Fixture

Chepstow RFC under 8’s Vs. Croesyceiliog RFC under 8’s & Cwmbran RFC under 8’s

Chepstow under 8’s undertook their second triple header away from home in two weeks this Sunday against Croesyceiliog and Cwmbran.

Team – Owen, Tomos, Amelie, Will, Henry (Capt.), Flynn, Otis, James, Tomas

Match 1 –Despite being well organised and taking five tags Chepstow conceded first with the opposition working a neat try in the corner. Streetwise and well drilled, this Croesyceiliog team were clearly going to give Chepstow a test however not to be intimidated, Amelie soon got Chepstow level following a long run from Otis and quick passing from Henry. A loose ball from the restart was pounced upon by Otis, a quick pass to Flynn and he was off to score a wonderful try running three quarters of the pitch before touching down. Croesyceiliog then went on the offensive looking for the equalizer however Chepstow’s vastly improved tagging won the ball back with a six tag turnover. Knocking on unfortunately cost Chepstow the ball and Croesyceiliog went back on the attack. Two try saving tags on the line from Tomas kept the opposition at bay and with the whole team showing some real tagging prowess despite the slippery conditions Chepstow were proving more than a match. Croesyceiliog persistence did however pay off and they did eventually cross the line to even the scores at half time 2-2.  
Chepstow went back out after half time with plenty of confidence and Henry struck first following a run by James. Having regained possession, a quick pass from Tomas sent Henry on his way again. Relishing his time as this week’s Captain Henry then pulled a great try saving tag on his own line, the mid-week drills clearly must be working! Croesyceiliog did pull one back but Chepstow were in full attacking flow now, Will’s long run almost resulting in his first try in Chepstow colours. Croesyceiliog pulled another one back to even things up but Henry was on hand to go over again from an Otis pass. With the clock ticking and five tags in hand Chepstow were desperate to see the game out but Croesyceiliog were not to be denied and went over in the corner with the last play of the match to end it 5-5. Hugely entertaining with both sides passing with speed and tagging with gusto.

Match 2
With numbers available Croesyceiliog could afford to field another side who had been warming up vs. Cwmbran on the opposite pitch. Croesyceiliog kicked things off but again the tagging efforts of the whole Chepstow team were superb and six tags were swiftly taken despite the physical presence and speed of the opposition. With the ball in hand Henry went on a run and passed to Otis to get Chepstow off the mark. Croesyceiliog pulled back but again Chepstow were on the attack, this time Amelie with the run and Otis again with the finish. Croesyceiliog pulled it back and Chepstow then turned over from the restart giving the opposition the initiative. Not having the ball didn’t appear to be phasing Chepstow who again pulled off six tags with speed. Otis then went over again following another long run by Will.  With half time looming Chepstow went on a tagging frenzy and despite Croesyceiliog moving the ball with speed the turnover was Chepstow’s right on the stroke of half time. 
At the restart great running and passing by Otis and Tomas was converted by Henry to extend Chepstow’s lead. Croesyceiliog pulled one back quickly benefitting from the referee missing the feet in touch. Amelie went darting for the corner from the restart only to be thwarted inches from the line however a swift pass to Otis meant the move was not in vain as he went over again. Flynn was again on the scoresheet and two more from Otis made it an 8-4 win. 

Match 3
Cwmbran RFC were brought in to the mix and fielding a young side in the first half meant a hatful of tries for Chepstow without reply. Tomas, Otis (2), Flynn (2) and Amelie all going over against a smaller and less experienced side. In the second half Cwmbran rolled out the big guns however the physical presence and unique hair styles being sported did little to derail a free scoring Chepstow who seemed almost oblivious to the fact they had been playing non-stop in the rain all morning. 
Henry (3), Otis (3) and Flynn adding to the tries scored in the first half making it 13-2 overall. All in all a great mornings Rugby with some real improvements in tagging, positioning and quick ball resulting in smiles all round. 

Overall Tries – Otis (11), Henry (8), Flynn (5), Amelie (2), Tomas (1)

Man of the Match - Henry