Cool Chris wins match - 12/04/2010

PONTYCLUN YOUTH 27 LLANHARAN YOUTH 29
Report by Jeff Pick
Having lost at home to Pontyclun 4 weeks earlier it was a great squad effort to go away to our near neighbours and get a result albeit with the last kick of the game.
On a sunny day and a firm pitch it was a game that both sets of coaches and indeed the referee saw as a contest that was a credit to both sets of players, the game swinging in favour of either side right to the end.
The Badgers started the game well with some fluent rugby and no shortage of skill with some fine handling and strong running that saw them move into a 10-0 lead thanks to a converted try and a penalty. Gradually we started to get some momentum, crossing the gain-line and re-cycling the ball well which caused the home side to give away penalties as we drove hard into their 22. Chris Williams slotted over 3 pens before half time to bring us to within a point at the break.
With the sun and the pace of the game slowing some of the players there seemed to be more space on the field in the second half and it turned into a feast of running rugby. Again Pont started the half the brightest and through their slick backs created 2 well worked tries to take the game away from us but as we’ve seen on many occasion this season we have great spirit and desire within this group to play right to the end for each other.
With both sides making changes to get game time into all players the game started swaying in our direction and with some excellent driving playing by our pack, we started again to exert pressure on the home side. The line-out was supplying quality ball and our backs taking the ball to the gain-line created an opening for centre Rhydian Worgan to burst clear and score in the corner, Chris converting from the touch line to close the scores. From the re-start we failed to deal with the kick off and it was Pontyclun’s turn to push for a score but some outstanding defence particularly one huge hit by Scott Malone just about held out the home side attacks.
The game now moving into the final quarter and with ourselves 2 scores behind we needed a try to get us back into the match and it was flanker Jordan Jones who duly obliged. Having what seemed to be a loss in momentum we moved slow ball to the left and sleight of hand and a neat dummy opened it up for Jordan to race in under the sticks to bring the scores to 24-23 to Pontyclun with just minutes remaining.
With both sets of supporters nervously looking at watches it was with great composure that both sides kept playing and trying to win the game. But we had a chance to get in front for the first time in the match when Pont, were penalised just outside their 22.Chris stepped up and took us into what looked like a match winning position. Unbelievably from the kick off skipper Zach O’Driscoll took a fine catch but support was slow getting to him and the referee had to award a penalty in front of the posts to the home side. The kick went over and we were 27- 26 behind going into injury time.
But the drama wasn’t over yet and a good re-start and kick chase allowed us to apply some pressure. All game we had been strong in the tackle area winning some important turnovers and from one such tackle we won a penalty some 45 metres out. Up stepped what seemed to be the calmest person in town and Chris polished off what was a superb kicking performance to win the game with the last kick.
Game won 29-27.And a game that both clubs could be proud of.
Thanks from the players to all the supporters that came to cheer us on. It really did feel like a home game.

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