Fixture

The mood of the day surrounded the recent death of former Taff’s Well Youth Captain Damian Atkins who this week tragically succumbed in his fight against cancer at the age of 22. Damian was a highly respected friend and team mate to many players who today represent both the 1^st and 2^nd teams in Taff’s Well and the fact he still managed to play through treatment epitomised him as a man and an icon if there was for the young men representing Taff’s Well today.

The game produced the first win of the campaign in the league for Taff’s Well and second overall of the season which would have brought broad smiles to the faces of coaches Rob Mota and Tristan Davies as they seek to build on the rather sparse squad at their disposal but this win would have given them great heart. The omens were good for the visitors as Tom McCarthy managed to cross the line in the first minute and this set the tone for the rest of the game as the Taff’s Well pack got on top to provide half-backs Tom Cattle at scrum-half and Brandon Thrasher at outside-half with enough quality possession to get their line going.

Captain Ethan Williams led from the front all afternoon together with Morgan Decaro who went through his full repertoire at flanker and the whole side gave a great display in defence typified by the efforts of winger Cory Scanlon who made several try saving tackles. Even though Dinas Powys fought back with two tries of their own, the visitors added further tries through flankers Tom Mc Carthy & Decaro, prop Adan Payne, outside-half Thrasher, Captain and second row Williams and centre Dewi Shapland-Davies which proved to be more than good enough to scotch any thoughts of a home come-back – Tom Cattle adding two conversions.

With an advantage at the set-pieces, Taff’s Well were able to dictate the tempo of the match and snuff out any attacks thanks to a resolute defence which was both stubborn and effective and their never-say-die attitude saw them come away with a comfortable win in the end. The game did contain one sour note as fullback Caden Steed obtained a fractured collar bone and we wish him all the best as he recovers. The coaches will be working on bolstering the squad over the coming weeks and if you are thinking of playing for the youth or attending a training session then please contact Tristan Davies on 07531 781908

Next week sees the youngsters play at home to Llantwit Major in front of the 1st, 2nd & Ladies sections who will be out in force to support them, KO is at 12.00pm

Dave Beese    davecbwales@gmail.com

Match report: Taff's Well 1st XV 66 v 7 Cardiff Medicals 1st XV

Match report: Sully 2nd XV 5 v 52 Taff's Well 2nd XV