Welcome to Rhiwbina U9's (2009-10)

Manager
Rhian John: 029 20621351

Head Coach
Jon Powell: 029 20625588 or 07814 208798

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St Josephs (Sun 7th March 2010 - Away)

Game 1: Rhiwbina 10 St Josephs 2

Game 2: Rhiwbina 4 St Josephs 2

Although the sun was out today it was a bitterly cold. Twenty boys turned out for a game against St Joseph's.

St Joesphs' were defensive but they were unable to stop the twinkle toes of Patrick Thomas, Thomas Jordan and Geroge Southcombe who each scored three tries, it was Will Mably who faught his way through the pack scoring two tries.

There was excellent tackling by Chris Evans, Scott Dowell, Lewys John, and Charlie White.
Tom Powell, Rhys Cottrell, and Harry Rich also scored a try.

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Pentyrch (Sun 28th Feb 2010 - Away)

Game 1: Rhiwbina 2 Pentyrch 0
Tries by George Southcombe and William Mably

Game 2: Rhiwbina 3 Pentyrch 1
Tries by Patrick Thomas, William Mably and Harry Rich.

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St Peters (Sun 21st Feb 2010 - Home)

Game 1: Rhiwbina 0 St Peters 2

Game 2: Rhiwbina 1 St Peters 0
Try by William Rayer

Game 3: Rhwibina 1 St Peters 2
Try by Tom Powell

Glad to get a bit of sun in our faces this morning rather than rain or snow. 

The boys came up against a strong and physical St Peters side, and found themselves tacking non stop throughout the games.
The boys dug in deep and prevented the scores from being a lot higher, there were some fantastic tackling performances by Will Rayer our first try scorer of the day, Tom Powell, Charlie White, Gabe Weaver Joesph Dobbins, Adam Ford and Lewys John. There was some strong running form the boys when they had the ball, George Southcombe, Matthew Bennett and Thomas Jordan.

All in all it was a fantastic physical performance from the U9's, it was pleasing to see that ALL players contributed to the matches today.

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Fairwater (Sun 7th Feb 2010 - Away)

Game 1: Fairwater 0 Rhiwbina 4
Try Scorers Lewys John, Pat Thomas, Thomas Jordan 2

Game 2: Fairwater 2 Rhiwbina 5
Try scorers Jake Mcpherson 2, George Southcombe, Mathew Bennet, Will Mabley

Game 3: Fairwater 0 Rhiwbina 3
Try scorers Thomas Jordan Will Mabley 2

Game 4: Fairwater 1 Rhiwbina 0 

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Dinas Powys (Sun 24th Jan 2010 - Away)

Game 1: Rhiwbina 2  Dinas Powys 0
Tries by: Jake Mcpherson and Tom Powell

Game 2: Rhiwbina 3  Dinas Powys 3 
Tries by: Tom Powell x3

Game 3: Rhiwbina 4  Dinas Powys 2 
Tries by: Matthew Bennett x2, Tom Powell and Adam Ford.

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Glamorgan Wanderers (Sun 6th Dec 2009 - Away)

Game 1:  Glam wanderers 2 Rhiwbina 1
After arriving at Trelai park we had a late call to say venue was changed to the Wanderers 1st team pitch. The first team to play tackled really hard and put up a good performance against a really large Ely side outstanding performances were from Owain Edward and Will Mabley who scored our only try of this match.

Game 2: Glam wanderers 0 Rhiwbina 6
In really muddy conditions Glam had a bare 9 so the 2nd match took its toll on them, when the Rhiwbina changed sides and sent out the big guns powerful performances from Will Mably, Lewys John, Pat Thomas, Tom Powell, Joseph Dobbins, Thomas Jordan and George Southcombe. Try scores in the match were Will Mably 3, Jake Macpherson, Tom Powell and Thomas Jordan

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Pentyrch (Sun 25th Oct 2009 - Home)

After the teams exploits across the water last week where we took on the old enemy, today it was back to the House of Pain, the Fortress that is fast becoming Caedelyn Park where Rhiwbina welcomed our local neighbours Pentyrch for a North Cardiff Derby.

Game 1: Rhiwbina 6 - 6 Pentyrch
Tries: Alex Wall x2, William Rayer x2, George Southcombe and Scott Dowell. 

