previous season’s competition. Although lacking inspirational captain Pete Edwards, who had damaged his hand in the Llantwit game, the Cowbridge boys tore into their opposition with forwards and backs combining to launch wave after wave of attacks. With MacPherson single handedly neutralising the bigger boys in the pack, the smaller Cowbridge boys could concentrate on spreading the ball to the wings where Cam Hughes, Rhys Jenkins, Charley Morris, and Lewis Llewelyn tested the Cardiff’s side’s defence. Fresh impetus was injected into the Cowbridge pack with the arrival of Jack Haines who had just returned from a school trip and was rushed straight onto the field! The Cowbridge dominance saw them score three unanswered tries by MacPherson, Harper, and Walters. The boys by this stage were showing signs of fatigue as the relentless afternoon sun had made playing rugby difficult and energy sapping, they now had to dig deep into their reserves to face tournament favourites St Peters in the semi-final. Although the tired Cowbridge boys competed well, the blistering pace of the St Peters outside backs ensured that the Cardiff side managed to sneak a deserved win, and progress to win the tournament. The Cowbridge coaches were able to draw many positives from the experience, having proven that they could compete at the highest level in what is the top rugby district in Wales for their age. Recognition of this fact was forthcoming from the Cardiff and Vale selectors who invited Rhys Griffin and Christian Walters to join Gus MacPherson in the district squad. The Cowbridge coaches hope that continued improvement will see some of the other boys join them shortly. The full Cowbridge squad was : Matt Sullivan, Cam Hughes, Tom Harper, Christian Walter, Charley Morris, Rhys Griffin, Sean Boga Lake, Evan Phillips, Pete Edwards, Alistair Richards, Matt Goodlad, Tom Smith, Gus MacPherson, Rhun Dafis, Hari Trotman, Rhys Jenkins, Harry Hitchcock, Kerion Smith, Lewis Llewelyn, Jack Haines.

COWBRIDGE FIND FORM AT THE RIGHT TIME

Cowbridge Under12’s hosted Pontyclun on Sunday and were looking for a morale boosting victory in advance of next week’s Cardiff and Vale district tournament. Even though a few of their regulars were missing, Cowbridge still had to select from a massive squad of 26 players. As a result, the Pontyclun coaches agreed to play three periods so that all of the Cowbridge squad could have some game time. After five minutes of the first period it became clear that Pontyclun were in for a long morning as new recruit Gus Macpherson together with the rest of his pack totally out muscled their counterparts. Cowbridge were also pleased to welcome back from injury, Rhys Griffin who marshalled the back-line beautifully all afternoon. In fact, the first try was scored by Rhys Griffin after some good work from Tom Harper and Cameron Hughes. Right from the restart, skipper Pete Edwards drove his way down field, popped the ball to Matt Goodlad, and he quickly released the ball to Gus Macpherson to score under the posts. This lifted the Cowbridge boys further and resulted in the best try of the game after the home side recycled ball after ball to create a five man overlap and for Lewis Lloyd to score in the corner. After numerous changes to the home side, the second period started in the same vein as the first ended with firstly Christian Walters blasting his way over after a break from the half way line and was quickly followed by a well deserved try from Charlie Morris. Matthew Sullivan scored a sixth try straight from the kick off after stepping and handing off numerous defenders and the final score of the period came from Evan Phillips who dived over from short range after some excellent ground work from Jack Haines. At this stage the score was 41-0 and as a result the Pontyclun coaches threw the towel in and declined to play the last period. Special mention should therefore be made for the boys who turned up and did not play. They were: Keiran Smith, Tim Picken, Matt Williams, James Griffiths, new boy Brandon, Jasper Watkins, Harry Hitchcock and David Sammy. If the Cowbridge squad play to their potential they will have every chance of doing very well at next week’s district tournament.

Cowbridge compete well in local tournament

Cowbridge RFC Under 11’s travelled to compete in the local Pontyclun tournament, a competition that features a number of local district champions. Unfortunately the coaches could only enter a limited number of players, so given their large squad many boys were unfortunately disappointed to be not selected. The first game was against a massive Beddau side, who fortunately didn’t have the pace in their backs to capitalise on the possession their large forwards won. Outside half Tom Harper soon broke through the backs to put the Cowbridge side ahead, and every time the backs had possession they looked dangerous. Although the larger Beddau pack did score an equalising try it was not converted and so Cowbridge won 7-5. Next up was the Dorset champions Bridport, representing the boys first ever game against English opposition. After a tentative start against a larger pack, the Cowbridge boys swung into action with tries coming from captain Pete Edwards (3), Tom Smith, Jack Haines, and Matt Sullivan. The English boys competed gamely but with Cowbridge playing some of their best rugby of the season were left chasing shadows. Particularly pleasing was the way in which the forwards punched holes in the defence and kept the ball alive. The final score of 38-0 would have been higher still had the referee not blown early for full time. The final group game came against hosts Pontyclun who had looked impressive in their previous games. Again after a slow start the Cowbridge boys started attacking at every opportunity with tries being scored by Rhys Griffin (3), Tom Smith, Rhun Dafis, and Jack Haines. Having won the group convincingly, Cowbridge then faced Pentyrch in the semi-finals. Pentyrch were not only the Cardiff and Vale champions, but also unbeaten this season, so the boys knew they were going to be stretched. The game started at a furious pace, and despite every boy tackling their heart out, the district champions eventually scored the only try of the game to win 7-0. Prominent in the Pentyrch pack were Oliver Hitchins and try scorer Wil Anthony, both of whom will be playing alongside the Cowbridge boys next year when the boys start their first year at Cowbridge Comprehensive. Although Pentyrch looked the better side, the Cowbridge boys showed that they can compete at the highest level and can take pride from a tremendous performance. The full squad was Lloyd Stock, Evan Phillips, Ali Richards, Cam O’Sullivan, Jack Haines, Pete Edwards, Hari Trotman, Tom Smith, Matt Goodlad, Sean Boga Lake, Tom Harper, Rhys Griffin, Rhun Dafis, Freddie Harries, Matt Sullivan. * The coaches would like to remind all the Cowbridge teams that the annual presentation is to be held at 7pm on Friday 5th May at the Cowbridge RFC Clubhouse.

