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Droitwich Blacks U16's 24 - Pontypridd U16's 10

Sunday, February 13, 2005

Droitwich RFC's elite 'Black' U16 squad played host to Pontypridd in difficult, wintry conditions. Ponty were hoping to avenge their 22 points to nil defeat by Spa just prior to the Christmas break at Ponty's self-styled “House of Pain” (I thought that was in Dunedin - ed.).

With snow, hail, rain and wind to start with the conditions were not good. However, Droitwich had the wind behind them in the first half of play and were the dominant side. Good rucking, mauling and the quick feet of Scott Morris, saw him step in and out of Ponty's defence to put the ball behind the posts in the first 10 minutes of the game. Ian Young kicked the conversion.

A second try came from a scrum that was awarded to Droitwich following an error from Ponty. Quick thinking scrum-half, Ben Raybould, attacked the poorly defended blindside, drew his man and released Stefan to score in the corner. Ian Young once again stepped up to convert the points.

Spa's third try in the first half came from Ted Lang. A rip and roll off a maul gave him the opportunity to score under the posts. The half-time score was 19 – 0.

The second half saw a recharged Ponty look to take advantage of the weather conditions. The wind was now blowing in their favour and they were able to pin Droitwich back in their own half. The pressure on Droitwich was relentless but their defence appeared to be up to the job. However, a charge down from an attempted clearance kick by Scott Morris gifted Pontypridd a try. A further Ponty try came from a Droitwich mistake, the ball being passed quickly down the Ponty back line for the try to be scored in the corner. The score stood at 19 – 10 and Ponty were back in it.

Droitwich, though, redeemed themselves by progressive pod play up the field, keeping the ball in hand and playing percentage rugby. Following an error by Ponty just outside their five metre line, Ben Raybould executed a quick tap and go and raced under the posts for the last try of the game.

The final score stood at Droitwich 24, Pontypridd 10. Droitwich U16's have now beaten Ponty three times in a row.

The performance and result were particularly pleasing as, due to injury and half term, the side were short of eight first choice players. This once again demonstrates the strength in depth of the under 16 squad.

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