By the time the parents had finished discussing whether it was worth putting the team Gazebo up to protect everyone from the autumnal showers, the first game had begun.

In the early exchanges it was clear that extra hour in bed that the Rhiwbina boys had enjoyed was hampering them against a strong a committed Pentyrch side, and within a blink of an eye Rhiwbina found themselves 3 - 1 down, and facing a bit of hiding. Thankfully they managed to wake from there winter slumber and fought there way back into the game. Some good strong running by Alex Wall and Will Rayer got the boys level. Both sides began to play with a bit more confidence and were starting to make there tackles count. Rhys Cotterill summed up the effort by taking a blow in the face whilst making a tackle refusing to let the palyer go even though he was clearly hurt.

With time running out and Rhiwbina facing defeat it the scene was set, from no where Scott Dowell broke from the half way rounded two or three players scoring in the corner, i don't know ho was more pleased the player or his father who was able to blow for full time. Although the game finished in a draw, which (as Scot Johnson would say) is like kissing your mother in law. The boys deserve credit for getting themselves back into a game they looked for certain to lose.

Game 2: Rhiwbina 4 - 0 Pentyrch
Tries: Tom Powell x2, Harry Rich x2

The second game started with a bang. Rhiwbina raced into an early lead with Tom Powell scoring what is fast becoming a trademark run of his. Although the boys were playing well and trying to move the ball around with some lovely passing, unfortunately the last pass was sometimes dropped, but this could be put down to the terrible weather the boys were up against. The boys should take great pride in the way they defended and the pressure they put on Pentyrch, this resulted in them barely being able to get out of their own half for the entire first period. Although at the break Rhiwbina only lead 1 - 0 this did not reflect on how well they were playing.

The second period was more of the same with Rhiwbina dominating in attack and applying lots of pressure in defence. This resulted in Tom 'twinkle toes' Powell going oer for his second try. Harry Rich managed to get another one after some strong running by Jake McPherson set up a good position not far from the Pentyrch line. Rhiwbina also had the final say, after Pentyrch had managed to break from their own half Harry Rich intercepted a pass to run the length of the field.

Game 3: Rhiwbina 3 - 0 Pentyrch
Tries: Alex Wall x2, George Southcombe

The third game began in torrential rain (maybe we should have put the Gazebo up after all) with all the boys getting a run out. Even with so many changes being made Rhiwbina managed to keep their shape in attack and defence. With Alex Wall and George Southcombe continuing their rich rein of try scoring form, Rhiwbina never looked in danger of losing.

The boys should be proud of the way they all played today with especially in the unforgiving weather. Thy really are all improving in attack and also most pleasing is the way they are ALL defending with less and less mis tackles being made.

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Cheltenham Tournament (Sun 18th Oct 2009)

It was a mild Autumn Sunday, cloudy, dry but with a nip in the air at times when the Under 9 Rhiwbina Squirrels went to the spa town of Cheltenham just across the road from the famous Race Course to see what the English had in store for them.

Rhiwbina 8 – Widdens Old Boys 0
A strong confident start by the Squirrels spending the majority of the time in Widdens half. Some good strength up front by Joseph Dobbins ripping the ball free allowing Matthew Bennett to run out to open the scoring. Some poor handling by Widdens allows Lewys John to stretch his legs down the right hand touch line, Widdens defence almost forcing him in to touch but Lewys was in for their second try.

Again some good running and passing by the Rhiwbina allowing Matthew Bennett to run in for his second try. H/T 3/0.

Rhiwbina started the second half as they finished the first with Tom Powell breaking the defence line allowing Lewys to run in to score in the corner.

A short while later Lewys runs into the corner to score his third. Additional bad handling by Widdens allows George Southcombe to go over for a try.

Some strong running through the centre by Thomas Jordan allowing him to break through to score.
Widdens later fumble the ball in the line out which allows Rhiwbina to pass the ball out quickly allowing Jake McPherson to run the squirrels 8th try into the left hand corner. A convincing start.