The Squad at Pontyclun with chewy mascot Shelley

Try, one of many for the day!

A rare sight! The boys all sitting down watching the match

Cowbridge lose way in local derby

Following a string of impressive recent results the boys of Cowbridge RFC Under 11's travelled with confidence to meet their close neighbours Llantwit Major to play a 'curtain raiser' before the main fare of the afternoon between the club's two first XV's. Fielding a near full strength team, and revelling in the first sunny spell of the year the stage was set for what their coaches thought would be a hard but ultimately winnable fixture. The home side kicked off, and immediately scored a superb try in the opening minute from impressive flanker Dafi Sion who took on the whole of the Cowbridge pack to score. Not content with showing that the Cowbridge pack was asleep, the Llantwit backs then demonstrated that their Cowbridge counterparts were also not concentrating on their task by scoring a classic winger's try under the posts. Still, Cowbridge had turned round results like this before to win, and the coaches, whilst shocked, were encouraged by the brave tackling of Cam O'Sullivan and the mobile Hari Trotman, playing his first game after a month's lay-off. Their efforts were largely cancelled out by a rampant Llantwit pack in which Jack Austin caused the visitor's all sorts of problems with his strength and direct running. Without any possession, Cowbridge struggled to mount any kind of threat in the first half, and it was not long before the home side added a third try. The second half continued in much the same vein, but this time there was a more resolute display from the Cowbridge boys. The pack slowly improved, with Pete Edwards and Evan Phillips winning some possession, and they were joined by Jamie Griffiths in the back row playing his first game since September. As the waves of Llantwit attacks continued, try saving tackles from Matt Sullivan twice stopped the home side from increasing their lead. Living of scraps of possession, and chasing a three try deficit, Cowbridge attacked at every opportunity, and even though Tom Harper, Rhun Dafis, Harry Thomas, and Rhys Griffin all made dents in the Llantwit defence, it rarely brought the visitors into the Llantwit half of the field. To the boys' relief the game finished with them having withstood huge pressure in the second half and not having conceded a try, something positive for them to build on in their next game! The Cowbridge team consisted of Matt Sullivan, Harry Thomas, Rhys Griffin, Rhun Dafis, Tom Harper, Sean Boga Lake, Hari Trotman, Cam O'Sullivan, Jamie Griffiths, Ali Richards, Connor McGovern, Lloyd Stock, Pete Edwards, Evan Phillips

Sunday 9th April

Cowbridge Under 11’s ground Valley Ravens

Cowbridge Under 11’s welcomed the rebranded ‘Valley Ravens’ (Nantymoel RFC) to the school fields for a first home fixture between the two sides. The Cowbridge boys were bolstered by the return of Rhys Griffin and Tom Smith who had not played for 4 months and 1 month respectively, shortening the list of injured players that have prevented the team fielding its strongest side since Christmas. The game started with the Ravens monopolising possession as they exerted continuous pressure on the home line. As usual district full back Matt Sullivan was a rock in defence, and although hooker Cam O’Sullivan fought valiantly for every loose ball, the pressure told as the home side conceded two soft tries. To their credit the home forwards started achieving near parity in the tight exchanges, and the talented back line bristling with dangerous district backs were able to show off their precautious talent. The first home try came from centre Rhys Griffin who showed he has recovered all his speed as he danced through the visitors backline for a fine individual touchdown. The second try followed a break and well weighted pass from livewire scrum half Sean Boga Lake to put Griffin over for his second. By now the backs had clicked into top gear and just before the end of the half, another fast break from outside half Tom Harper followed by two superbly weighted passes saw full back Sullivan receiving the ball at pace to burst through the visitors defence for one of the best tries that this team has scored all season. The second half saw a completely different Cowbridge side take the field, a side that had the bulk and strength to outmuscle the visitor’s pack. Although the visitor’s did score to equalise the game, the Cowbridge pack, in which district forwards Pete Edwards and Evan Phillips were outstanding, rocked them to their core with a number of charges that never allowed the Ravens to re-establish their first half supremacy. The direct running of players like Freddie Harries and Jack Haines punched huge holes in the visitor’s defence, and there followed a purple patch in which four tries were scored by outside half Harry Hitchcock, blockbusting centre Jack Haines, Freddie Harries, and Rhun Dafis. Desperately unlucky not to add to that list were strongman Lloyd Stock, and flying wing Jasper Watkins. By now the visitors had been run ragged, and not having any travelling reserves were unable to replace tired legs, so it was to their credit that they did manage a consolation try at the end. The Cowbridge boys thoroughly deserved their 47-28 victory, and are looking forward to welcoming back Hari Trotman, and Charley Morris as soon as possible to help them in their quest to win some silverware at the end of season tournaments. Other boys who featured in Sunday’s win were Connor Mc Govern, Tim Pickin, Wil Drew, and Keiron Smith.

