We're the U7's!
 |
| Date | Opponents | Results (won/lost refers to Rhiwbina) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Sept 2009 | Penallta | Won 3-5, drew 4-4 and 6-6 (Away) |
| 13 Sept | Caerphilly Tournament | Runners Up |
| 20 Sept | No game | |
| 27 Sept | Caerphilly | Won 6-1, 5-1 and 6-2 (Home) |
| 4 Oct | Clifton Tournament | Winners |
| 11 Oct | Penarth | Won 3-1 and 7-5, Lost 2-3 (Home) |
| 18 Oct | Cricc | Won 3-2, Drew 5-5 (Away) |
| 25 Oct | No game | |
| 1 Nov | Cheltenham Tournament | Cancelled |
| 8 Nov | No game | |
| 15 Nov | Pontypridd | Won 5-4, 7-6 and 5-3 |
| 22 Nov | Cowbridge | Won 6-1, 5-3 and 5-3 (Home) |
| 29 Nov | Llanishen | Won 7-3 and 4-3 (Home) |
| 6 Dec | No game | |
| 13 Dec | Llandaff North | Won 2-6 and 3-5 (Away) |
| 20 Dec | No game | |
| 10 Jan 2010 | No game | |
| 17 Jan | No game | |
| 24 Jan | Dinas Powys | Won 6-0, 4-1 and 6-3 (Home) |
| 31 Jan | No game | |
| 7 Feb | No game | |
| 14 Feb | Penarth | Won 3-1, Lost 2-3 and 2-3 (Away) |
| 21 Feb | St Peters | Won 7-0 and 5-4, Lost 4-5 (Home) |
| 28 Feb | Pentyrch | Won 7-0 and 5-4, Lost 1-7 (Away) |
| 7 Mar | ||
| 14 Mar | ||
| 21 Mar | ||
| 28 Mar | ||
| 4 Apr | ||
| 11 Apr | ||
| 18 Apr | ||
| 25 Apr | ||
| 2 May | ||
| 9 May |
Photos of the U7's in action against Pentyrch - 28th Feb 2010
Photos of the U7's in action - Dec 2009, Jan and Feb 2010
Photos of the U7's in action - Sept, Oct and Nov 2009
Pentyrch (Sun 28th Feb 2010 - Away)
With Storm system Xynthia missing South Wales, the U7s made the short trip up the Garth Mountain to play at Pentyrch.
Game 1: Pentyrch 0 Rhiwbina 7.
The hosts started play only to be tagged 6 six times and turn over possession. Rhiwbina replied with good passing between Gethin, Oliver, Frankie & Jack M who opened the scoring. Pentyrch pushed hard for an equaliser but were conceded 6 tags again. Rhiwbina moved the ball well to allow Jack M in for his and the team’s 2nd try. On the next possession, Jack B displayed his now trademark switch of direction to score in the right corner. With time running out, Gethin attacked and had Ethan on hand to go in for a 4-0 halftime lead.
The 2nd half started with both teams exchanging possession ending with Pentyrch dropping the ball for Jack
M to collect and score his hat-trick. Rhiwbina’s 6th came from an elusive run by Gethin who crossed in the left corner. The Squirrels continued to tag well and regained the ball after another 6 tags. The last play of the game saw the ball moved out to Frankie who scored at the death for a 7-0 final score.
Game 2: Pentyrch 4 Rhiwbina 5.
Rhiwbina started by moving the ball quickly, resulting in a try for Owen. Pentyrch equalised only for Rhiwbina to pass through numerous hands ending in Tom E spotting space on the right to make it 2-1. Pentyrch equalised again. Both teams exchanged possession a couple of times. Pentyrch broke the deadlock to take a 3-2 halftime lead.
Pentyrch started the 2nd half but a loose pass was collected by Gruff who romped in to level the scores. Gruff continued his scoring form by claiming his 2nd and a 4-3 lead. With time running out, Pentyrch levelled at 4-4. The Squirrels had 1 possession left to score. After Cai failed to ground under a pile of players, play resumed 5m out where Tom E picked out a hole to dart in for a 5-4 result.
