OSPREYS OC LEAGUE
UPPER SWANSEA VALLEY YOUTH .......... 55 BRIDGEND ATHLETIC RAGS YOUTH ................ 7
THE Athletic Youth Second team the Rags, mainly 17-year-olds in their first season of youth rugby, visited Ospreys OC league leaders Upper Swansea Valley on January 13 with only 14 players. The Swansea side were far more experienced campaigners with mostly third year youth players.
Despite a heavy 55-7 defeat the young players showed great character and came out of the game with credit. The opposition coaches and the referee praised the team for their never say die spirit, refusing to let their heads drop and competing right until the final whistle.
They mentioned a few Ath players for their fullblown commitment. In particular centre Thomas Anthony who scored the Athletics’ try from an interception, open side flanker Sion Vigus for his tackling, No 8 Louis King made good yardage with determined runs, while props Teo Fillis and captain Ellis Bull scrummaged strongly.
The Athletic and opposition coaches singled out Ath hooker Jack Obbard for the Man of Match award for his all-round play.
The youngster was all over the park and shone in defence and attack. When the Ath lost their outside half to injury Jack assumed the role kicking penalties to touch and drop kicking to convert Tom Anthony’s try.
Despite the loss coaches Paul Obbard and Mike Groom were pleased with certain aspects of their side’s play, stating it is very much a learning curve at this stage of their
Outside half Lloyd Bradley and lock Nathan Smith have returned to South Parade.
They have also encouraged scrum-half Jakob Williams to say ta-ta to Tata RFC.
Another scrum half in Gareth Clement has also arrived.
Rhydian Jenkins has already hit a high note on introduction to youth rugby. They were particularly pleased with the attitude and commitment of the whole team, which will his debut in the Quins’ first ever win at Bonymaen, showed enough promise in testing circumstances. Another front-row forward has arrived to bolster the front row in the shape of Rhys Haines. The former Tata and Llanharan prop can operate on both sides of the scrum. serve them well in their next two seasons of youth rugby.
The team showed great character to bounce back
After four seasons, backrower Harry Hillier-Rees has crossed the river Llynfi to join older brother Adam.
Two not so new faces have returned to the fold after time out for the game. Centre Kyle Blackmore is back in action and so too is former Bridgend flanker Matthew Tidball. Having put rugby on hold the following week on the 20th January with an excellent 33-15 away victory at Blues OC region side Llanharan in a friendly. to enhance his modelling portfolio, Tidball has come home.
With half the league season still to play, plus WRU Plate and Glamorgan County Silver Ball quarter-finals to come, the arrivals certainly are a welcome boost for what will be a hectic final three and a half months.