Great Win Against Nantymoel

Rhys is back and still dancing

Sunday2nd April

Cowbridge Under 11’s and Pontyclun

star in entertaining derby

Following their brave performance the previous weekend in the district tournament, Cowbridge Under 11’s welcomed their neighbours Pontyclun to one of the few dry patches still available in the Vale. Although sporting an injury list of Welsh team proportions, the boys from the development side stepped up a grade and contributed fully to an entertaining game of three halves. The larger Pontyclun pack soon established an early dominance, but the rejigged Cowbridge backline held the attacks, with scrum half Dafydd Esau in particular pulling off a number of spectacular tackles. Prominent in attack were his half back partner Harry Hitchcock and centre Jasper Watkins. Rhun Dafis playing out of position at fullback was a solid last line of defence, and his bullocking runs caused the visitors all sorts of problems. As usual Adam Hewitt tackled anyone who came near him as well as helping to secure any loose ball. The Pontyclun pressure finally told though, and they scored a well worked try to take the lead. This served to stiffen the resolve of the home pack in which Cam O’Sullivan shone, and it was not long before he broke from a maul just inside the visitor’s half to score a fine individual try. The second half saw a repeat of the Pontyclun forward pressure, with brave efforts from Tim Picking, Wil Drew, Keiron Smith, and Matt Williams to staunch the flow. Helped by the solid Jack Haines at centre, the team were unlucky to conceed a further two tries to the visitors. However, the introduction of strong man Lloyd Stock at prop soon paid dividends as he crossed following a maul close to the visitor’s line. The third half saw further subsititutions, and by now the Cowbridge boys had the measure of their visitors. Despite conceding a soft early try, the Cowbridge boys played some excellent rugby, and it was scrum half Sean Boga Lake who sniffed enough of a gap in the visitor’s defence to run in a superb solo effort from half way. With time running out, the bolstered Cowbridge pack, in which Alistair Richards and Matt Goodlad were prominent, camped on the Pontyclun line, and it was district prop Evan Phillips who in the last play of the game ran straight through the defence to crash over for the equalising score. An excellent advert for the game, and the Cowbridge boys wished their opponents good luck for their forthcoming tour. From the Cowbridge perspective, it was good to see some of the boys play two full halves and put in a brave performance. For once the talented district players Matt Sullivan, Tom Harper and captain Pete Edwards only had to be used sparingly, which given their recent success in the East Wales trials as well as countless district games, represented a well earned rest for the trio.

5th March 2006

Cowbridge battle bravely against top Cardiff side

On a beautiful sunny morning, Cowbridge Under11's were on the road once again in Rhiwbina on Sunday. Having run Pentyrch so close the previous week, the Cowbridge squad were in a confident mood going into this game despite losing a few key players through injury recently. The match started at a frenetic pace and through their magnificent forward unit, Rhiwbina had around 75% of the possession in the first period. As a result, the visitors were constantly on the back foot and the likes of Charlie Morris, Jack Haines, Tom Harper and Matthew Sullivan were tremendous in stemming wave after wave of Rhiwbina attacks and this helped to keep the scoreline to a respectable 7-0 at the break. Cowbridge made some substitutions in the second period to rest some of their battered defenders. With the wind in their favour, the inevitable happened and the home side scored three further tries to end the second period 28-0. The final period enabled the Cowbridge coaches to field some of their less experienced players and although Rhiwbina scored once again, the visitors mustered one last effort and through some strong running from Matthew Sullivan and a quick pop pass, Tom Harper dived in the corner for a consolation try, duly converted by Freddie Harries. Whilst the visitors were disappointed at the end of the game the Cowbridge coaches put the result in some perspective by confirming to the squad that seven of the ten Rhiwbina players were Cardiff and district school squad members. The full list of the valiant squad members was:- Tom Harper, Jack Haines, Rhun Dafis, Matthew Sullivan, Cameron Hughes, Freddie Harries, Charlie Morris, Alistair Richards, Peter Edwards, Wil Drew, Lloyd Stock, Connor Mcgovern, Keiran Smith, Cameron O'Sullivan, Matthew Goodlad, Morgan Price.

