Fixture

At home for the third week in a row on what was probably the worst day weather-wise of the season so far. It was the type of drizzly rain that, according to Peter Kay, gets you really wet. Still, one saving grace was that it was the Bears Ladies kitchen duty and I took full advantage of this by indulging in the speciality Luxury Hot Chocolate on offer (thanks Kelly), providing some much needed sustenance in preparation for the forthcoming action.

Our opposition this week was provided by the U9s from Llantwit Fardre and Pentyrch and we were all wondering how the boys would fare in the atrocious conditions. In racing parlance, the conditions under foot could best be described as heavy going.

Caerphilly Bears 5-Llantwit Fardre 3

The Bears started like a train looking to attack at every opportunity. The early exchanges were like a boxing match with each team feeling the opposition out looking to exploit any chinks in the armour. The handling from both teams was impeccable despite the appalling conditions and it was the Bears who were first to get on the scoresheet, the first try an outstanding effort from Sam Fortt.

The move started with pinpoint passing from the boys taking them from one side of the pitch to the other trying to find an opening, everyone looking for support to put their teammate into the gap. Sam Morgan managed to make some ground before throwing a great pass to Sam Fortt on the wing. Sam was then able to use his electric pace to round the last defender to squeeze in at the corner for a well deserved try.

Llantwit were not be denied and brought the scores level with a breakaway try following an interception. The Bears hit back with try 2 coming from Owen. Hywel initially made the break before passing on to Sam Fortt who made further ground before an inside pass to Owen who also demonstrated a great turn of speed to outpace the defence to score.

That was how the first half finished, and it has to be said, what a great half of rugby it was. Both teams defying the slippery conditions showing great handling skills, none more so than from the Bears, with Sam Fortt particularly to the fore.

The second half was more of the same, Llantwit hitting back to draw level soon after the second half began. The Bears, however, were able to retake the lead straight after the score from Llantwit, try 3 being scored by Owen. Following an incisive attack where a try was denied by the referee, pulling the play back after calling a tackle, Owen took the ball as first receiver, bouncing off the first attempted tackle before stretching over the line for the try.

Llantwit were determined not to allow the Bears to get away and they were soon able to peg the boys back once more. However, the boys were not to be denied and try 4 followed soon after courtesy of Devon. Following some nice probing attacks, the boys managed to work their way up close to Llantwit’s try line, Devon was first receiver from the breakdown and after stepping inside one defender, was able to stretch over the line for what proved to be the final try of the game.

The Bears then extended their lead further, try 5 going to Sam Colwill. Sam picked the ball up in midfield and just when it appeared that nothing was on, he stood up the Llantwit defence who all seemed to freeze in unison. Sam then ran the other way and sprinted away to score.

This really was a great game of rugby, a real throw-back to the games that were no doubt played by the Bears’ fathers and grandfathers in days gone by. Both sets of players should be commended for the quality of their play, the difference being the more potent attack from the Bears, exemplified by the likes of Devon, Owen, Hywel and the 3 Sams - Colwill, Morgan and Fortt.

Next up were the U9s from Pentyrch, and this proved to be another entertaining watch for all in attendance.

Caerphilly Bears 4-Pentyrch 6

I think it is fair to say that the exertions from the game against Llantwit were beginning to take their toll on the boys and it was Pentyrch who took full advantage, racing into a 2 try lead. The Bears didn’t let their heads drop, however, and, following an interception in midfield by Hywel, he almost scored but was caught by the defence right on the try line. The ball was then recycled to Owen who crossed for the Bears’ first try of the game. That was how the first half ended, Pentyrch with the slender lead.

In the second half, the Bears were able to draw level with try 2 by Sam Colwill. The move began with a nice break from Jayden before the ball was passed along the line. Sam then took a great angle against the grain and following a couple of sidesteps, he was over for the try.

Pentyrch took the lead once more rattling off another 2 tries in quick succession, the second coming off an interception, to restore their two score lead.

Try 3 was scored by Devon. From a scrum, the ball came to Sam Morgan in the centre who threw a lovely long pass to Devon out on the wing who was able to stand his opposite number up before squeezing in at the corner.
Pentyrch then extended their lead, scoring straight from restart after Devon’s try.

Devon then grabbed his second and the Bears’ fourth try of the game, this one coming straight from the training ground. Devon took the ball as first receiver coming in at pace and from a great angle to catch the Pentyrch defence napping to score.

Unfortunately, that proved to be the last Bears score with the final say going to Pentyrch, scoring their sixth try of the game.

Two really entertaining games of rugby today played in terrible conditions with the boys succumbing to the cold, wet weather in the second game. It was heartening to see the team spirit our boys have though, never letting their heads drop at any point and putting in 100% right up to the final whistle. Also great to see the skills they have been practising in training on display, especially the running on to the ball from deep as the first receiver.

Man of the Match

If last week’s decision was the toughest, this week’s decision was the easiest, for the second week running, the award going to Devon. When it comes to all-round performances, Devon is really raising the bar. He was outstanding again today and was probably the best proponent of the skill the boys have been working on in training of the season demonstrated in his second try against Pentyrch. Fearless in defence and devastating in attack, Devon is really setting the standard for the other boys to aspire to.

Most Improved Contribution

Another easy decision following an outstanding effort from Sam Fortt, especially in the first game against Llantwit. His try had Michael waxing lyrical after his two wraparounds and offloads in the same sequence of play. He also shone in defence, making the first 4 tackles of the game.