Fixture

Having 38 players available this weekend was a new record for the U14 / 15 squad. The recent additions to the U15 side have really bolstered us and so we went into the fixture against Barry with no U14 players in the starting line-up for the first time.

Playing up the slope is deceptively on the 2^nd team pitch. The new look Chepstow U15 side were playing well in short bursts, with individuals and small groups of players coming together for promising passages of play but never quite clicking altogether. A hard fought try for Will Ruck who was physical and abrasive all game, was soon cancelled out by a 50m breakaway try by Barry. A 2^nd try for Barry added more pressure on the boys but they responded positively.

Angus, who was our most advanced defender throughout the entire game, got his rewards for the pressure he was creating by turning over the ball and poaching a try to keep Barry within sight. Another breakaway Barry try though again made things look difficult. Ieuan Rose, who is growing into the outside half position, was always on the move and growing in confidence to run with the ball. With the cover defence drifting more and more, Ieuan took his chance to straighten, pin his ears back and score a very important first half try. Edwin was busy in both attack and defence, good distribution and good tackling around the fringes. Rhys Swain covered a lot of ground as usual, making good first time tackles and working well in the lineout. Jake Allbert worked hard in defence before coming off feeling under the weather.  

At half-time the honours were broadly even but the body language indicated we didn’t quite believe we could shake off the opposition – this was discussed at the break and also the importance of now playing with the slope. From the first whistle the 2^nd half was a different story as the players settled into more of a rhythm. Keegan, who had almost fainted at the sight of a graze on his knee, gathered himself back together to kick extremely well and start to take the game to the opposition in both attack and defence. One mazing run saw Keegan beat several tacklers and outpace the rest to score under the posts. Spencer Hanlon showed some good ball carrying capability and some very good hands at times. Joe Beard made a number of runs in the first half and also came off not feeling well. Nathan came on as substitute and made a huge impact, carrying the ball really well and approaching each tackle and breakdown with aggression. Dan Williams provided good support play and some good tackles in the 2^nd half.

Tom Wacey, again filling in at full back, made some good catches but also scored an excellent try as a training ground move came off to send Tom on an inside line clean through the defence to score. James Brasher had plenty to do on the wing, at one point taking a very high clearance cleanly, outpacing the a number of defenders before setting Keegan away with a neat pass out of the tackle. Jake Summers had yet another week where his performance level increased. He was very busy around rucks and mauls and even managed a 40 yard burst off the kick-off, breaking tackles and outpacing some would be tacklers, great to see! Late on Lloyd Voaden and Briden both also had a dart with both making their usual impact.

Harry Glynn was the star of the show on the wing. His natural sense of timing and alertness had a significant impact. He reacted really well to loose ball to both shut down an attack or start our own, he regularly tracked across to the opposite wing to make last ditch try saving tackles and just seemed to be in the right place at the right time. His attitude to the game is spot on, very focused and using his instincts. He deservedly took the man of the match award.

Final score: Chepstow RFC 32 – 19 Barry RFC

Things to be pleased about:

1.       Everyone was comfortable with the ball in hand

2.       We got stronger as the game wore on

3.       How well the newer players are gelling into the team

Things to work on:

1.       The mental of attitude of believing we can win. A few heads dropped early on, we need leaders who can pick everyone up when we are in a difficult position

2.       Teamwork, getting the 15 to play as more of a unit. Clearly with no less than 5 players either making their debut or just in their first few games this is inevitable

Well done everyone, on we go………………