Ospreys Cup progress…
Although there hasn’t been much action for the SURC under 16s in the past couple of months, one match has stood out for Phil Owen.
Since last writing there has been little opportunity to play matches as the wet weather, Christmas holidays and lack of opposition have combined. However, one key match has taken place and what a cracker it was!
The coaches were rewarded by an outstanding performance that came as an early Christmas present in the match away at Aberavon Quinson December 18th. From 1 to 15 there was total commitment much needed to meet the stern challenge that faced the team. On arrival, with a lingering overnight frost in places, the hosts were out early preparing thoroughly before the first whistle.
Having soaked up pressure in our own half for the first 10 minutes the game started to open up but with neither team really gaining the upper hand. Several surging moves by our own boys were repelled by the Aberavon defenceand we went into half time with no scores for either team. Scoreless, yes. Dull to watch, no!
The worst possible start to the second half saw the ball being turned over from the kick off leading to a converted try for Aberavon; time to show our mettle. With a thrilling style of positive rugby Uplands went up a gear or two and, following a penalty deep in the opposition’s 22m, were able to release Huw Strafford, playing at scrum half, to dart under the defence and secure a try close to the posts. The conversion was a formality and we were back to 7 points apiece.
Our dominance continued from this point and we again secured a penalty just outside the opposition’s 22m and some 10m to the left of the posts. Time to take the 3 points and, for the first time in the match, take the lead. With 10 minutes of the game remaining it was imperative that we did not concede any more points. Despite being pinned back in our own half for much of this time we kept our discipline and repelled wave after wave of attacks, turning over ball on a couple of occasions and being clinical in securing our own possession.
So, final score 10 – 7 to the Uplands and our undefeated record in the pool matches remains intact. We look forward to completing our pool fixtures with a match against Birchgrove. Whilst we have beaten them earlier in the season there is no complacency and the coaches Mark Wells, Dave Crosby and Tony Clement have plenty to do to prepare the boys for this encounter.
Players Wanted
If you have a child or know of anybody in Year 6 who would be interested in playing rugby please get in touch with Phil Owen on 07843 235067. You would have plenty of rugby time and be coached by a team of well-qualified coaches.