Sorry no pictures, hopefully next week

5th February CRICC Away

Cowbridge Under 11’s romp to easy win

After seeing their heroes lose the previous day, a disillusioned Cowbridge Under 11's rugby squad travelled to Cardiff on Sunday to play CRICC. Whilst many will have had sleepless nights and some recurring nightmares of Messrs Dawson and Dallaglio crashing over the white line, this did not deter the usual large squad of players from what turned out to be a magnificent morning of rugby. Both coaches agreed to play three periods which ensured that all of the players from both squads could play. The Cowbridge pack were dominant in the first period and players such as the ever improving Matt Williams, Tom "the mole" Smith, Lloyd "big hands" Stock and Cameron "the man" O'Sullivan ensured a constant supply of ball for the strong running Rhun Dafis and Freddie "fancy dan" Harries. Despite all of the possession, the visitors only scored one try through Matthew "safe hands" Sullivan who blasted his way through numerous tackles to touch down in the corner. Seven substitutions were made in the second period, during which time the flood gates opened. After a series of scintillating moves, tries were scored by the slippery Sean Boga-Lake, Tom "the dancer" Harper, Alistair "the reliable" Richards, the elusive Cameron Hughes and two from Harry "the bandana" Trotman. The third period saw further substitutions being made and it was clear that CRICC were going all out for a consolation try and they put together some impressive moves in the process. Strong defence from Charlie "the tackling machine" Morris, Jack "cruncher" Haines, the brave Harry Hitchcock and also the sparky Dafydd Esau kept CRICC at bay throughout the last period. Cowbridge also scored two further tries, one from Tom Harper and one more from "the bandana" completing his hatrick after some excellent bulldozing work from Connor Mcgovern and Keiran Smith. The final score of 53-0 will have no doubt erased most of the bad memories from the previous day and the boys could look forward to a better " Dallaglio free" nights sleep.

29th January Croesyceiliog at home

(sorry no pics. Photographer taken to his bed)

Cowbridge Boys tame Gwent ‘Giants’

Cowbridge Under 11's welcomed their Croesyceiliog counterparts on Sunday buoyed by their impressive display against St Josephs the previous weekend. The home team knew that they were in for a bruising morning after assuming that the team they thought were the under 12's side were in fact the Croesyceiliog U11 "monsters". Every one of the Croesyceiliog team dwarfed the home sides opposite number. After the requisite " bigger they are/harder they fall" sermon from the coaching team, the Cowbridge boys stepped nervously onto the pitch. The first half started at a frenetic pace with the Cowbridge pack managing to hold their own against their bigger opponents. Last ditch tackles from Cameron "the panther" Hughes, Tom Harper and Sean Boga-Lake kept their opponents from crossing the white paint on a number of occasions. Just before the break, however, the visitors scored through a well worked forward move from a scrum. The usual large squad of Cowbridge players enabled the coaching team to make a number of substitutions at half time and using the conditions to their advantage, the home team started to get the upper hand in most areas of the field. Strong runs from Rhun "the nugget" Dafis, Harry "bandana" Trotman and Tom "the mole" Smith enabled the Cowbridge team to get good field position and from a maul, the lively Adam Hewitt screamed his way down the touchline to dive in the corner to tie the scores. Both sides agreed to play a third period to enable the Cowbridge coaching team to use all of their players. This period started brightly with the "dancing" Tom Harper evading numerous tackles to set up "Captain courageous" who scored after knocking backwards the biggest CYC forward. Then disaster struck for Cowbridge and CYC scored three quick tries in succession. Peter Edwards asked for one last effort from his team and managed to score a consolation try in the process, but unfortunately time ran out for the brave Cowbridge outfit. Despite the loss, the Cowbridge squad can feel proud of their performance especially as they were missing five or six key players. The full U11's squad comprised: Peter Edwards; Ali Richards; Keiran Smith; Harry Trotman; Tom Smith; Sean Boga-Lake; Tom Harper; Cameron Hughes; Freddie Harries; Matthew Sullivan; Rhun Dafis; Harry Hitchcock; Dafydd Esau; Adam Hewitt; Jasper Watkins; Matthew Williams; Wil Drew

Unbeaten in 2006!

(well, alright, it was the first game)

22nd January St Joseph's at home

Under 11’s bring some spring sunshine to Cowbridge

After a month’s weather induced lay-off, the Cowbridge RFC Under 11’s returned to action in style with a well deserved 26-5 home victory over a game St Joseph’s side last Sunday. Playing in bright but chilly conditions, the Cowbridge boys soon shook off their post Xmas lethargy for outside half Tom Harper to cross for a fine individual try. It was particularly gratifying for the coaching team to see the boys play not just with their customary spirit, but with continuity and awareness. Despite the visitors attempts to tackle anything that moved, they were too often left chasing shadows as the classy back-line unit made space for each other, and stifled any promising visitor’s attacks. With scrum half Rhun Dafis always threatening from the base of rucks and mauls, and classy full back Cam Hughes entering the line at pace, the Cowbridge boys maintained their lead until half time. With such a large squad, the coaches fielded an entirely different team for the second half, with the emphasis on strength rather than pace. The larger forward unit steamrolled their opposite numbers backwards at the first maul, and livewire scrum-half Sean Boga Lake seized his opportunity to slice through a small gap to run from his own half for a fine touch down. To the front of all the forward demolition work was big second row Matt Goodlad, and it was from one of his bullocking runs that the home side scored their third try. Spectacular breaks from hooker Pete Edwards and Cam O’Sullivan ensured the home team were always a threat. By now the visitors were tiring, and were plainly having difficulty in coping with the physical approach of the second half team, particularly the direct running of centres Jack Haines and Freddie Harries. The pressure eventually told and it was Jack Haines who crashed over for the final try. Although the visitors scored a consolation try the game ended with the home side celebrating a justly deserved victory. The large squad of players who did so well comprised :- Sean Boga Lake, Pete Edwards, Dafydd Esau, Rhun Dafis, Adam Hewitt, Cam Hughes, Freddie Harries, Jack Haines, Tom Harper, Harry Hitchcock, Charley Morris, Matt Goodlad, Connor Mc Govern, Cam O’Sullivan, Evan Phillips, Wil Drew, Tim Pickin, Lloyd Stock, Keiron Smith, Hari Trotman, Alastair Richards, Jasper Watkins, and Matt Williams

