Fixture

Match Report - Caerphilly v Pontypool U14's - Final Score 19-28

Written By – Warren Lewis

On a crisp Sunday morning, the game started during a heavy shower which contrived to turn the ball into a bar of soap! The opening exchanges pointed towards an evenly matched contest and the opening score came from a strong run by Pontypool's number 11 wing who ran the full length of pitch for the first score.

Some determined play however soon saw the scores level with passing along the back line firstly straightened up by Scott Pritchard and then Tom Williams who recycled well for Pritchard to pick up from the ruck on half way to score.

Indiscipline from the home team resulted in a string of penalties with the cheesemen pinned in their own half. Eventually a nice clearance kick from Will Haley and great follow up tackling from Connor Mayo created a turnover which enabled Scott Pritchard to pick up and burst through from half way, to take the home team into the lead. 14 - 7.

The first half finished with Pontypool knocking forward over the line with last play of half, much to the frustration of the visitors.

Playing against the wind in the second half, a dropped ball in midfield created field position for Pontypool to level the scores at 14-14, with their quick wide play proving the difference. This was quickly followed by a carbon copy score taking Ponty into the lead. The score however really galvanised the team with a powerful line out and driving maul enabling Ioan Hill to crash over from short range to take the game to 19-21 with 7 minutes left on the clock.

However, with the last play of the match and following a counter attack from the home team, keen to land the winning score, some strong counter rucking released the Pontypool back line for the final score 19-28.

Well done to both teams for a great game played in good spirit with high energy - it could have gone either way, and it was a tough but well-matched encounter at the Constructaquote stadium. #togetherasone