Under 11's V Morriston 18/04/10

18th April 2010

South Gower 14 - Morriston 14

Tries: Ethan Smith, Callum Carson

Conversions: Kieran Charles (2)

Having played yesterday and with several players going on a school trip, we knew our numbers would be low for today's visit from Morriston, who arguably, were our hardest opposition this season.
Having been to west Wales trials this week with Jack and Kieran, the boys knew at least 5 players from Morriston who were at the same trial, hence we knew we would have to perform today.
Again., we started slowly and Morriston opened the scoring with their flying winger getting past us out wide to run a good try. This was converted. We started to play and came close a couple of times through Cameron Barker and Ethan Smith on the wings. Unfortunately, Morriston produced some good work from their backs, who broke through our defensive line to score another try which was converted.

Half time:

South Gower 0 - Morriston 14

We started the second half superbly when Callum and Ethan pressured the catcher after we kicked off. Callum managed to rip the ball free and made for the line. He was stopped 5 metres out and our forwards got their to win the ruck. When the ball came out, Ethan looked blind then darted open to score a good try which Kieran converted.
From the restart we kept up the pressure on Morriston getting close to their line. Jack Bates peeled off the maul with 2 metres to go but put his head down instead of releasing Kieran only to be stopped. Morriston cleared their lines.
We attacked again and some good hands put Callum clear. He looked certain to go in at the corner but decided to cut back into contact a metre from the line to get tackled and knock on over the line. Morriston came back at us but some excellent defence from the team repelled them.
With 5 minutes left we had a penalty in our 22. Kieran lined up to kick to touch when it was noticed that Morriston were dropping deep to collect the clearing kick. Noticing this, Kieran was instructed to tap and release Callum. Cal received the ball in his own 22 before running wide and cutting back in by the opposing 10 metre line, Cal stepped several tackles before galloping clear for an outstanding individual try. Kieran converted.
From the kick off we were turned over but managed to bundle the opposition into touch. From the lineout we cleared our lines into touch and the final whistle went to end a superb committed game of rugby from both sides.

Final score:

South Gower 14 - Morriston 14

This was another outstanding game from the boys who played. The commitment was clear to be seen and the boys worked for each other to register a good result against a team who have not lost this season ! We had our chances to win it when we got over their line once only to be denied a try and a massive overlap to score but the boys were brilliant.

Players to mention:

Ethan Smith: Again Ethan impresses at this age level. Solid in defence with an eye for a gap. Scored a good try and had a superb game.

Callum Carson: An outstanding game from Cal this week. His defence was faultless and it was nice to see the ball in 2 hands ! His try was simply fantastic !!!

Jack Bates: Put himself about tackling everything, making the hard yards and picking up the knocks to go with it. Another great game.

Paul Jones: Brilliant again. So strong and powerful in the tight, Paul won several opposition lineouts and made lots of ground with the opposition on his back ! Great game Paul !

Kieran Charles: Had a few points to prove today and he certainly proved them ! His distribution was spot on and his tackling was ferocious. Fantastic game from Charlo !

Next week we have the Gower Cup at Penclawdd where we really do need to start playing from the final whistle !!
Training Wednesday as normal 18.30hrs. Thanks to all who played this weekend, i am very proud of you all.