Cheltenham RFC 0 – Rhiwbina 2
Another good start by Rhiwbina against the hosts in red. A great run by Matthew Bennett allows him through for the opening try in the corner. Some slick hands by the team allows Patrick Thomas through for their second try. Again some great work up front by Joseph Dobbins and Thomas Jordan that allowed Rhiwbina to break through with some great running by George Southcombe, Lewys John, and Matthew Bennett. Cheltenham’s defence held out with some brave tackling. Rhiwbina continued to pressurise Cheltenham on their own line forcing them to give away a scrum before the whistle went for the end of the half. HT 0/2

Cheltenham start the second half a lot stronger than the first, bringing on some of their big guns. Rhiwbina came back into the game and it’s pretty evenly matched. Again Rhiwbina had good strength in the ruck with Charlie White ripping the ball free in the final play of the game.

Longlevens 2 - Rhiwbina 0
Longlevens started strong keeping Rhiwbina deep in their own half. A great break by Harry Rich down the left hand touch line, running almost the length of the pitch to be tackled by Longlevens just short of the try line. Longlevens continued to press forward dominating the rucks. Rhiwbina kept their heads up and defended defiantly with some excellent tackles by Thomas Jordan, Patrick Thomas and Tom Powell. A welcomed half time whistle. HT 0 / 0
Good start to the second half by Rhiwbina with some good runs by Lewys John and Thomas Jordan being forced out in to touch by Longlevens defence.

Longlevens then got a grip of the game putting pressure on Rhiwbina in the rucks and when trying to clear their own line, this resulted in the ball being lost and one of their players trapped in the offside position picked up the ball and over for their first try. Longlevens continued the pressure dominating territory and forcing errors by Rhiwbina on their own line to secure their second try.

Longlevens won Pool 4 forcing Rhiwbina into the 5th / 6th Place Playoffs. See http://cheltenhamtigers.org/tournament2009 for further details.

5th/6th Playoff: Painswick RFC 1 – Rhiwbina 7
A slightly shaky start for Rhiwbina as Painswick had a break away try to take them in to the lead. Rhiwbina responded with some great quick passing along the line for Harry Rich to open the scoring for Rhiwbina.

A strong run by Thomas Jordan down the middle and over the try line to take Rhiwbina into the lead. Another great run by George Southcombe takes Rhiwbina 1/3 up at the break. HT 1/3

Good tackling and running by Adam Ford and more great team work that allowed Matthew Bennett to go over in the corner to score another try. A short while later Joseph Dobbins powers over for Rhiwbina’s 5th try.

It’s all going Rhiwbina's way when from inside his own half Jake McPherson breaks through before off loading a pass inside to William Mably to go over for a try.

Rhiwbina tails were up and good ruck ball and passing allowed Thomas Jordan to run over to secure a convincing win, allowing Rhiwbina to go through to the 5th place playoffs.

5th Place Playoff: Frampton Cotterell RFC 0 – Rhiwbina 7
A strong start by Rhiwbina, a quick lineout ball and quick thinking by William Mably allows him to run straight through the defence to get Rhiwbina off to a flying start. Things start to click for Rhiwbina with some good rucking and quick ball out to Thomas Jordan to secure their second try.

Rhiwbina continued the strong defence and fierce tackling to keep Frampton out. Some more great running and hands allow Tom Powell to score Rhiwbina’s 3rd. HT 0/3

Frampton start the second half with their big ball carrier tackled swiftly by Lewys John. Some superb tackling by Tom Powell to keep Frampton out before he runs the length of the pitch to get another try for Rhiwbina. This was closely followed by Lewys John having a great run with some early celebrations to go over for another try.

Charlie White then took the crash ball giving Rhiwbina a great platform to allow Jake McPherson to break through again before being closed down and passing outside to Matthew Bennett to go over in the corner. Lewys John has another great run to secure a convincing victory.

Overall a great team effort with everyone in the squad pulling their weight. A strong finish to the tournament to finish 5th overall. 

Squad : George SOUTHCOMBE, Harry RICH, Matthew BENNETT, Thomas JORDAN, Joseph DOBBINS, Jake McPHERSON, Charlie WHITE, Adam FORD, William MABLY, Tom POWELL, Patrick THOMAS, Lewys JOHN, and William RAYER.