Game 3: Pentyrch 7 Rhiwbina 1.
A development side took to the field for the 3rd match. Pentyrch took an early 2 try lead. Jacob B made a good run up to the home 5m line but the Squirrels ran out of tags. Pentyrch replied with a 45m solo try and made it 4-0 on the stroke of halftime.
Pentyrch extended their lead early in the 2nd half. Good inter-passing by Liam, Harry & Nat moved the ball near the try line but the last pass went forward. Pentyrch moved the ball well, faced by some good tagging by Callum and Jac ending with a 6th try for the hosts. As the game drew to an end, Pentyrch scored their last of the day. There was time for Rhiwbina to score a consolation try which was taken by Dylan who ended the scoring at 7-1 to Pentyrch.
St Peters (Sun 21st Feb 2010 - Home)
On a cool & dry morning, the Squirrels welcomed St Peters for their 1st game at Cae Delyn since 11th October 2009.
Game 1: Rhiwbina 7 St Peters 0
St Peters started play against a strong looking Squirrels unit, moving the ball near the try line only to fumble the ball. Ethan collected the loose ball and ran the length of the pitch for the opening score. A 6 tag turnover meant that Rhiwbina regained the ball which resulted in Gethin winding through the visitors defence to double the lead. The Rocks next possession ended up on the floor. Once again Ethan hoovered the ball and ran in for a 3-0 lead. Another error by St Peters was collected by Jack M who ran in for a 4-0 halftime lead.
The 2nd half started with Gethin claiming his brace. A forward pass gave Rhiwbina the ball allowing Frankie to run elusively and feed Noah for the 6th try. Another 6 tag turnover saw possession come to Oliver who rumbled past the Rock’s defence but put a foot in touch 5m for the line. The game ended when the visitors turned over the ball and Rhiwbina used the ball well when Jack B eluded the defence to make the final score 7-0.
Game 2: Rhiwbina 4 St Peters 5
The game started with a St Peters try. Rhiwbina responded when the 2 Toms linked resulting in Tom E levelling the scores. St Peters regained the lead at 2-1. Possession was exchanged between teams followed by an equalising effort from Cai and 2 tries each at half time.
Rhiwbina started the 2nd half with a good run from Lucas who was supported by Tom A to score the Squirrel’s third try. The Rocks came back with another try. The Squirrels responded when Liam drew the defence to allow Josh F space to score for a 4-3 lead. As the game drew to a close, St Peters equalised and then scored another to give them a 5-4 win at the death.
Game 3: Rhiwbina 5 St Peters 4
The 3rd game started with a brace from the visitors. Nathaniel halved the St Peter’s lead with a good effort only for the Rocks to restore their buffer at 3-1. From the restart, Liam made a great individual run to give Rhiwbina their 2nd try and a 2-3 score at halftime.
The 2nd half was a tighter affair with both teams just failing to cross the line. Eventually, Rhiwbina made it 3-3 when Liam crossed for his 2nd of the day. Harry joined the score sheet for a 4-3 lead. The next score was a tremendous effort when Dylan, Nathaniel & Harry all linked to send Harry in at 5-3. St Peter’s showed great spirit to reduce the deficit to 1 try, but were denied when the Squirrels held on to possession to finish at 5-4.
Penarth (Sun 14th Feb 2010 - Away)
A spring like morning welcomed the U7s to the Penarth Athletic Ground for the match against Penarth. Each game being 15 mins with no half time.
Game 1: Penarth 3 Rhiwbina 2
After an exchange of possession, Penarth opened the scoring with a strong run to the corner. Rhiwbina replied with a fantastic move through the hands of Tom E, Noah and finally Ethan for the score. The Squirrels regained the ball to allow Ethan to run the length of the pitch for a 2-1 lead.