20th September 2005

Cowbridge Under 11’s perform with pride in marathon session

The Welsh team’s recent success has witnessed a revival in the popularity of the national game, with player numbers soaring in the mini and junior sections of Cowbridge Rugby Club. Nowhere is this more evident than with the Under 11 age group who now number 34 players. As a result they now field two teams with their own fixture list, and large bands of travelling support. Last Sunday morning the first group, consisting mainly of new boys to the game, travelled to Llantwit Major where they played the home side, and then Dinas Powys, both teams who had been training hard during the summer lay-off. The first game was against Llantwit, and the summer training and experience of the home side soon had the plucky Cowbridge lads under pressure. With captain Freddie Harries marshalling his defence well, the side managed to contain the Llantwit boys to a two try lead at half time. Despite sterling work from Kieron Smith, Lloyd Stock, Daniel Owen and Jack Haines, the pattern continued during the second half. With Jasper Watkins and new boy Brandon always ready to counter attack the Cowbridge lads made Llantwit work hard for their scores, particularly brave full back Harry Hitchcock who broke his elbow in a try saving tackle. The second game against Dinas Powys was also a hard fought battle in which Cameron O’Sullivan was particularly prominent. New boy Tim Pickin soon worked out how to stop opponents and pulled off some juddering tackles. However the superior technique of the experienced Dinas boys paid off as they breached the desperate Cowbridge defence more than once to record a deserved win.

Meanwhile the second squad of players had travelled to crack side Bridgend Athletic to play their under 11s team, and also Treorchy who had turned up in error. The Cowbridge team knew that they were in for a tough game having narrowly lost in a bruising encounter last season and the home side did not disappoint. The first half proved to be a very tight affair where both defences foiled any attacking moves and neither side managed to trouble the scorer. In the second half, Cowbridge started to make inroads into their opponent’s territory as a result of some strong running from captain Peter Edwards and the rugged Harry Trotman. The backs stood firm with some excellent tackling from, in particular, Matthew Sullivan and Jay Richards. However, against the run of play, the Bridgend outfit broke away and scored a controversial try despite what appeared to be a forward pass and knock on. This turned out to be the only score of the game, Final score 7-0 to Bridgend. This squad then played a match against Treorchy ( who had earlier beaten Bridgend Ath. 24-15) to complete the round robin. Unbelievably, Treorchy scored from the kick off after some uncharacteristic sloppy tackling. Fortunately, the Cowbridge pack started to win some quality possession for the lively scrum half, Sean Boga-Lake which enabled players like Cameron Hughes and Rhun Davis to shine, the former having had a try disallowed after running the length of the field. Inevitably, a fantastic solo effort from Rhys Griffin after an offload from the dynamic Tom Smith resulted in a try in the corner much to the delight of the travelling fans. Rhys then doubled the score by sidestepping what seemed like the whole of the Treorchy team to score his second try. Following a well worked back move, the elusive Tom Harper screamed down the touch-line only be tackled centimetres short of the line. A lineout steal by Ali Richards followed by a driving move from the improving Cowbridge forwards resulted in try for big Matt Goodlad to finish the game with a well deserved scoreline of 19-7 in Cowbridge favour.

The frantic pace of the season continues next Sunday when the boys play host to Fairwater, perhaps the most improved side of last season, in what promises to be a test of their continued progress.

Cowbridge at Rumney October 1st 2005

Cowbridge Under 11’s star in double billing

On an eventually fine Sunday morning the Cowbridge RFC Under 11’s welcomed Penarth and Fairwater rugby sides to play the two teams fielded by the home town boys. The first game was between the development side and Penarth, in which a team comprising mainly of new boys with a backbone of ‘old heads’ took on the Penarth boys. The initial exchanges were very encouraging with Freddie Harries and Jack Haines causing the visitors all sorts of problems.With Tim Pickin and Wil Drew, (both usually props) showing exciting touches in the centre, the visitor’s line was soon under sustained pressure. After a break by Jasper Watkins (playing scrum half for the first time) the Cowbridge forwards, with Kieron Smith to the fore, gradually moved forward in a driving maul which allowed prop Lloyd Stock to crash over for a popular try, his first for the club after years of sterling service. The visitors who were fielding a number of district trialists responded immediately with a well deserved try, and the rest of the half was a hard fought affair with both sides looking to establish supremacy. Although the visitors dominated play in the second half, there were nevertheless brave performances from second row Matt Williams and prop Connor McGovern, both of whom were not afraid of using their bulk to batter the opposition. However the greater experience of the Penarth side eventually told as they made the game safe with spectacular tries. One of the new boys who is rapidly making a name for himself is Cameron O’Sullivan, and his gutsy display perhaps personified the plucky approach of these enthusiastic and fast learning boys.

