Fixture

Machen RFC | Under 15s 24 - 29 Caerphilly RFC | Under 15s

Match Report
05 December 2018 / Team News

U15's - "Derby Day Thriller!"

Match Report - Sunday 2nd December - Machen v Caerphilly U15s @ Machen Rec - Final Score 24-29

It was a gloomy and overcast winter morning, with constant “mizzle” making for difficult handling conditions. It was clear from the start that the home XV were in determined mood, and it was only the great tackling of Will Haley on their big flanker, closely supported by Eli Weekes, which enabled a turnover at ruck time by Scott Pritchard.

The ebb and flow continued with Caer having difficulty winning the ball against constant strong running from the powerful home pack and this time it was very Wil Lewis with a great tackle, quickly supported by Tylor Williams, that stemmed the flow.

A penalty for hands on the ground was awarded however, and Machen took a quick tap and drive over from short range and an early 5-0 lead. The visitors were quick to respond however and first Will Haley and then Ioan Hill were held up over the line as a result of some great last ditch tackling from Machen. 

The Scrum V was awarded and a great tackle in open play from Luke Stone put Caer on the front foot. An outstanding gallop from the eager Abhishek sucked in 4/5 defenders to create space out wide. The ball was spread wide from Wil Lewis, Will Haley, Scott Pritchard, Ioan Hill and Connor Mayo for a well worked team try and a 5-7 lead.

From the restart, a great take by Huw Ashman enabled Caer to clear their lines and the ball was pounced on smartly by Cian O’Sullivan who won a penalty with Machen coming in off their feet.

The game continued to ebb and flow and eventually it was Connor Mayo who made some straight running and passes inside for Abhishek to take the ball up and suck in the remaining defenders. Great passing along the line from Scott Pritchard, Louis Bellamy, and Ioan Hill put Ellis Hughes into space, but alas he was tackled short. He maintained his composure however to see the ball recycled to Will Haley who crashed through to extend the visitors’ lead at 5-12.

Machen kept on coming through and a nice variation of play saw a great kick over the top, which sat up nicely for Machen to score under the posts and tie the game at 12-12. A great tackle by Eli Weekes at the back of the line out created a turnover, and a nice draw and give by Owen Wilding set the back line going again. However, outstanding tackling from Machen stopped Abhishek just short of the line as the first half drew to a close.

The second half started with another great tackle by Luke Stone, who played his best match all season. The ball was cleared by Lewis Adams downfield with a nicely weighted box kick. Machen gathered the kick, and worked the ball well to score in the corner with their winger showing an outstanding turn of pace -17-12 

Machen at this point had the momentum, with Caer down to 14 and only a wonderful tap tackle from Will Haley stopped a certain try which would have seen the home team extend their lead and be 2 tries clear.

The visitors eventually worked the ball downfield following a great run out of defence from Josh Morkot on the wing. Eventually, a quick tap penalty saw Connor Mayo drawing a tackle at centre to put Owen Hughes and then Ellis Hughes into space. Ellis cut inside and set the ball up, for Abhishek to pick up and drive over straight through the middle of the ruck to tie the scores again at 17-17.

The momentum was now with the visitors, who had their tails up and a great take from the KO by Connor Mayo, eventually allowed the ball to be worked upfield. Scott Pritchard made a great tackle that forced a turnover and quick movement of the ball allowed Louis Bellamy a great try outside and a 22-17 score with 6 minutes to go.

It was then Machen who gained some momentum, and their strong forwards came straight through the ruck in midfield to take the lead with 2 minutes to play - 24-22. 

Then followed an outstanding team try from the visitors who just wouldn’t give up! A great run from Abhishek at short range sucked in the defence, the ball was recycled and this time Will Haley made a dart for the line, but alas was stopped short. The ball was recycled though and with the last play of the match the ball found its way to Danny Richards and then Owen Hughes at Centre back on the 22 line and taking the ball on the back foot, under pressure from the onrushing defence, Owen Hughes straightened, made a handoff and then ghosted through 4 tackles to score under the posts, sending the crowd into raptures of hysteria with a last gasp, 29 - 24 win ! Phew !

What an exhilarating game of rugby, played hard but in good spirit with two well-matched teams not giving an inch. An absolute honour to watch; the match could have gone either way, with Wil Lewis and Huw Ashman even playing second row at the end given some of the squad injuries! Well done to the boys for an outstanding team display and keeping going right to the end # togetherasone

 

Written By : Warren Lewis

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