Penarth levelled when their player managed to squeeze through a packed Rhiwbina defence. Both sides had chances to score. The final try going to the home team forcing a try in the corner.
Game 2: Penarth 1 Rhiwbana 3
The 2nd game started with the Squirrels gaining 6 tags to take possession. Rhiwbina moved the ball well down the pitch ending with a score for Jack B. Penarth responded well and equalled the score. The Squirrels continued to press for another score which came when Tom A galloped in for a 2-1 lead. Penarth came back looking for a draw, but a stubborn Rhiwbina defence took possession which allowed Tom A to run in for a 3-1 win.
Game 3: Penarth 3 Rhiwbina 2
The game started with some good support play by the hosts which ended with the opening try. Rhiwbina replied with a scorching run down the right wing by Gethin to level at 1-1. Although the rest of the game was open the final pass failed to go to hands. Penarth added another 2 tries for a 3-1 lead. The Squirrels came back again with another try from Gethin to close the gap, but time ran out and the game ended at 2-3.
Dinas Powys (Sun 24th Jan 2010)
With the Cardiff parks off again, the U7s put on their pimpled trainers to meet Dinas Powys at the Talybont Astroturf for the 1st game of 2010.
Game 1: Rhiwbina 6 Dinas Powys 0
Frankie, Gethin, Ethan, Tom E, Cai, Jacob B, Nathaniel & Joe.
Dinas Powys started play to be held by a stubborn Squirrels defence. Good tagging by Frankie, Gethin and Ethan and a diving tag by Tom E resulted in a 6 tag turnover for Rhiwbina to gain possession. From the 1st possession, Gethin showed amazing pace with a great run from half way scoring in the left hand corner. Rhiwbina again made tags courtesy of Frankie Gethin & Cai forcing Dinas to fumble the ball. The loose ball was picked up by Frankie who outpaced the DP defence and with a fantastic full pitch length run to score.
Another fumbled Dinas Ball resulted in Ethan collecting the loose ball, dodging the defence and scoring in the right corner. Two more 6 tag turnovers meant the score remained 3 – 0 at the break.
The 2nd half started with another fumble by the visitors that was collected by Ethan who scored following a 50m run. The Squirrel’s defence continued to tag everything that moved. Shortly after, Ethan achieved his hat trick following another Dinas mistake. The final try for Rhiwbina was scored by Gethin to end the game at 6-0. Special mention must go to Frankie whose tagging was excellent.
Game 2: Rhiwbina 4 Dinas Powys 1
Jack M, Jack B, Oliver, Lucas, Jacob V, Gruff, Liam & Jac V
The second game emulated the first with good defence and some great tagging from the 2 Jacks and Jac V. (Is that the 3 Jacks?) The Squirrel’s opened the scoring when Jack M outpaced the visitors with a 50m run. Dinas evened the scores and almost took the lead but for a series of tags by Jack M at fullback.
The Squirrels doubled the lead with a try from Jack B. Disappointment followed with a storming run through the centre by Oliver, a one handed pass to Jack M followed by some good dodging moves and a great pass to Jack B to go over the line only for the try to be disallowed for going into touch just before the break and a 2-1 scoreline.
Oliver restarted feeding Jack M who worked a switch pass to Jack B to score the Squirrels 3rd try in the left hand corner. The home side pressed again with a good effort from Jac V nearly resulting in a further try. Jack M then stretched Rhiwbina’s lead with another 50m run. Some further good tagging kept the Dinas boys under pressure and a 6 tag turnover just before full time to end the match with a 4-1 result
Game 3: Rhiwbina 6 Dinas Powys 3
Noah, Alfie, Owen, Josh, Tom A, Flynn, Dylan & Callum
The third match saw Dinas Boys first on the score sheet with some great running. They nearly doubled the lead only to be held up with a try saving tag from Noah. Rhiwbina’s first real chance was stopped when Noah was downed by a collision. Play restarted with some elusive running from half way by Owen to make it 1-1 at half time.