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Penarth (Sun 11th Oct 2009 - Home)

Game 1: Rhiwbina 3   Penarth 6
This Sunday we were visited by our friends from the Vale of Glamorgan, Penarth under 9's. And they seem to have brought with them the worst weather of the season so far as it was pouring down. Great for Ducks not so great if your a Rugby player. Nonetheless both sides aquitted themsleves really well considering the conditions. 

An early try by Alex Wall got everyones hopes up, but despite some strong tackling especially by Owain Edwards, and Charlie White they could not stop quite a large and strong Penarth side running out winners.

Tries by Scott Dowell, Alex Wall, Owain Edwards.

Game 2: Rhiwbina 8   Penarth 2
The second match of the morning proved to be slightly different. Alot of praise should go to the players and coaches who managed to keep the boys warm and committed despite the weather. 

The game started brightly and it was clear that Penarth were stuggling to stop some strong running from the Rhiwbina boys especially with Will Mably and George Southcombe running straight and hard, it wasn't long before the tries started to flow. The boys used there good power game with there big ball carriers, but they also showed there slight of feet especially with Jake Mcpherson and Tom Powell in fine form. 

Most pleasing for the coaches (especially with the forth comming tournament) must be the ever improving defence that the youngsters are showing. Although Penarth did score two tries of there own I don't think it came from any missed tackles.

Well done boys for all your effort it really is starting to pay off. Lets hope for a good tournament on Sunday in Cheltenham (and especially for sunshine).

Tries by Will Mably x2, Tom Powell x 2, Mathew Bennett, Jake Mcpherson, Joseph Dobbins, and George Southcombe

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Cowbridge (Sun 4th Oct 2009 - Away)

Game 1: Cowbridge 2  Rhiwbina 4
Tries: Tom Powell, Lewys John x 2, Mathew Bennett

The Rhiwbina under 9's made there way to the Rural Vale of Glamorgan, to the old market town of Cowbridge.

It was fine bright day which was well suited to our style of running rugby. After the run away win of last week the boys were brought back down to earth with a BUMP (literally). When the Cowbridge lads warmed up performing the HAKA before the match this should have served as notice.

The early exchanges were brutal with the Cowbridge boys flying into tackles like they were from Western Samoa not West of Cardiff. The Rhiwbina boys were clearly taken aback by the ferocity and pace that the match had began and it was little wonder that they fell behind to two early tires, although Rhiwbina got one back before the end of the first half.

At half time the coaches really earned there stripes, Lifting the boys and making them believe they could win. With a clear change of tactics of getting the ball wider earlier paid divends straight away, with two quick tries being scored. It was now the turn of Cowbridge to be shell shocked. It was now Rhiwbina who's tails were up and were now hitting the tackles and rucks with real venom. 

Before long it was 4, a fine team try being scored in the far corner of the pitch in with the ball going through sevral pairs hands. Rhiwbina had managed to turn the game around scoring 3 unanswered points against a very strong Cowbridge side. 

Winning the first match deservedly. Special mention should go to all the boys who played in the match as they all tackled very well stopping Cowbridge from getting any points at all in the second period

Game 2: Cowbridge 6  Rhiwbina 2
Tries: Thomas Jordan, Alex Wall

The second game was also tough, with Rhiwbina making sweeping changes Cowbridge proved to strong. 

Cowbridge had the benefit of having a settled side to put out and it showed. Although in fairness to the boys they never gave up and tackled themselves to a standstill this was characterised by some fine tackling from Rhys Cotterill and Gabe Weaver. Rhiwbina at times were victim of there own style of play sometimes forcing the pass in the tackle which resulted in them being turned over. 

Rhiwbina did score two fine tries , the last in the final seconds of the game by Alex Wall who refused to be stopped. Although the score did not tell the whole story of the game it doesn't lie and Cowbridge ended as deserved winners.

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CIACS (Sun 27th Sept 2009 - AWAY)

Game 1: Rhiwbina 5  CIACS 0
Game 2:  Rhiwbina 2  CIACS 0
Game 3: Rhiwbina 2  CIACS 1

Tries: Tom Jordan 2, Jake Mc Pherson 2, Patrick Thomas 1, George Southcombe 1, Tom Powell 1, Harry Rich 1, Matthew Benett 1. 

