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Page 1 of 2 DISTRICT UNDER 13's Heart of Wales 7 - 10 RhonddaMonday 6th November saw a bruising encounter at Aberdare RFC. Where Rhondda came out deserving winners despite poor visibility and a determined opposition, in what were very difficult conditions on an extremely foggy night...
The first half was a torrid affair between two strong sets of forwards that were determined to keep possession. It took a blind side move by Rhondda to create a breakthrough, with wing Dale Hughes (Pontypridd RFC) taking the ball up to within 5 metres, quick recycling by scrum-half Sam Jones (Ystrad Rhondda) saw the ball in the hands of Rhondda fly-half Bobi Sheppard (Ystrad Rhondda) who dived over to give first blood to Rhondda and a half time lead of 5-0. Prominent for Rhondda in the first half were Bobi Sheppard, Dewi Walding (Treorchy RFC), Jack Faulkes (Porth Harlequins), Bradley Watkins (Ystrad Rhondda) and Callum 'Bones' Phillips (Treorchy RFC).
The second half kicked off with several Rhondda players coming on to make their debuts and the coaches moving other players around, so it was a very experimental side that took to the field for Rhondda. Yet the second half was even more bruising with neither side willing to give up an inch. Again it took creative play to break the deadlock. Following some hard work by the forwards and slick passing by the backs, Dale Hughes again broke through the first line of defence to race 30 yards before feeding debutant wing Liam Ring (Gilfach Goch) who showed fantastic pace to outstrip the remaining defenders and score a deserving debut try. The score upped the pace of the match as HoW threw everything into attack and their resilience paid off with a deserving try through the forwards that was successfully converted despite poor visibility (we think??). But despite their best efforts HoW failed to capatalise any further and the final whistle blew to give Rhondda a hard fought 10-5 win. Prominent for Rhondda in the second half were Luke Rees (Treorchy RFC), Dale Hughes, Liam Ring, Alex 'Juice' Jones (Gilfach Goch) and captain James 'Hog' Parry (Treorchy RFC). It was obvious to all the spectators that the Heart of Wales have come on leaps and bounds since last season and on another day could have won the match. Determined play by the HoW forwards in particular made this a very tough encounter for Rhondda who took the opportunity to blood several new players. On a clearer night in better conditions this would have been a very open match, but conditions dictated tight play and both sides showed fantastic skill to make it the exciting encounter that it was. TRY scorers for Rhondda were Bobi Sheppard and Liam Ring ------------------------------------------- Match Report from Rhondda Leader By Chris Jones [Rhondda District Development Officer] UNDER 13’s Heart of Wales 7 – 10 Rhondda
The Rhondda Under 13’s used the game to give debuts to several newcomers who all acquitted themselves well. No. 8 Alex Jones and wing Liam Ring (both Tonyrefail Comp.) made their presence felt and, with forwards James Parry (Treorchy Comp.) and Meurig Davies (YG Y Cymer) gaining the hard yards in very difficult conditions, Rhondda were good for their win. Behind the scrum Dale Hughes (Porth County) made some searing breaks and is developing well. Tries: Bobi Shephard and Liam Ring.
-------------------------------------------- Pontypridd RFC player Dale Hughes had in impressive match for Rhondda, playing on the wing in the first half and at fullback in the second. Dale was heavily involved in both of Rhondda's tries, making several breaks in attack and tackled effectively throughout the match. His performance prompted Rhondda coach Chris Jones to comment that 'he is developing into a class player', a huge compliment from such an esteemed coach.
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