Trebanos Youth 10 Bonymaen Youth 18
Wednesday 12th September 2007
This was supposed to be an early season friendly to help coach Rhodri Jones and his team see how far their young squad had progressed after last season’s successes. Bonymaen are towards the top of division A of the Ospreys region whilst ‘Banos were promoted to division B of the same region after finishing runners up in their division last season.
The game started with Trebanos from 1 to 15 showing that in no way would they be overawed by their high flying visitors, their dynamic and fast flowing style obviously shook the visitors who after the first quarter were fortunate to only be down to a Matthew Edwards penalty. Trebanos, after more pressure, missed the chance to go further ahead when instead of taking an almost certain three points from in front of the posts, they chose to take a quick tapped penalty and the chance of points were lost as Bonymaen covered the danger well.
This was probably one of the turning points of the game, as the physically bigger visitors started to take a grip on the game. There was an unpleasant incident just before half time, in which almost all of the players were involved, in a general melee. It left Trebanos 2nd row, Luke Davies, in need of treatment. The half time whistle came shortly after, which gave both sides the opportunity to cool off and think about the rugby.
The second half saw both teams concentrate on rugby and the greater size and pace of the visitors began to have an impact, where they scored a fine try by their right wing wide out which went unconverted. Trebanos then hit back with a very good try of their own with promising outside half Ross Jones, putting in a high cross field kick which eluded the Bonymaen full-back and bounced up kindly into the hands of fast moving Matthew Edwards to score under the posts, a try which he also converted. It was then Bonymaen’s turn to take the lead, which they were not to give up. They scored a converted try by their right wing, which was followed by two penalties.
Even though they lost this game there were many positives to come out of the match, a young and mobile set of forwards, who battled to the end, an inside half Nathan Jones who is already showing maturity beyond his years, the ability to create scoring opportunities. What they must now do is learn when and how to take advantage of these chances and they will surely again do well in their league.
Team: 1, Ross Jones; 2, Rhys Thomas; 3, Damien Blake; 4, Bradley Owen; 5, Luke Davies; 6, Chris Balffe; 7, Rhodri Williams; 8, Lee Sinclair; 9. Nathan Jones; 10, Ross Jones; 11, Liam Ozawicz; 12, Scott Barrett (capt); 13, Niclas Damjonvic; 14, Daniel Docherty; 15, Matthew Edwards; Subs; Kristian Jones; Jamie Hanney; Declan Bale; Jordan Hopkins; Rhodri Davies.