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Page 1 of 2 MATCH REPORTS
Pontypridd U9’s 20 Ystrad Rhondda U9’s 0 With no international match the previous day heads amongst the supporters were mostly clear and lucid for the visit today of Ystrad Rhondda and Taffs Well, who brought the sun with them adding to the friendly and joyful atmosphere at what one coach dubbed ‘The house of Pain Two’! Ponty had played Ystrad Rhondda in January and gained a very hard fought win in one of the toughest matches of the season so far. Ponty have not been playing well recently and the coaches have been working hard on developing their overall teamwork and team ethic, today would prove how successful they have been. Captain Jay ‘The Pocket Battleship’ Jones led out his team, and as in the previous encounter, right from the kick off the two teams charged headlong into each other. The spectators today could sense that something was different about this Ponty side, they met the physical challenge head on, but were also now trying to use their flair. At every opportunity the ball was moved quickly away from the contact area, but, for the first 5 minutes Ystrad Rhondda matched them and were able to smother Ponty’s attacking ambition. On 6 minutes however, ‘The Pocket Battleship’ Jay Jones force his way over the line to break the deadlock. This was the confirmation the players, coaches and supporters were looking for, the passing and teamwork were returning, and Ponty were seeking to entertain as well as win the game. Just before half time Carl Blacker, who had looked so sharp throughout reminded everyone of his speed and balance, scything through the defence like a whippet to give Ponty a comfortable half time lead. Shortly after the re-start Jay ‘The Pocket Battleship’ Jones scored Ponty’s third and the crowd sensed Ystrad Rhondda were reeling and a big score could be on the cards. In fact, to the credit of Ystrad, the players and coaches, they came back at Ponty stronger than before, driving deep into Ponty’s half, straining with all their might to reduce the deficit. Ponty held firm with Griff ‘Greased Lightning’ Lloyd tackling like a tiger and Callum ‘Chieften Tank’ Tucker, and Owain ‘Bulldozer’ Morris holding firm to repulse the Ystrad advance. Ponty tried to breakout and scorned several chances with an overlap beckoning, but finally right at the death, Josh Barnes sidestepped several defenders and sprinted into the corner to give Ponty a deserved 20 points to nil victory. The match had been a hard fought but fair contest and special mention must go to the Ystrad Rhondda team and supporters for the spirit they brought to the match, always supportive of the efforts made by both teams. The referee was the coach of Taffs Well who was quite simply superb, fair, consistent and constantly trying to communicate to the boys to ensure a free flowing game, his efforts were appreciated by everyone… Pontypridd U9’s 30 Taffs Well U9’s 0 Kiellan Mahoney led out the team for their second match, this time against Taffs Well, a team the boys had never faced before. The referee was again the Taffs Well’s coach, a move welcomed and encouraged by everyone following his performance in the first game, and who again showed the positive effect on a game a high quality referee can have. Ponty were now looking to build on their performance against Ystrad, the teamwork had improved, the passing was back and the boys were contesting strongly in the rucks and mauls. They had the perfect start when Carl ‘the Whippet’ Blacker scored straight from the kick off. Everyone now hoped this would allow the boys to relax and play the open expansive game that suits them so well. Taffs Well were obviously stunned but responded well, charging deep into the Ponty half and stifling the hosts well for the next 5 minutes with tackling as ferocious as Ponty had encountered against Ystrad. The game then changed dramatically as Josh Barnes scored, quickly followed by two from Chris Temple, the first an excellent interception try a la Tom Shanklin, and no less than the he deserved with a fine all round performance, and then on the stroke of half time Lloyd Owens demonstrated what pace Ponty have throughout their team to put them ahead 25 points to nil. At half time the talk was all about building on the performance, to take the back play to the next level, but also to maintain concentration and defensive focus. A bystander may have expected the second half to be higher scoring than the first and may even have expected Taffs Well to capitulate completely, but in what turned out to be only the 4th appearance of a newly formed squad, they won universal respect and admiration for the character and determination they exhibited in the second half. Their heads did not drop and what they lack in experience they made up for in sheer will power, flying into tackles, their enthusiasm high and at one point a little too high (well done to the referee again!), and made the second half as competitive as any Ponty have had this season. When ‘The Pocket Battleship’ Jay Jones scored on 14 minutes, the game was effectively over. A minute later Rhys’Little Britton’ who had played like a terrier in both games, sprinted half the length of the pitch to wrap up the match and provide the finale to a fine individual and team performance. There is no doubt this was a major improvement in performance for the Ponty team and the coaches will be heartened by the response by of the boys who played in both matches today. The team ethic is returning and improving, the contribution and commitment of almost all the players was superb, and this was a big step in preparation for the major tournament in England towards the end of the season. For the spectators it was joy to watch teams who play with passion and are backed by supporters and coaches who appreciate the endeavour of all the players on both sides... Ystrad Rhondda and Taffs Well were most welcome visitors today and with their regard for sportsmanship will be welcomed back at any time.
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