Fixture

Sundays Caerphilly district youth cup final between Dragons A league winners and runners up didn't disappoint. Senghenydd youth led by their captain Ryan Davies were out to complete the double over the nearest and dearest and last seasons league champions Caerphilly.

In a very tight first twenty minutes the game played to a very high standard was deadlocked with no score. Caerphilly's forwards were beginning to get on top and this Forward pressure delivered a Caerphilly penalty as  Senghenydd  infringed, Cyle Powell stepping up to make it 3-0.  On a sunny afternoon the skill levels were exceptional and off a Caerphilly rolling maul, the ball was passed out to Caerphilly captain Sam Haley who broke through the Senghenydd defence to score under the posts, the successful conversion made it 10-0.

Senghenydd were not league winners for nothing and started to make their mark on the game and as the cheese men retreated they to give away a kickable penalty , 10-3. From the resulting kick off 'Sneggy' took possession and marched forward to the Caerphilly line. The ball was passed out through the backs but Caerphillys defensive pressure led to a Senghenydd mistake, the ball went lose and the electric Caerphilly wing Lewys Willacott picked up the bouncing ball and out sprinting the Senghenydd defence scoring under the posts. Half time Caerphilly were leading 17-3.

The second half brought Senghenydd pressure after some uncharacteristic Caerphilly mistakes and following a good move from the Caerphilly backs the ball was spilt forward and  Senghenydd breakaway ensued which resulted in their number 8 scoring making it 17-10. With time running out and Caerphilly pounding the Senghenydd try line, a mistake was made and Caerphillys Conor Kawulok picked up the ball passed it along the ever impressive back line with Willacott scoring in the corner. A late Senghenydd  interception try made little difference to the outcome, Caerphilly completing a convincing win beating their nearest rivals 22-15. With captain Haley picking up both the cup and the man of the match award, the future looks bright for the green and whites.

Report: Mike Haley
Photo: Julian Willacott