The Squirrel’s moved up a gear in the second half and the smaller DP squad showed signs of tiredness. Josh displayed great pace and determination and achieved a hat trick extending the lead to 4-1 and earning him the player of the week trophy. Dinas replied with 2 well deserved tries to bring the score to 4-3. Tom A’s first of the game restored a 2 try buffer.
Some great tagging and pressure from all the boys; notably Noah, Alfie, Owen & Josh contributed to a couple of turnovers. Tom A then displayed one of his trademark winding runs resulting in his second and Rhiwbina's 6th. A 6 tag turnover just before the whistle preserved the Squirrel’s lead and a 6-3 result.
Llandaff North (Sun 13th Dec 2009 - Away)
The last game of 2009 saw the U7s visit a cold and boggy Hailey Park against Llandaff North.
Game 1: Llandaff North 2 Rhiwbina 6.
Rhiwbina started the game with some good passing that eventually put Noah into space to score in the corner. The Squirrel’s defence put the home team under pressure forcing a fumble that Frankie collected to double the score. Another Llandaff North fumble was recovered by Kai who went on to score from 20m and make it 3-0. LN threatened the Rhiwbina goal line only for the Squirrels regain possession and put the ball through numerous hands where Frankie was unleashed to score from 40m and a 4-0 halftime lead.
Rhiwbina started the 2nd half well when Jack B’s run supplied Frankie with his hat trick. Another Squirrel’s attack saw Gruff draw the LN defence right creating space on the left to make it 6-0. The home side showed great character to score two tries of their own making the final score 6-2.
Game 2: Llandaff North 3 Rhiwbina 5
Game 2 started with a both teams turning over possession. LN made good progress only to be stopped by Tom E’s try saving tag. Rhiwbina stepped up a gear when Lucas ran down the right wing and had Jack M on his shoulder to open the scoring. Good defensive pressure forced LN into another error which allowed Tom A to collect and double the lead to a 2-0 halftime lead.
Llandaff started the 2nd half with a good run down the left to halve the deficit. The Squirrels restored the lead when Ethan wrong footed the home team to score in the left corner. LN brought the score back to 2-3 with another run down the left. Jack M created a better margin with 2 elusive tries and a 5-2 lead. The hosts had the last word when another move down the left wing left a final score of 5-3 to the visitors.
Llanishen (Sun 29th Nov 2009)
It was wet, windy and only 3°c at Whitchurch High were the local derby saw many classmates up against each other.
Game 1: Rhiwbina 7, Llanishen 3.
In the driving rain, Llanishen took first possession working the ball to the right and scoring in the corner. Rhiwbina replied when Gethin outpaced the visitors defence to level the scores. The squirrels took the lead when Jacob V expoited space on the left to score. The lead was extended when Jack B wrong footed the Llanishen defence to romp in from 25m. Then, Tom A displayed one of his trademark winding runs gave Rhiwbina a 4-1 halftime lead.
The 2nd half started when Tom A extended the lead. Llanishen mounted a 2 try comeback bring the score to 5-3. The Squirrels mounted another attack when Oliver split the defence with a huge dummy allowing him to feed Jack M for the try. Jack M mounted another attack and had Tom A on his shoulder the finish the scoring giving Rhiwbina a 7-3 win.
Game 2: Rhiwbina 4, Llanishen 3.
The rain had stopped for the defensive looking 2nd match. After possession was swapped a couple of times, Frankie broke the Llanishen defence and had Noah on hand to squeeze over in the right corner and the only score of the 1st half.
In the 2nd half, play started to open up with Llanishen drawing level. Owen finished off a scoring move to regain the lead. Llanishen then scored 2 tries to take a 3-2 lead. With time running out, Rhiwbina camped out on the Llanishen try line and equalised when Ethan squeezed through the smallest gap to score. Rhiwbina regained the ball for the last possession of the game and took their chance when Owen drew the visitors defence left to change direction and score in the right corner and a 4-3 final score.
A big thanks to all parents and players who turned up to play in what were dreadful conditions.
