U12's Morriston RFC V South Gower RFC

Another tough outing for the All Black under 12's, playing Morriston in their own back yard, an undefeated side for many years with some very talented players who do not concede many tries. South Gowers revised line up was certainly up for the challenge, a side that is still building momentum and growing in confidence literally by sticking to the basics.

Morriston started well with a break down the wing. South Gower's laspe in concentration for their defensive line cost them with Morriston converting the try from under the posts to give them an early 7 point lead. The Gower boys dusted themselves down and came back with avengeance, challenging every breakdown with a purpose, building through the phases whilst living in Morriston's faces to force the errors, and the errors did come. Camped on the Morriston try line, they were fiercely defending but with good awareness of space Jacob Clement secured the ball and the five points. Scrum half Jamie Thomas added the extras with an awesome kick 5m in from the touch line.

The game unfolded with great determination from both sides. The Gower forwards wiping out with particularly good play from flankers Rob Mogridge and Sam Pritchard, securing good clean ball for scrum half Jamie Thomas who set the backs running. South Gower winger Jonno Blakemore had the ball out wide for a number of blistering runs, but the Morriston defence performed well preventing any Gower points from the wing. A last attack from Morriston just before half time clinched them another try however making the half time score Morriston 12, South Gower 7.

The second half was another well fought affair with end to end rugby. The tackles were being made, the big carries were gaining yards and South Gower really looked capable of securing another try, but it wasn't to be today. On the last play, Morriston made a blind side run hovering on the touch line (many say crossing the touch line) to give Morriston the victory on the day. Morriston RFC 17, South Gower 7

South Gower certainly had another solid character building performance. The team spirit, the togetherness and pride is growing week on week and long may it continue. Well done boys you did yourselves proud.

South Gower Man of the Match: Jamie Thomas (SH) who released plenty of quick and accurate ball backed up by a tremendous kick at the posts.

(South Gower Team: 1.Alex Ashburner,2.Eliot Owen,3.Jamie Thomas,4.Micah Pugh,5.Dylan Morgan,6. Rob Mogridge,7.Sam Pritchard,8.Gavin Shearer,9.Jamie Thomas,10.Chay Smith,11.Jonno Blakemore,12.Jacob Clement,13.Eliot Clement,14.Jack Rosser,15.Luke Cooper Replacements: Jack Davies, Sam Jones.)

U12's South Gower v Vadre

South Gower under 12's turned up with a stride in their step following a great performance in their outing last week. A full squad to pick from and a first XV capable of stretching any side with a strong bench in tow.
It's South Gowers and Vadre's 1st meet of the season due to postponed games and therefore all to play for. South Gower kicked off and applied relentless pressure that Vadre couldn't handle, with the All Blacks delivering six consecutive un-answered tryies early on. Chay Smith crossed for three, Jacob Clement, Sam Pritchard and Dylan Morgan all gaining well deserved 5 pointers. The forwards played their part too, with the hard yards gained by Micah Pugh and Gavin Shearer. Vadre really struggled in the battle upfront and the precision passing and pace of the backs.
The second half saw a tighter affair, but no real change in dominance. South Gower continued where they left off, ready to put a lid on their challenge with winger Jack Rosser and Chay Smith finishing Vadre off with two further tries in the second half.

The Gower boys delivered a good all round performance with good support play, passing out of the contact area, strong tackling in defence and wiping out in the rucks. Well done boys, keep up the work rate, see you at training.

South Gower Man of the Match: Dylan Morgan who worked relentlessly in the rucks to secure good Gower ball, backed up with some hard running which gained him a try.
(South Gower Team: 1.Alex Ashburner,2.Eliot Owen,3.Jamie Thomas,4.Sam Jones,5.Dylan Morgan,6. Micah Pugh,7.Sam Pritchard,8.Gavin Shearer,9.Jamie Thomas,10.Chay Smith,11.Jonno Blakemore,12.Jacob Clement,13.Eliot Clement,14.Jack Rosser,15,Jack Hooper-Lewis, Replacement Jack Davies.)

U12's @ Liberty Stadium Ospreys V Connacht 16.2.08

(Who were also stars of S4C's Clwb Rygbi)

U12's 10.02.08 : South Gower V Abercrave RFC

South Gowers last outing in the Ospreys Cup after an unsuccessful campaign against an unbeaten Abercrave RFC. The Gower team managed to field a bare 15 players due to a high number of injuries within the squad, with 3 players making their All Blacks debut being Gavin Shearer, Eliot & Jacob Clement. The squad also included under 11's winger Harri Hooper-Lewis to complete the match day squad.
A glorious February day for rugby, where both sides came out committed to the cause. South Gower went straight on the attack running some good angles amongst some safe hands.
Abercrave however who were mutually as strong in attack claimed the first 5 pointer added with a successful conversion.
South Gower's confidence remained high with the forwards doing really well at the break down with outstanding hard work being demonstrated by Captain Sam Pritchard on the flank and Gavin Shearer, Alex Ashburner really driving the forwards on in attack. Gower hooker Eliot Owen who also had strong game, broke through many tackles, one resulting in a try line dash, but was tackled a yard short. Chay Smith was quick in support, regathered and produced quick ball to Jack Hooper-Lewis to send him in the corner for a try.

The second half, delivered more of the same, with the rucking of both sides performed quickly and effectively. Abercrave however developed a back line move giving them an overlap and the nail in the coffin with the final try of the game. The final score 5, 12 to Abercrave, was a true reflection on the close and very passionate game. A promising performance from the All Blacks with which we can build on as a squad and develop further.

Man of the Match goes to debutante Gavin Shearer who was feerless ball in hand, with no lost possession and a high work rate.

Under 12's Key Dates:

16th Feb Ospreys V Connacht (please confirm to Ian by Tuesday)

17th Feb - fixture T.B.C.

24th Feb Morriston Away (All players reqd. clashes with District game)

13th April Fall Bay Tournament

27th April Penclawdd Gower Cup Tournament

11th April District Super 12's Tournament - squad to be announced.

Any issues email Ian: carve_itup@hotmail.com