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Cae Youth win fifth trophy in two years, in game for the ages!

So the end of an era for some of the team, fitting for the older players that they play the same team they first played 12 years ago.  Whilst Cae won that first game, United have proved formidable opponents since then, winning the Dragons Cup and generally being a dominant force in Gwent rugby.

The teams have met twice at youth level over the last two years and Cae have edged them out both times in hard battles. Coming into this game as Gwent league champions, United will be very keen to gain revenge and secure victory.

Special mention to United for providing five cup finalists at this years Dragons cup, incredible achievement.

First half:  Cae 12-8 Pontypool 

There was a huge attendance at Rodney Parade, with fans throughout Gwent wanting to see the two best teams go at it one last time…and they were not disappointed as this was a game for the ages…

United start fast, they are a well coached team full of strong players, they attack hard but the incredible defence of Cae keeps them out, until finally we concede a penalty and United knock it over.

Lesser teams than this Caerphilly Youth side would be reeling from such a fast start, as Pontypool attacked like Usyk in the 9th round…but, not these boys, they haven’t been brought up by a suite of excellent coaches to react like that.

Cae win a penalty at the breakdown…it’s a perfect kick into the corner..from the line out Harvey spots a gap and goes over…cracking try. Harrison just misses the tricky conversion.

Cae are in the ascendency now,  a strong run down the wing, the ball is recycled, we attack again..prolonged pressure from our forwards…before that mercurial magician Carter goes over..the sniper supreme.

This conversion is as hard as the last one, but this time Harrison strikes it perfectly through the posts…

United aren’t league champions for nothing though, moments away from half time, they win a succession of penalties, eventually kicking it right into the corner..their strong pack mauls the ball over in a show of real strength.. conversion missed.

Second half: Cae 22-22 Pontypool 

Cae start this half strongly, dominating possession early on, but a knock on allows Pontypool to build an attack, they recycle and recycle..win a few penalties and are soon near our line before their power shows again and it’s a try..converted excellently this time from way out, to give them a three point lead..

Cae come straight back, winning a penalty..Harrison levels the score..he’s a great kicker, he might be needed again later in such a close game…

This game ebbs and flows like the River Rhymney in December…it’s United’s turn to attack again, they are clinical and score a wonderful try..with a no look reverse pass, but it’s forward…our reprieve is only temporary though and they soon go over for a converted try..

Cae just won’t give up, what character they have in this team..but it’s going to be too late..the ground is echoing to chants of  🎵 United ooh 🎵 a chorus we’ve heard before that always heralds a United victory..  but..then.. maybe remembering that long ago day in pontypool back in 2012..when he started it all by scoring this teams first ever try to beat United… Ry takes the ball and says ..I’m not ending my Youth career with a defeat and crashes over the line, leaving defenders in his wake..

Time is up..but we need the conversion…fair play to the opposing fans, the ground is silent, you could hear a Caerphilly scarf drop…

Harrison steps us, he’s the only Cae fan in the ground not shaking….but cool as cucumber..he strikes it over..brilliant…

The ref blows his whistle..game over…it’s a draw and the trophy is shared..a fitting end to the youth battles between these two great teams.

Good luck for the future to all those leaving Youth rugby…good luck next season to the first years, another thrilling season looms ahead for sure..


James