Cowbridge (Sun 22nd Nov 2009)
It was a blustery day at the Talybont AstroTurf where the 24 Squirrels were ready for 3 games of 8 a side with our visitors from Cowbridge.
Game1: Rhiwbina 6, Cowbridge 1.
Cowbridge started play only to be tagged six times. Rhiwbina responded with an elusive run and try from Jack M. Rhiwbina regained possession which ended with Ethan exploiting a gap down the blindside to double the lead. Again, the Squirrel’s defence was well organised and another 6 tag turnover took us into halftime at 2-0.
The 2nd half started with Noah extending the lead to 3-0. Tom E then made a fantastic run, drawing the defence and feeding Jack M for Rhiwbina’s 4th try. Cowbridge never gave up and deserved their 1st try. Rhiwbina responded immediately when Flynn put Ethan into space to score from 20 metres. The final try came when a good run from Noah allowed him to supply Josh to score for a 6-1 result.
Game 2: Rhiwbina 5, Cowbridge 3.
Cowbridge started with an early try to be pegged back by Gethin’s trademark effort. Cowbridge then took a 2-1 lead. Liam and Tom A linked well followed by Oliver’s dash for the corner turned into a route one rumble over the line and 2-2 at halftime.
Gethin started the 2nd half with another try. Cowbridge came back to be stopped by an excellent tag by Kai. Another Cowbridge attack levelled the score at 3-3. Rhiwbina then put some good passing together on the right side allowing Tom A space to score on the left. With time running out Cowbridge took play right up to the Squirrel’s line but were unlucky to drop the ball 1 metre out, Gethin collected the loose ball next to the dead ball line and proceeded to run 55 metres for the winning try and a 5-3 score line.
Game 3: Rhiwbina 5, Cowbridge 3.
The visitors opened the scoring, only to be exposed to Frankie’s elusive running to level the score. Cowbridge scored again but Rhiwbina equalised courtesy of Lucas’ swerving run and try; the sides changing over at 2-2.
The 2nd half saw Rhiwbina step up a gear when Frankie scored only for Cowbridge to level at 3-3. Rhiwbina attacked again with Alfie scoring and ending up under a pile of green & white bodies. Cowbridge came back looking to salvage a draw but a loose pass was collected by Frankie who ran 40m to seal a 5-3 win.
Pontypridd (Sun 15th Nov 2009)
After the endless wind & rain of the previous week, the sun shone on the Talybont AstroTurf where 49 boys & 1 girl were ready to play.
Game 1: Rhiwbina 5 Pontypridd 4
The visitors took first possession and supported well to take the first try. The Squirrels replied with an evasive run by Jack B who had Ethan on hand to level the scores. Ponty retook the lead only for Jack B to make in 2-2. More good support work from Ponty gave them a 3-2 lead.
Rhiwbina started the 2nd half with two tries by Jack M. With the game drawing to an end, Pontypridd equalised at 4-4. Rhiwbina had one possession left to win the game which Oliver took with a 20m sneak down the blindside for a 5-4 win.
Game 2: Rhiwbina 7 Pontypridd 6
Once again, Pontypridd showed some good support work to open the scoring. The ever improving Gethin Williams turned on the gas to level at 1-1. Rhiwbina then upped the tempo with a 50m effort by Frankie followed by another sizzler by Gethin. Ponty stayed in the game with another try only for Gethin to get his hat-trick and a 4-2 lead on half time.
The 2nd half continued with the Gethin Williams show as he made it 5-2. Pontypridd launched a mini fight back to within one try, only for Gethin & Frankie to extend the lead to 7-4. Ponty again fought back with 2 tries to end the match at 7-6.
Game 3: Rhiwbina 5 Pontypridd 3
The final match was a development game that gave game time to both developing & U6 players. The ever improving Lucas showed his skill & pace to open the scoring followed by Ponty’s opener. Tom A inevitably got on the score sheet for Ponty to level at 2-2. Good play down the Squirrels right created space on the left for Tom A to create a 3-2 halftime lead.
