Under 11's V Mumbles 14/03/10

14th March 2010

South Gower 14 - Mumbles 7

Tries: Tom Mogridge, Callum Carson

Conversions: Jack Bates (2)

We played 15 aside against Mumbles at Bishopston Comp on a full size pitch. This was our second 15 aside game but our first on the proper sized pitch and we only had 1 training session at 15 aside which was Tuesday.
We had 17 players turn up with a few away and one injured. The conditions were perfect and the game was a fantastic match for the neutral. All players were committed and showed excellent ball skills and knowledge which is a massive plus as we look to play this week in week out next season.
We played the first half slightly downhill and pressured Mumbles from the off. With Dylan John taking the first kick off well and charging into contact. The first half, we were camped in Mumbles' half, due to the wind and slope but also due to our pressure we put on them. The first try came from a ruck metres out from the Mumbles line. Good rucking from our forwards, we kept the momentum going by picking up and driving. Jack drove close, the pack rucked and Moggy went blind to score in the corner. Jack Bates converted.
Again from the restart we played the rugby in the right half of the pitch. We were putting pressure on Mumbles again when we had an injury. We were due to restart with a scrum on their 22 but the half time whistle was blown.

Half time:

South Gower 7 - Mumbles 0

We knew we would have to up our game in the second half as we were against the wind and slightly uphill. We started well but Mumbles started to come back into the game. Their forwards were very well drilled in the breakdown rucking us off their ball. Their break came when a Mumbles' player broke through from his 22 and was tackled by the half way line. Their support was instant and the supporting player picked up and went through the middle to score from the half way.
We lifted our heads and played the rest of the game in their half. We got lucky when Mumbles intercepted in the midfield and i thought they were through but good cover tackling from our full back Cameron Barker stopped their attack. With the last play of the game, Paul broke blind and offloaded to his brother Michael, who set up the ruck. Sam Jones was there first and picked up and fed Jack. Jack made a run and offloaded to Moggy and Tom jinked in and out working his way across the pitch and executed a perfect pass to Callum to dive in at the corner for the winning try which Jack Bates converted. The final whistle went and the boys got a thoroughly deserved win.

Final Score:

South Gower 14 - Mumbles 7.

As i mentioned, we have only had 1 training session for this and the boys were superb. Their discipline was excellent in defence and we kept our shape throughout the game. I thought Sam Jones had an excellent game, Harry Silvey was superb in his tackling and Ethan directed his backs very well. Also, Max Collis didn't miss any tackles which was pleasing along with Michael Jones. Overall this was an excellent fully committed performance from our team.
I thought Mumbles were superb in what they did, especially in the forwards where their work at the breakdown was good.
If this is what these teams can produce at this game this season, then there will be some great rugby to be seen next season. Well done to Mumbles, i thought they played very very well.

Players to mention:

Tom Mogridge: Tom was outstanding today. He delivery was excellent as well as his workrate. He was everywhere tackling and rucking where needed, scored the first and set up the second. Excellent Moggy !!!

Paul Jones: This man continues to put in the performances that Wales are after. Fully committed, everywhere on the pitch, strong as an ox and ball skills of a back. Another superb game from Paul !!!

Jack Bates: Outstanding. Excelled at openside pressuring Mumbles and made several telling runs which gained good ground. Fantastic Jacko !!!

Owen Renowden: A great performance from Owen. His work didn't go unnoticed in the tight and his ball handling was great passing when he should to release our backs. Brilliant Owen !!!


Callum Carson: Superb tackling and superb running. Very hard to bring down and popped up for the winner. Well done Cal !!!

Ethan Smith: Ethan was captain today as he directs his teammates all the time. His organisation of the backline was vital to our defence today. Playing a year up as he does and in such a vital position as outside half, i thought he did a sterling job. Well done Smithy !!!

Overall, fantastic. Thoroughly deserved for the commitment the boys showed. I am very proud of all who played today. Lets use the game to spur us onwards and upwards.

Finally, i would like to congratulate Kieran Charles and Jack Bates who have been selected to train with the County squad after some great performances with Llwchwr district. Well done boys.