News

It was a Sunday morning tinged with sadness this week as the Mini and Junior teams paid their mark of respect to a great town and club stalwart Charlie Griffiths who had sadly passed away earlier in the week. Charlie was a great servant to sport and young people in the town and will be sorely missed by all. Our deepest condolences are extended to Charlie’s family.

The start of the Autumn half term holiday week can prove to be a bit of a challenge as many take the opportunity to recharge the batteries on a short break before winter sets it. Nevertheless, it was a case of strength in numbers as the Sports fielded sides at most year groups on Sunday.  

The Under Sevens and Eights combined squads this week when they hosted the Valley Ravens.  The change from British Summertime caught one or two out and the early morning enthusiasm waned a little as reality set in!  The Ravens were a strong side, but the Sports competed well in the first period, before losing by 3 tries to 4. The Sports could not maintain their efforts in the second period as the away team ran in six tries to the home side’s one.   Stand out performers were Aaron Eynon, Ellis Kendall, Ellis Luke, Bailey, Gethin Roberts, Holly Eynon, Leo D’Adamo, Mike Heanue, Tyler Pascoe, Archie Hall, Seb Stowe, Tyler Pascoe and Ollie Balmer.

The Under Nines also hosted the Valley Ravens. Both sides were disrupted due to several players being unavailable. This didn’t stop the side producing some free-flowing rugby with some good off loading and tackling. The Ravens thrived in the extra space to run out winners 20-65. The Sports tries were scored by Gethin Evans (3) and Leo Giraud. Gethin Evans was Sports player of the week, but all players deserved equal credit. 

The Under Tens travelled to the home of the Black Army, Llantrisant. It was a very competitive game. Unfortunately, the Sports could not repel a strident army with Llantrisant running out winners by 65 points to 30. It was tries galore.  Joe Perriman put in a great effort to tearn player of the week for the Blue and Whites.

The Under Elevens faced Valley Ravens at home, a tough fixture was anticipated. The Valley Ravens showed early on that they meant business with good aggressive defence and when required, efficient recycling of the ball at the breakdown. They kept the Sports pinned in their twenty-two for long periods and eventually took the lead with a try. This provided the stimulus for the Sports to respond, they kept possession and used it well to threaten the Ravens line. Dan Evans scored in the corner to level, Jack Sperduty added the conversion for the home side to lead 7-5 going into the second half.

The Sports were straight out of the blocks in the second half, constantly threatening the Valley Ravens defence. They added three tries through Dan Harries, Ben Evans and George Jones with Jack Sperduty converting all three. Valley Ravens scored a late consolation try and a conversion to close the final gap to 28-12.  Notable performers for the Sports were Deacon Kerusu, Tommy Jones and scrum half Dom Hurley in attack with good defensive contributions especially at the ruck from Tom Brimson and Sam Gardner.

The Under Twelves travelled to Treharris RFC, the host club were reformed in 2009 and have grown to develop Mini and Junior rugby in the town named after the former owner of the Navigation colliery.  The Under Twelves managed to pull off an early double but not before putting in some hard work and a spirited team effort, particularly in defence with the side registering their highest tackle count of the season.   Tries win matches however and the Blue and Whites led at half time with a try from Dylan Morgan.  Dylan Parry used his strength to power his way through eight Treharris players to score the second. It was a great try that delighted his team mates. Wing Tom Chick rounded off a great team performance with a third try to secure a 0-15 victory.  Cian John, Harri Williams, Iestyn John and Thomas Coles put in a solid shift in defence with some great tackling, but it must be stressed that all players contributed to the tackle count this week.

The Under Sixteens travelled to Dunvant where they went down 22-12 to a strong home team.

It was a week end where despite the disruption all teams gave their all to uphold the club’s tradition of encouraging all players to enjoy the game and learn.