Starting the 2nd half, Lucas was back for his 2nd try and a 4-2 lead. Tom A then got his hat trick and Rhiwbina’s 5th try. The biggest cheer of the day was reserved for the smallest player and only girl on the pitch as Ponty’s Olivia showed good pace and balance to score in the corner to end the match at 5-3.
Cricc (Sun 18th Oct 2009 - Away)
On a crisp and sunny Autumn morning , the squirrels arrived at Y Maes Diamond for the match against CRICC.
Game 1: CRICC 2 Rhiwbina 3
CRICC took first possession and immediately squeezed into the corner for the lead. Rhiwbina found it hard to break down the hosts defence but eventually equalised when Tom A scored in the corner. Noah found some space to score on the stroke of halftime at 2-2.
The 2nd half was a tight affair with both teams just missing chances to score. Rhiwbina had the last possession when Gethin popped up to score the winning try.
Game 2: CRICC 5 Rhiwbina 5
The second game saw CRICC take an early lead only for Rhiwbina to respond with a try by Frankie. CRICC regained the lead before halftime.
Rhiwbina restarted strongly with tries by Frankie and Jack M to take a 3-2 lead. CRICC equalised only for Jack M to make it 4-3. The
hosts equalised again. With time running out, Frankie made an elusive run to score with 20 seconds left. CRICC has 1 sequence of play to claim a draw and did so with and elusive run by their no.14 for a fair result.
Penarth (Sun 11th Oct 2009 - Home)
Following our victory in England , we returned to home to play our national sport in our national weather. It was good to see three dozen six year olds turn out in the rain.
Game 1: Rhiwbina 3 Penarth 1.
The game started with Tom A opening the scoring to be followed by an amazing run by Jack B for a 2nd try. Jack then doubled his tally to give the Squirrels a 3-0 lead at halftime.
After wholesale changes, the 2nd half was a more even affair with Penarth scoring the only try.
Game 2: Rhiwbina 7 Penarth 5.
A new look Rhiwbina team paid for poor defensive organisation by conceding 4 tries in the 1st half. However, a brace from Noah along with a try by Alfie and Ethan’s half time effort took us in a 4-4.
The 2nd half started with Rhiwbina opening up a 2 try gap courtesy of Tom A & Owen. Penarth responded to make it 6-5. As the clock ran down, Jack B started a move that linked with Gethin who supplied Owen for the final try & a 7-5 win.
Game 3: Rhiwbina 2 Penarth 3.
Despite the rain, both teams were keen to play another 7 minute half. Another new look team took to the pitch with Oliver’s try equalling Penarth’s earlier effort at 1-1. The 2nd period saw Gethin claw back the score to 2-1 before Penarth regained the lead. Jack B almost claimed a draw but had a foot in touch before the line.
Clifton Tournament (Sun 4th Oct 2009)
An early start saw the U7s board the team bus for the tournament at Cribbs Causeway. After registration, the Squirrels set up camp on the Clifton 1st XV pitch and were ready for The Cheltenham tigers.
Game 1: Rhiwbina 6 Cheltenham 2
Cheltenham started play only to be pushed back to their own goal line by a well organised Rhiwbina defence. Following a fumble, Jack B collected the ball to give the squirrels a 1-0 lead. Frankie doubled the lead to be followed by Ethan who cut through the Tigers defence for a 3-0 lead at halftime.
Oliver started the 2nd half with his trademark route 1 run which allowed Frankie space on the right to make it 4-0, followed by Cheltenham ’s 1st try. Cheltenham then made 2 consecutive errors for Ethan to collect both times and score a hat trick. The game finished with a Cheltenham try to finish at 6-2.
Game 2: Rhiwbina 7 Clifton 3
The 2nd game versus the hosts started as a mirror of the 1st with Jack B & Frankie creating a 2-0 lead. Clifton responded when their very own Pocket Rocket roared in to halve the deficit. Jack B then collected a loose Clifton pass to feed Ethan and make it 3-1. Jack M then got himself on the score sheet with an elusive run, only for Clifton to make it 4-2 on the stroke on halftime.
