Fixture

Caerphilly Bears 10-Machen 1

Wow, just wow! If the first game was the starter, the second game was the main course and dessert all rolled into one! The rugby played by the Bears was simply sublime, the result being a real try-fest with Machen being the unfortunate recipients, and to continue the culinary theme, a bit similar to the fare served up in the Principality Stadium yesterday.

It was case of what you can do, I can do too with lots of different try scorers getting in on the act. Frankly, I don’t think Machen knew what hit them.
The Bears took the lead with a try from Sam Fortt. Some lovely passing along the line with the ball coming to Sam following a switch. Running back against the grain, Sam set off on an arcing run, showing the defence a clean pair of heels to go over in the corner.

Try two was scored by Owen. Another arcing run with that effortless, gliding running style of his, spotted the gap, taking him clear and around the last defender to cross the line.

The third try was another for Sam Fortt, a carbon copy of his first, outpacing the defence to score.

Try three was quickly followed by try four from Teifi, this time following a line break using those lightning feet to outstrip the defence.

Try five followed an outstanding passage of play, the main protagonist being Owen. He received the ball and took the defence first one way then the other, running in with a delightful offload to Teifi to score in the corner.

Owen was really beginning to enjoy himself now and it didn’t take him long to bag his second try of the game. Similar to his first, he just had too much pace for the defence to cross the line in the corner.

Machen were then given a brief respite from the onslaught, Jason blowing his whistle for half-time.

H-T: Caerphilly Bears 6-Machen 0

If Machen were hoping that the Bears would take their foot off the gas for the second half, they were to be sorely disappointed, with the intensity of the Bears’ attacks continuing unabated.

Machen started the second half brightly with Bears being forced to defend. However, as we have found over the last few weeks, this held no fears and indeed, Machen were unable to capitalise on their pressure, turning the ball over after six tackles. Unsurprisingly, with Hywel being first receiver, try seven followed, with Hywel scoring his second of the game. Receiving the ball virtually on his own try line, he sidestepped through the gap and cantered in, evading despairing tackles.

Try eight was a real team effort. The Bears moved the ball through the hands along the line with Faron making a great break, followed up with a sumptuous offload to Devon who pinned his ears back to score.

I am getting tired of writing this now but try nine was scored by, yes, you’ve guessed it, Hywel. The Bears were really hitting their straps now. A great line break from Ryley following a turnover, he threw in a lovely sidestep inside the first defender and then followed up with a nice outside break with a great offload to Hywel to run in for the try.

The tenth and final Bears try came after another scything break from Hywel who was away but after noticing him on his shoulder, unselfishly passed the ball on to Nathan to grab the try.

Machen did manage a consolation score towards the end of the game but were comprehensively outplayed on the day.

To summarise both games today, the Bears were simply magnificent in all facets of the game with an almost perfect demonstration of solid defence aligned with superb and clinical attacking rugby, for which Neil, Michael and Jason can take great credit for. We all knew that the only thing the boys were lacking was the confidence that comes from taking the skill sets they have been taught into achieving a victory and boy, did they play with confidence today. It is no exaggeration to say that every single one of them played their part, be it in defence or attack or indeed in both, to get those well deserved victories today. Go Bears!

I would also like thank my special assistant for the day today, Alfie. He may not have been able to contribute on the pitch today, but he did an excellent job keeping the scores for me along with the try scorers, no mean feat considering the number of tries and try scorers we had. Thank you Alfie!

Most improved contribution

Because of the earlier deliberations over Man of the Match, the decision was made to introduce another weekly award, this time to the player whose overall contribution compared with earlier performances should be rewarded. The first recipient of this award is Ryley Wiltshire. Ryley has become one of the top tacklers in the team and after today’s game, has also added an attacking element to his game.