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Caerphilly Tournament (Sun 13th Sept 2009)

It was a beautiful day of bright sunshine with barely a cloud in the sky. It was the sort of weather that was well suited to the Squirrels brand of Champagne Rugby. With a good turn out, the Rhiwbina under 9’s were looking forward to the start of the tournament with an eye towards winning the competition.

Pencoed 4  Rhiwbina 0
Unfortunately so were Pencoed who were first up. Although Rhiwbina competed well and never gave up, Pencoed turned out to be the best team
in the tournament and won the match 4- 0. Although they were the better side the score line didn’t do Rhiwbina justice and they tried again and again in vain to get over the try line but were held out by a very talented and committed Pencoed side.

Rhiwbina 3  Dowlais 0
With an hour between games the wait was worthwhile. With Rhiwbina coming out comfortably on top. Only some brave defending by Dowlais stopped the Squirels from running riot. From the start of the game Rhiwbina were in control of a game they never looked like losing. There was a mixture of silky skills and strong running which resulted in George Southcombe, Jake McPherson and Tom Powell scoring the teams tries.

Rhiwbina 10  Pontyclun 2
Compared against all the games played this turned out to be the easiest of all them all. However it was made easy by the way the whole team played and this resulted in a large number of individual scores. To be fair to Pontyclun tried hard and tackled well but they could not cope with the individual skills of a number of players and when this was combined with a good off loading game that the Squirrels employed there was only going to be one winner. 

Tries by 2 x will Mably, 2 x Tom Powell, Rhys Williams, Lewys John, Patrick Thomas, George Southcombe, Thomas Jordan, Harry Rich.

Rhiwbina 3  Caerphilly 1
Up next were the hosts who had looked a very useful and dangerous side throughout the tournament, with some BIG and fats players. But by now Rhiwbina had moved up another gear and completely outplayed their opposition. 

In the first half Caerphilly couldn’t get their hands on the ball and when they did they were duly turned over by some brave and fierce tackling, in fact for the first period of the game they could not get out of their half. Although credit must be given to the Caerphilly defence who managed to keep the score to just 1 - 0 at the break. 

However the second half continued from where the first had finished. Strong running and good skills resulted in two more scores. The game was summed up by Caerphilly’s BIGGEST and most influential player being reduced to kicking the ball out of his own twenty two just to relieve the pressure. In fairness this did result in their only try being scored. But tries by George Southcombe , Thomas Jordan and Tom Powell secured the well deserved victory.

Rhiwbina 1   Newbridge 1
By the time the final game had kicked off late in the afternoon, a lot of people had left. Well they missed a cracker. Newbridge who had proved a handful all afternoon and had looked very impressive against every side they had played. The game was to decide second place. A lot of lesser sides would have been thinking about going home after along hard day of rugby, not these two. The final game of the tournament and It did not disappoint. It was a case of strong running from Rhiwbina and brave defence from Newbridge, It was like déjà vu from the Caerphilly game. Rhiwbina threw the kitchen sink at Newbridge only to be held out by some outstanding defence. some how Rhiwbina only led 1 - 0 at the break.

The second half was a little different but no let up in effort. However the final minutes of the game Newbridge were camped in the Rhiwbina twenty two only held at bay by some heroic defence. With seconds remaining Rhiwbina managed a turnover still leading 1 - 0. There were screams from the touchline to kick it, but that would go against this sides rugby playing ethos. Rhiwbina tried to run it out of defence they were turned over and Newbridge scored with the final move of the match. It may have ended in a draw but rugby was truly the winner. Tries by Will Rayer.

Although it must be said that all the boys involved played extremely well and never gave up or lost interest, even with the long breaks between matches (which would have distracted lesser teams). Special mention should go to Thomas Jordan, Lewys John and Tom Powell who tackled and carried heroically.

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Penallta (Sun 6th Sept 2009)

Game 1: Penallta 0  Rhiwbina 6
Game 2: Penallta 2  Rhiwbina 1 
Game 3: Penallta 1  Rhiwbina 4 

Tries by: Will Mably x3, Matthew Bennett x3, Patrick Thomas x2, Jospeh Dobbins, William Rayer, and Thomas Jordan.