Sunday 25 February 2007
The result of 33-5 was a reflection of all 23 squad players attitude and solid performance
The good team ethos and camaraderie was evident from the start, and the hard work and effort that has been consistent in training sessions this year is now paying dividends.
The start of the game, saw the forwards gaining ground and setting good platforms from which the backs showed some good passing and runs, that frustrated the Caerphilly team at times. With Caerphilly conceding penalties in the Ponty half, Rhys Hughes was able to relieve the pressure with some good touch line kicking, which gave the Ponty pack the opportunity to trial their 4-man lines out. Number 8 and captain, Max Watkins added power and strength at the 4-man line out by acting scrum half. Hooker, Daniel Watts accurate throwing and second rows, Jason Franklin and Ricky Bedgood, clean winning of the ball proved difficult for the Caerphilly pack to cope with. From such a line out the ball was secured, the backs began their run with good passes and when the ball reached the hands of Luc Williams, he changed his angle of run and ran in the first of his 4 tries, Rhys Hughes converting.
This proved to be the kick-start of gaining ground, securing possession and running back lines that was to be prominent throughout the game. Caerphilly put several phases of play together only to be confronted by a fine display of defence work by the entire Ponty team. With a tackle and jackal from the Ponty openside flanker, Rory Troake, the ball was again spread across the back line for Luc Williams to slip a Caerphilly tackle and score his second try, Rhys Hughes converting.
Caerphilly 14 points down, started to put pressure on the home side and finished the first half with a determined and controlled effort.
The 2nd. half saw some changes in the Ponty team, but it was Caerphilly that started the better, starting where they had left off in the 1st. half with forward pressure that caused the Ponty pack to be penalised for offside at the ruck area, and from a quick tap penalty, broke through the home side defence to score their only try.
With substitutions at half time, Ponty took time to settle, and after a try saving tackle by 2nd. row, Michael Connor, the team fought themselves out of strong Caerphilly attack and returned to their 1st. half style. With resolute defences and platform setting forwards, it was Ponty that picked up the pace that resulted in Luc Williams, now on the left wing, running in his 3rd. try, that was converted by the replacement outside half Lewys Montague.
The home side, with their tails up, were putting constant pressure on the Caerphilly team and it wasnt long before a charging Michael Connor, ably hammered through by two supporting forwards, crossed the try line for a fourth Ponty try, which went unconverted.
The last try of the match came from a fine display of passing, teamwork and unselfishness, linking backs and forwards and finally the wing, Luc Williams, crossing for his fourth try, which Lewys Montague converted.
This result completed a very successful season for the hard working and dedicated District Under 13s, with a record of 5 games played and 5 wins (2 home 3 away). The squad can be pleased with this seasons results and displays that they have provided.
The coaches, Ben Rose, Dave Watkins and Dan McTaggart are pleased with the performances the team have turned in this season and they are also appreciative of the improvement and development of a good bunch of hard working boys.
We would like to thank the players for their seasons commitment and dedication and also for the support from parents, families and friends throughout the seasons training and game days.