After the restart, Jack B extended the squirrels lead, followed by a strong run from Noah who had Jack B on his shoulder for Rugby’s equivalent of a tap in to make it 6-2. Clifton ’s pocket rocket was back to reduce give them three tries, only for Frankie to have the final word making the score 7-3.
Game 3: Rhiwbina 3 Hucclecote 2.
A new look team stepped out for the 3rd game with a familiar start to the scoring. Jack Bs pitch long effort followed by Frankie gave us a 2-0 lead at half time.
Hucclecote replied with their own score, only for Frankie to extend the lead to 3-1. The 2nd half saw some good defence on both sides with Hucclecote scoring a consolation try at the final whistle.
Game 4: Rhiwbina 6 Cleeve 2
Rhiwbina started the game with tries from Ethan & Jack M to give us a 2-0 lead. Cleeve replied with their own try only for Jack M to restore the cushion and a 3-1 halftime lead.
The 2nd half saw a tremendous effort by Gethin (who attended from his sick bed) to get his first try on the tournament. Cleeve stayed in touch with another try only for Jack M to turn on the class for his 3rd & 4th try and a 6-2 pool winning victory.
Final: Rhiwbina 3 Keynsham 3
The final was a tense affair with Jack M opening the scoring. Keynsham levelled to make it 1-1. The squirrels defence had its work cut out as Keynsham had their own elusive Man-child to tag. Jack went over again only to be called back for a foot in touch on the stroke of half time.
The second half saw Keynsham take a 2-1 lead for Jack M to level it at 2-2. Frankie crossed over in the corner to be called back by the touch judge. Keynsham took possession and made it 3-2. With a minute left Jack M had another try recalled for a foot in touch. Rhiwbina’s defence regained the ball to supply Jack M with another charge which he converted to leave the final score 3-3.
The tournament rules declared that both teams were the winners, receiving a trophy each. A mention should also go to the players who guested for the Barbarians team. Kai, Liam, Oliver & Josh all scoring tries.
From a coaching view, we were delighted that the boys only conceded 2.4 tries a match under the English unlimited tag rules.
Caerphilly (Sun 27th Sept 2009 - Home)
The Indian summer continued with the visit of our friends from the other side of the mountain for our 1st game at Parc Cae
Delyn.
Game 1: Rhiwbina 6 Caerphilly 1.
Liam, Noah, Jack B, Ethan, Kai, Tom E, Flynn, Josh F
The match started with some good attacking play by Caerphilly who were denied by the touchline near the try line. Rhiwbina fumbled the restart on their own line to allow Caerphilly the easiest try of the season.
The Squirrels moved up a gear with a strong run by Jack B who had Ethan in support to level the scores. Ethan then hit a purple patch by scoring another 3 tries to give Rhiwbina a 4 – 0 halftime lead.
The 2nd half saw the boys shut down the Caerphilly attack with a number of 6 tag turnovers. From his own line, Jack B took route one to extend the lead to 5-0. After another 6 tag turnover, Jack made it 6-0 with another long range effort.
Game 2: Rhiwbina 5 Caerphilly 1.
Oliver, Lucas, Owen, Frankie, Tom Affley, Dylan, Joe
Rhiwbina went straight on the offensive when Dylan scored in under a minute. Frankie doubled the score only for Caerphilly to respond in the corner to make it 2-1 at half time.
Caerphilly restarted only to find a stubborn Squirrels defence who forced 6 tags. Some quick passing gave Owen the space to extend the lead to 3-1. Caerphilly fumbled the restart that was recovered by Oliver who passed to Frankie who fed Owen for his 2nd try in as many minutes.
The scoring ended when another Caerphilly error allowed Frankie to pick up and romp home for a 5-1 win.