The second game saw the performance side take on the Fairwater boys in what proved to be an outstanding advert for the game, and in which it was unfair that either side should end up losing. Having not really delivered to their potential yet this season, it was the Cowbridge forwards who dominated for most of this game, undoubtedly benefiting from the training received from forwards guru Robin Smith. Although missing captain Pete Edwards the Cowbridge pack competed manfully, and the second row pairing of Hari Trotman and Tom Smith were soon recapturing their previous season’s form. When the hard yards had to be made, props Matt Goodlad and Evan Phillips were not found wanting, and they frequently broke the visitor’s first line of defence with their powerful drives. Hooker Ali Richards decided to have his best game of the season for the team, and for once the forwards answered all questions asked of them. The usually impressive backs however decided to have a rare ‘off-day’, and even though scrum half Sean Boga Lake probed at every opportunity, the talented Cowbridge backs rarely showed their potential. As usual though they were resolute in defence, none more so than the ‘tough as teak’ Charley Morris who frequently upended Fairwater attackers. A number of the boys emerged with credit, particularly Matt Goodlad who powered over for the side’s only try. Three boys who had previously featured in the morning’s other game against also showed great stamina by playing in their second game of the morning, Cameron O’Sullivan, Freddie Harries, and Kieron Smith. The final score of 2-1 to the visitors may have been slightly unfair to the home boys, but providing the backs can regain their cohesion for next week’s game against Rumney, then they should give a good account of themselves against one of the better Cardiff teams next weekend.

Cowbridge Under 11’s star in foggy thriller

The Cowbridge Under 11's ventured into the gloom and fog on Sunday to pit their skills in their first 15 a side game against local rivals Dinas Powys. Bouyed by their recent good performances against Pentyrch and Tondu, the boys were quielty confident of their chances aginast probably the best coached team in the area. The Cowbridge plan had been to gain parity in the forwad exchanges and release their elusive backs to win the game in the wide spaces afforded by the full size pitch. The game started at a frantic pace with Dinas Powys exerting the predictable forward pressure, and the Cowbridge defence holding firm. Flankers Cam O'Sullivan and Jack Haines tackled well around the rucks and mauls, and Evan Phillips , Pete Edwards, and Hari Trotman all caused the home side problems as they won vital turnover poccession. However when Cowbridge did gain poccession, the backs did not function anywhere near their best, and the home side caused them all sorts of problems with their well organised 'rush defence' system. An exhausting first half ended scoreless, and both teams took a well deserved rest to count their wounded, and substitute the more weary players. The second half saw a repeat of the Dinas domination, with the odd Cowbridge foray out of their own half. Having come close to scoring on a number of occassions however, the Dina Powys hooker and man of the match finally crashed over for the only try of the game with just minutes to go. The spirited Cowbridge fightback saw them tear into their opponents and the game finished with the visitors camped on the home line for the first time in the match. However this was all too little too late, and the home side deservedly won this very close encounter. The large squad who all played a part in providing the morning's entertainment were Rhun Dafis, Sean Boga Lake, Tom Harper, Charley Morris, Rhys Griffin, Matt Sullivan, Harry Hitchcock, Cam Hughes, Jasper Watkins, Jay Rickard, Evan Phillips, Lloyd Stock, Tim Picking, Wil Drew, Pete Edwards, Ali Richards, Tim Smith, Keiron Smith, Cam O'Sullivan, Jack Haines, and, Hari Trotman,

Bright Sunshine to start...

...... but soon the fog descends!

