Fixture

Taff’s Well Youth XV made the most of playing outside the clubhouse at Maes Gwyn to put on a strong showing to maintain their unbeaten league record and score eight tries in the process during a match in which they dominated form start to finish. The writing was on the wall from the off when second-row Gethin Nightingale stretched his legs from his own half to beat three defenders and open the scoring for scrum-half Tom Cattle to convert with a super effort from wide out.

With the physicality of the home eight starting to tell early doors, Cattle was able to feed half-back partner Brandon Thasher and give him the opportunity to feed the every improving backline which has already scored some eye-catching tries this season. However, the second try was to come from concerted pressure and defence from the home backs who forced their Dinas Powys counterparts to spill the ball in contact and enable Nightingale to gather and set-off with a kick & chase to beat the cover for his second try and a lead of 14-0 thanks to Cattle’s conversion. With the forwards in control and thanks to some fine pick & goes, prop Josh Harding was able to cross the line to stretch the lead with another result from Cattle which took the score to 21-0 and with half-time approaching, the forwards continued the conveyor belt of possession to let the backs spin along the line for centre Corey Scanlon to scamper home and end a profitable opening 40 minutes with a commanding 26-0 scoreline.

     First half score:   Taff’s Well RFC Youth XV 26 v 0 Dinas Powys RFC Youth XV

                                                        Second half

With the game in the bag, it was time for the backs to start showing some of the form which has started to turn heads this season at Taff’s Well and with possession still on tap, they were to produce some great interplay to cross for a classy looking effort from centre Corey Scanlon to add his second with Cattle adding the extras to stretch the lead to 33-0. The Dinas Powys boys refused to give in but their cause was further dented when full-back Thane Baker was stretchered off with a twisted knee injury and we would like to wish Thane all the very best on his recovery. As Dinas Powys had used their subs throughout the match, Taff’s Well’s Tom McCarthy agreed to step in and ensure that the visitors were to finish the game with a full complement of players – nice one Tom!

With every credit to the visitors after suffering such an ugly blow, they were to fight back and be rewarded by a Fyn Davies try under the sticks which was duly converted by Jamie Watts to get them on the score sheet at 33-7 but normal service was soon to be resumed as second-row Gethin Nightingale claimed his hat-trick try and in the process nailing his award for Man-of-the-Match to complete a great afternoon’s work for him. At 38-0, it was the turn of No8 Ethan Prescott to produce a trademark barnstorming run to scatter the cover defence and bulldoze his way over for a try and the match was to end with a try by debutant Luke Huish which when converted by yet another Cattle conversion, took the final score to a convincing 50-7 win for Taff’s Well.

                  Final score:   Taff's Well Youth XV 50 v 7 Dinas Powys Youth XV

The Verdict

The youth XV have recovered from a shaky start in terms of numbers in their first season together to remain unbeaten in the league and strong contenders for promotion this season. Coaches Rob Mota and Tristan Davies will be delighted by the way the team has gelled with an never say die pack feeding a backline which has already scored some stylish tries both in the league and during their march towards the semi-final of the Taff Rhondda & District Youth District Plate Competition. This was very much a team effort although Gethin Nightingale at second-row took the MOM award thanks to his three tries and general contribution in a team which is growing in confidence, numbers and ambition.

If you're interested in joining the set-up this season or the next as a player then please contact Allison  Cattle on 07967 108378. Next year will see the squad only losing two players to the senior ranks so what a pospect in store!

Coming up...

With no game this Saturday, the youth will be playing fellow unbeaten rivals Llantwit Major away on Saturday 28^th January in what could prove to be a championship decider.

Dave Beese & Allison Cattle     davecbwales@gmail.com

Match report:  Treherbert 1st XV 3 v 10 Taff's Well 1st XV  - WRU Bowl 5th Round

Match report:  Pontyclun 2nd XV 7 v 15 Taff's Well 2nd XV

Match report:  Taff's Well Ladies XV 10 v 17 Nantymoel Ladies XV

This week's fixtures:

Sat 21/1/17

Taff's Well 1st XV v Pentyrch 1st XV - (League) The local derby, don't miss it!

KO 2.30pm

Sat 21/1/17 

Old Penarthians 2nd XV v Taff's Well 2nd XV (League)

KO 2.30pm

Sun 22/1/17 

Morriston Ladies XV v Taff's Well Ladies XV (League)

KO 2.30pm