Blues North Under 16s completed their pre season programme on Wednesday with a workmanlike performance at a very wet University of Glamorgan playing fields at Treforest, Senior opposition was provided by Cornish students Truro college U17s.
On a very wet pitch the Cornishmens pack started well with several strong forward drives and the north took a while to come to terms with the physical battle; however they soon got to grips with the type of game plan needed to be successful in the atrocious conditions. The Blues opened the scoring after 20 minutes when after several phases by the forwards the ball was recycled for the backs and Owian Rees Merthyr RFC came off his blind side wing to receive a delicate pass from centre Sean Webber Tylorstown RFC on a run around, this try was superbly converted from the touchline by Lewis Williams Tonyrefail RFC. The score stung Truro into action and only good defence particularly in midfield by Webber and Thomas Pascoe Mountain Ash RFC thwarted their efforts. The Blues countered the surge from the Cornishmen to finish the half stronger and this led to and unconverted try for Tom Davies Ystrad Rhondda RFC following a powerful series of carries from the young blues pack. The Blues continued to work to a more structured game in the second half and it was no surprise when hardworking flanker Nathan King was rewarded for his efforts with the Blues third try. With both sets of coachs making a raft of changes to ensure squad rotation the game given the conditions lost its shape and during the confusion scrum half Lewis Jones Beddau RFC took advantage of some loose Truro defence around a ruck to dive over for the Blues fourth try, Lewis Williams obliging with a second conversion. The game concluded with both packs slugging out a tough physical confrontation up front that will serve both sides well in the wet winter months ahead! Special thanks go to all the ground staff at Treforest who worked very hard to get the game played! The Blues Norths pre-season campaign has seen them score 100 points in their 3 games and concede 5. Tries being scored by Owain Rees 3, Sean Webber 2, Tom Jones, Thomas Pascoe 2, Nathan King 2, Ian Hassett, Lewis Jones, Lewis Williams and Tom Davies. They start their WRU Regional competition fixtures next Tuesday August 26th with a home game versus the Scarlets at Merthyr RFC Kick off 7-15 PM. For more details of fixtures and venues contact Nigel Way Manager Blues North on 01685725480.