27th November 2005

Cowbridge Under 11’s shock district champions

The Thursday night snowfall decimated the South Wales mini rugby programme on Sunday but this did not deter Cowbridge Under 11’s who managed to find a team unaffected by the weather. That was the good news. The bad news was that the only available fixture was against the District champions, Pentyrch. Like Cowbridge, Pentyrch were able to field two teams and first match featured the less experienced squad members who were still learning the fine arts of our national sport. Despite achieving parity during the early part of the game through some strong running from Rhun Davis and Jasper Watkins and improved rucking and driving play from Connor Mcgovern and Wil Drew, Pentyrch scored two quick tries. This appeared to inspire the home side and only last ditch tackles from the impressive Freddie Harries, Jay Richards and Matthew Williams kept the score line to a respectable margin. The more experienced boys then stepped onto the field for what the Pentyrch coaches quite ominously called the "main course". Despite an upbeat team talk and the warm feeling of a Welsh victory the previous evening, the Cowbridge coaching team feared the worst as they were aware that their unbeaten opponents had beaten Glamorgan Wanderers 56-0 last week and Cowbridge were without four key players. The Match started at a frenetic pace and straight away the Cowbridge pack gained the upper hand over their illustrious opponents. For the first time this season the Cowbridge team managed to recycle ball phase after phase which enabled the backs to work off front foot ball ably distributed by scrum half Sean Boga-Lake. Quite unbelievably, the only time the home team visited the Cowbridge half was from the kick off in the first period. Despite all of the possession and territory, the visitors were unable to trouble the scorer. The second half started as the first finished with the "human dynamo" Pete Edwards, the "Gibbsesque" Jack Haines and mobile Harry Trotman being held up just short of the try line. Especially prominent in the pack was second row Freddie Harries, normally an outside half. The backs also started to be more creative through mis-passes and looping balls especially from the elusive Tom Harper and the magical Rhys Griffin. And then disaster struck for the visitors, with five minutes left on the clock, the Pentyrch star player, Gabriel Davies, broke through a couple of tackles and used his pace to score in the corner. Cowbridge came straight back and after some strong mauling from district prop Evan Phillips, and Lloyd "the Ripper" Stock, the ever reliable Matthew Sullivan broke through the home sides defence only to be tackled centimetres short of the white paint much to the despair of the vast travelling support. Alas, Final score: Pentyrch 5, Cowbridge 0. Whilst a draw may have been a fairer result, the Cowbridge boys can feel deservedly proud of their performances This match proved to the coaching team that they can live with the best sides in South Wales and the future certainly looks bright for this under 11’s squad.

Sorry! shed loads of pics. I have just discovered how to use my camera!

20th November 2005

Sorry no match report

13th November at Tondu

Cowbridge Under 11’s find only dry patch in South Wales Following 4 weeks without a game due to the waterlogged state of local pitches, the Cowbridge RFC Under 11’s hit the jackpot last Sunday when they ‘gate-crashed’ the only locally playable fixture between Tondu and Pontardawe in Bridgend. The Cowbridge boys whilst fully aware of the Tondu prowess (unbeaten at home for the last two seasons) nevertheless showed them little respect as they kicked off a fast and furious game. The strength of the Tondu side lay in their large pack, and it was not long before the Cowbridge line was under sustained periods of intense pressure. Desperate defending from Hari Trotman, Matt Goodlad, and Jack Haines kept the Cowbridge line intact, and the quick thinking of hooker Pete Edwards and outside half Tom Harper ensured that any spilled ball was used to the visitors’ advantage. As the Cowbridge boys shook off their ‘ring-rustiness’ they started winning more ball and gradually exerted the same kind of pressure on the home side line. Clean service from scrum half Rhun Dafis allowed the superior Cowbridge backs to show off their silky skills, and following breaks from Matt Sullivan and Rhys Griffin inside centre Jack Haines crashed his way over the line to put the visitors ahead at the half time stage. The team made 5 rota changes at half time, and started the second half in barnstorming style. Direct runs from Cameron O’Sullivan and Tom Smith enabled clean ball to be recycled and used to threaten the home line. However Tondu started to monopolise possession, and they shortly drew level with a sniping break from their lively scrum half. As the game neared its end, and with the likely outcome looking like a draw, the home side finally scored a second try to keep their home record intact.

The second game saw an entirely different Cowbridge team take on the unknown quantity from the Swansea Valley, Pontardawe. True to West Walian tradition, this small side ran at every opportunity, and their speed and sure handling soon saw them open up a lead. Just as in the first game the Cowbridge boys were slow getting started, when they finally did wake up they scored spectacular tries through Jack Haines, Ali Richards, and Sean Boga Lake. With Freddie Harries and Evan Phillips causing all sorts of problems to the Pontardawe defence, the game had fully turned Cowbridge’s way by the time the referee had blown for full time.

Full squad involved on Sunday : Jordan Griffiths, Tim Picking, Wil Drew, Connor McGovern, Lloyd Stock, Pete Edwards, Ali Richards, Cam O’Sullivan, Evan Phillips, Matt Goodlad, Keiron Smith, Hari Trotman, Tom Smith, Rhun Dafis, Sean Boga-Lake, Tom Harper, Jack Haines, Freddie Harries, Rhys Griffin, Matt Sullivan, Cameron Hughes, and Jay Rickard

Next week the boys welcome the two sides from Dinas Powys, and with the district selector for the forwards in attendance the forwards will have every chance to stake their claim for a district squad place.

