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Page 1 of 2 UNDER 13's Treorchy 30 – 7 PontypriddA rare midweek fixture saw a friendly match between two old rivals who were both missing several players, it was the home side that ran out deserving winners as Ponty were further hampered by key injuries early in the match.
With the late withdrawal of centre Carl Hardy and wing Morgan Rees, Ponty were left with only one back on the bench, as once again the versatile forward Jordan Jevons played at centre. The first half proved a tense affair as both sides tried to play to their strengths, with the first points going to Rhondda District player Wesley Owen who proved too strong and fast for the Ponty wide players to cope with, scoring a wonderful try in the corner. But Ponty weren’t going to be outdone, excellent play by the forwards stole the ball for Oliver Bailey to dive over and claim a deserving try that was converted by Dale Hughes to give Pontypridd the lead. But that was where it started to go wrong for the visitors. A break through the usually stout Ponty midfield saw another Rhondda district player go over for the home side as outstanding flanker Dewi Walding tore away for a try. How the midfield gave way soon became apparent as a rare miss-tackle by Jordan Jevons allowed Wesley Owen in for his second and showed that Jevons was struggling with a painful injury to his lower back that prevented him from running or tackling effectively. With no midfield cover available for Ponty, second row Alex Knowles was forced into midfield as Jevons was forced off. Within moments Treorchy exploited this avenue as Wesley Owen went over for his hatrick, just as another two key injuries for Pontypridd saw the only remaining midfielder Dale Hughes go off with an injured knee and prop Will Thomas leave the field with a sprained ankle. So again a forward was forced into the centre position as Australian Kurt Schmylo moved to midfield cover just as the half time whistle blew. Half time score Treorchy 20 – 7 Pontypridd. Outstanding for Pontypridd in the first half were Will Thomas, Kurt Schmylo, Jake Lewis, Oliver Dalley, Dale Hughes, Nathan Payne, Jordan Jevons, Oliver Bailey, Mikey Jones and Jordan Kemp. A revamped and patched up team took to the field for Ponty in the second half, but without an experienced midfield Ponty were always going to be up against it. But some outstanding tackling and resolute defence kept the second half score to only two tries for the home side as Lewis Angel and Garin Daniels forced their way over, with Ponty unfortunate on occasions not to score a couple of tries themselves. Outstanding in this second half defensive effort were Johnathan Griffin, Steffan Jenkins, Michael Connor, Chis Jones, Joel Raikes, Gareth Cleaver and Nathan Wyle. Whilst particular praise goes to forwards Alex Knowles and Kurt Schmylo who did a fantastic job at covering unfamiliar positions amongst the backs. Particularly outstanding in the second period was Garin Rossiter whose rush defence prevented Treorchy from utilising several overlaps that they had created. Despite the scoreline this was a tense and exciting match that before the Pontypridd injuries could have gone either way. But hats off to the players of both sides who showed great adventure and fantastic skills throughout what was an entertaining match for even the most neutral spectator. The players and management of Pontypridd would like to thank Treorchy for they’re hospitality, we look forward to what promises to be entertaining and competitive return matches next season. Match Photos... [PASSWORD required, see coaches] TRY scorer for Pontypridd: Oliver Bailey, Dale Hughes kicked the conversion. TRY scorers for Treorchy: Wesley Owen (3), Dewi Walding, Lewis Angel and Garin Daniels. Preece Removals Man of the match for Pontypridd: Jordan Jevons. Tonyrefail Upholstery Man of the match for Treorchy: Tom Williams. Pontypridd Team: 1. Will Thomas, 2. Jake Lewis, 3. Johnathan Griffin, 4. Oliver Dalley, 5. Kurt Schmylo, 6. Steffan Jenkins, 7. Nathan Payne, 8. Michael Connor, 9. Chris Jones, 10. Joel Raikes, 12. Dale Hughes, 13. Jordan Jevons, 11. Mikey Jones, 14. Oliver Bailey, 15. Jordan Kemp. Subs: Alex Knowles, Garin Rossiter, Gareth Cleaver and Nathan Wyle.
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