Game 3: Rhiwbina 6 Caerphilly 2
Alfie, Jacob V, Jack M, Jacob Jac V, Gruff, Gethin,Nathaniel, Harry
The final match of the day saw some elusive running by Jack M to open the scoring. Jack went on to score another 2 tries before Caerphilly responded with a tight finish in the right corner to make it 3-1 at half time.
Jack began the 2nd half as the finished the 1st with another try followed by Gethin who made it 5-1 with a trademark effort. The biggest cheer of the day was reserved for Alfie who took the ball at pace and powered over from halfway to score his 1st try of the season.
The game ended when Rhiwbina tried a pre planned move only for the ball to fall on our try line gifting Caerphilly their 2nd try and a 6-2 win for the home side.
Caerphilly Tournament (Sun 13th Sept 2009)
A second consecutive visit to the Rhymney Valley saw the Squirrels take on Dowlais, Pontyclun and the hosts at the Caerphilly Tournament.
Virginia Park was bathed in warm Autumn Sunshine and once the Gazebos and deck chairs were in place, the U7s stepped up to face Pontyclun.
Game 1: Rhiwbina 0 Pontyclun 0.
Rhiwbina’s pre season saw the squad work hard on defence. This was reflected in the excellent tagging by both sides, including a try saving tag by Gethin. A fair scoreline to open the tournament.
Game 2: Rhiwbina 5 Caerphilly 0.
After winning the toss, Rhiwbina elected to start. Nine seconds later, Jack M had made the score 1-0.
Soon after Jack scored his second in the same right corner. Ethan then exploited the same corner to give the Squirrels a 3 – 0 halftime lead.
The second half saw the team force three ‘six tag turnovers’ with Jack M adding another 2 tries to give him 4 in total and a 5 – 0 win.
Game 3: Rhiwbina 1 Dowlais 1
The third and final game saw the boys face Dowlais in a winner takes all finale.
Following an early exchange of possession, Rhiwbina drew first blood when Gruff scored in the left corner. Dowlais responded to make it 1 -1.
Both teams threatened each others try lines but the well organised defences and Frankie’s try saving tag ensured that honours were even and a 3 way tie in the pool.
In an unusual twist, the 1 -1 draw meant that Pontyclun were handed the top spot by means of their higher try score.
Nevertheless, the Under 7s can be quite proud of being undefeated and only conceding just 1 try throughout the tournament.
Penallta (Sun 6th Sept 2009)
Sunday September the 4th saw the very first match played by the newly formed Rhiwbina Under 7s. We arrived at Penallta in dry and mild weather with both teams excited about the match.
In all three games there were lots of good runs, good passes and excellent tries. There was a very good team spirit shown by all the boys.
Game 1: Won 5-3
An excellent start to the games with tries from Jack M (3) and Josh & Gethin
Rhiwbina exploded into the lead from their first possession with a tries from Gethin, Jack M & a length of the pitch effort by Josh giving them a 3 -1 halftime lead.
Both teams exchanged 2 tries each in the 2nd half, the game being sealed by Jack Ms hat trick in the last minute.
Game 2: Drawn 4-4
A good comeback in this game with tries from Tom E and Frankie (3)
Penallta started well in this game taking an early lead only to be levelled by Tom Emberton’s dash for the corner. The Mini Pitmen than extended to 3 – 1 at halftime.
A halftime substitution turned the match into the Frankie Souto show as he came on to score his hat trick in 7 minutes resulting in a fair 4 - 4 draw for both teams.
Game 3: Drawn 6-6
A 12 try thriller to complete a successful first set of games for the boys with tries from Jack B (2), Jacob Vincent, Ethan and Ben (2) .
For the last game, the Rhiwbina team had a very attacking look to it. The first half saw an exchange of tries ending with Ethan’s jaunt down the left touchline for a 3 -2 lead.
Penallta responded after the break only for Jack B to visit both touchlines on his way to a second try. At 6 – 6, Noah displayed some sliky ‘Ringo’ skills to score in the corner but was flagged for a foot in touch. A fair result.