Pictures from 13th November at Tondu

First we take on Tondu

And then Pontardawe

and Jack Haines scores his second try of the day

16th October, Exciting game ends in a draw

Cowbridge Under 11’s make most of sunny conditions With the late Autumn sun warming the misty hollows of the Cowbridge sports field, the large group of Under 11 rugby players gathered to find out where they were to parade their skills last Sunday morning. The more experienced side, with a selection of boys who had been playing well in the Development Team previously, played host to the formidable Glamorgan Wanderers team, still smarting from their defeat by the Cowbridge boys in last years district tournament. The Cowbridge boys knew that they were in for a hard morning. Glamorgan Wanderers dominated the first half and the constant supply of possession provided by their massive pack resulted in them scoring two early tries. Despite the paucity of possession, the Cowbridge pack secured a lineout near the visitors line and after a powerful drive from the "human dynamo" Peter Edwards, Lloyd Stock barged his way over from short range to finish the first period 14-7 to the visitors. The second period saw a massive transformation whereby the Cowbridge forwards, in particular the courageous Keiron Smith, hard working Harry Trotman and the "granite" Cameron O'Sullivan, started to get an upper hand over their larger opponents and this enabled their backs to show their quality. However, totally against the run of play, the visitors scored once again (21-7) but this only served to fire up the home side and much to their credit responded immediately after some powerful running from Jack Haines in the midfield to set up Big Matt Goodlad to dive over to score (21-14). The final period started disastrously for the home team as the Wanderers scored a soft try after numerous missed tackles (28-14). Unbelievably, from the kick off, the visitors turned over the ball and the mightily impressive Tom Harper danced his way past numerous defenders to score in the corner(28-21). With minutes left on the clock, the home side earned a penalty in the visitors 22 and a quick tap by the lively scrum half, Sean Boga-Lake caught the Wanderers defence by surprise as he dived over in the corner for the equalising try. From the restart, two handling errors resulted in the visitors throwing everything into the last attack of the game, but heroic tackling from the ever reliable Cameron Hughes and rock solid Freddie Harries ensured that the match finished tied at 28-28.

Meanwhile a convoy of other players and parents had made their way northwards, and showing steadfast determination, avoided the bright lights of the Sarn shopping complex, to arrive in Nantymoel, uncharted territory for most of the visitors. Although the temperature had dropped a few degrees the home side had prepared a warm welcome, with probably the best facilities the intrepid travellers had yet encountered. The boys were about to be introduced to rugby, valley’s style! A rather one sided game saw the home side score a few unopposed tries against a Cowbridge side consisting mainly of the new players. Despite good runs from Jordan Griffiths and Jasper Watkins, the home defence always seemed to have enough reserves to prevent their try line being breached. Even though the pack had been bolstered with Evan Phillips and Adam Hewitt, and with Matt Williams playing his best game of the season, the home side dominated the forward exchanges, with one giant second row in particular causing havoc as he scored a hat-trick of tries. Yet as the game progressed, the Cowbridge boys started to display the skills that have won them so many admirers this season, with the likes of Jay Rickard, Rhun Dafis, and Connor McGovern all bravely confronting the huge home pack. As usual cameo performances from Wil Drew and Tim Picking showed that they are developing as front row forwards, and the mercurial Dafydd Esau was always a threat with ball in hand. Eventually the game ended with the home side winning less comfortably than they probably expected, and the by now starving Cowbridge team retired to a fine feast of Sausage and Chips at the home club’s ‘Gren Like’ citadel. Mention must be made of both referees who contributed to a fine spectacle, and without whom these boys would not be able to pursue their chosen sport.

U 11's knotch up first win of Season

in an exciting and hard fought game at St Peters

Outside half, Rhys Griffin crosses the line after a dazzling break

Under 11’s show their depth of talent at Rumney

Travelling to play top Cardiff side Rumney is a daunting prospect at the best of times, to do so without a side’s four district players, and the biggest forward, is asking a huge amount of the boys who have to fill their places. So it was last Sunday, that the merry band of players from Cowbridge RFC Under 11’s arrived fresh faced to face what their coaches privately expected to be a one sided contest. Fortunately the Cowbridge boys had not read the script, and tore into their hosts, disrupting their game plan with crunching tackles and good work at the breakdown. Against the run of play the home side did open the try scoring, but the Cowbridge reply was instant, with dynamic hooker and captain Pete Edwards stealing turnover ball to run in from the half way line for a fine individual try. Maintaining the frantic opening pace both sides played attractive rugby in which the fitness of Hari Trotman and Ali Richards stood out. Against mounting Rumney pressure, try saving tackles were made by backs Rhun Dafis, Freddie Harries and Jack Haines, playing his best ever game for the club. The home side scored again just before the interval edge slightly ahead. The fine display continued in the second half with Jack Haines rounding his opposite number and crashing through the full back’s tackle to equalise. The forwards by now were playing some of their best rugby of the season, and the likes of Kieron Smith, Lloyd Stock, Adam Hewitt, and Tom Smith ensured a constant supply of good second phase possession. A tense period saw play move from one end of the field to the other, with the visitors defence holding out gallantly to concede just the one extra try. Crunch tackles from Hari Trotman in particular ensured that the visitors were held at bay. The third half allowed both sides to make extensive substitutions, and it was not long before Cowbridge’s Cameron O’Sullivan tore through the home defence to touch down from a penalty move. The excitement continued right to the end, for after conceding a couple of tries, livewire scrum half Sean Boga Lake took a quick tap penalty to run in from the 22 for the final Cowbridge try. Probing runs from Freddie Harries, and Rhun Dafis, together with bright displays from Tim Pickin and Wil Drew ensured the visitors finished strongly.

The boys get a further chance to impress next weekend when the team fields two sides to play St Peters and CRIC. The more experienced boys will be travelling to St Peters, whilst the Development side stand a good chance of recording their first win at CRIC.