Cardiff and Vale U12s took to the field in a confident mood following their recent victory over Swansea and were keen to avenge an early season loss to Gwent
This was evident in the early stages as the Cardiff side started at a furious pace and were rewarded within 5 minutes as winger Jim Wiltshire (Dinas Powys RFC) was put away to score a well taken try converted by Rhys Patchell (CRICC RFC).
To their credit, Gwent responded brightly and begun putting some impressive phases of play together, however centre Josh Hurley (Dinas Powys RFC) bagged an interception try that extended Cardiffs lead to 14-0 with the conversion. The game continued to flow at a furious pace with Cardiff flankers Kyle Foat (Dinas Powys RFC) and Joe Rapson (St.Josephs RFC) particularly impressive at the breakdown turning over ball regularly. Indeed, Cardiff held a clear territorial advantage and on the verge of half time number 8 and captain Luke OBrien crashed over for a converted try.
Gwent fought back gamely during the early period of the second half and their efforts brought a deserved try as they crashed over following a series of battering runs at the Cardiff line. Both sides made numerous changes and Gwent threatened a comeback as they monopolised possession from open play and especially at set-piece. However, Cardiff gradually regained a hold on the game and were looking particularly sharp behind, especially centre Harry Robinson (Pentyrch RFC) who was a constant thorn in the Gwent defence. Indeed, Cardiff played with great panache in the final 10 minutes and rounded up an impressive performance with stylish scores by full back Patchell and winger Wiltshire; final score 33-5 to Cardiff.
Team manager Mark Middlemiss commented It was a great all round team display with some fantastic passages of play that clearly shows that the training efforts of all players are making a considerable difference. In addition the strength of the squad is demonstrable with the improvements made over the past few months and the fact that only 3 of the side started in the previous fixture versus Swansea. We can now look forward to the mouth-watering return match with Bridgend with enormous enthusiasm.
Development Officer
Gruff Rees