Friday 16 November, Gelligared Park

A Tale of Two Halves

The Cardiff side started the match with great purpose on this beautiful morning at Gelligard Park. The opening score by Terry Morgan Gee (Rumney) came from a well worked move, executed to perfection by the Cardiff backs. Gee took the ball at pace following a dummy move with his fellow centre Jerry Casserly (Roath Park). Converted by Liam Free (Glyncoed) from under the posts.

From the kick off some strong running from forwards Michael Thomas (Llanishen Fach), John Hunt (Cathedral), Elliot Rees (Coryton) saw Cardiff break through the Rhondda tackling. The back line saw quick ball moved to the wings and more powerful running from Connor Martin (St. Johns College) saw him score in the corner. The conversion was missed.

The restart was dealt with well by the Cardiff forwards and the highly impressive No.8 Cameron James (Rumney) broke through, displaying superb pace and strength to score under the posts from the 10 yard line. The conversion was missed.

The home team rallied and the tackles came thick and fast from both teams with Jerry Casserly, Joel Croker (Baden Powell), Joshua Rodgers (Cathedral) all making great breaks, but denied by some outstanding defence from the Rhondda players.

The second half began with some determined running from the Rhondda forwards and the 9 and 10 partnership made some head road, allowing them to get behind the Cardiff defence. Some good rucking and driving from the home team pack led by their No.8 kept Cardiff on the back foot. Continuous pressure from the home side was met by an outstanding defence by the whole of the Cardiff team; led by their inspirational captain Sydney Blackmore.

Rhondda, however, would not allow Cardiff out of their half and Cardiff would not let their line be breached.

When the away side did manage to secure possession, half backs Breandan Nap (Cathedral) and Liam Free did well under immense pressure, trying to turn the Cardiff ball into an attacking platform.

The Cardiff pack were commended for their resolute defence by the referee and much improved levels of communication in the backs ensured the Rhondda team were kept at bay. Openside flanker John Hunt, once again displayed an aggressive edge and turned over large amounts of ball. Thomas Hayward (Radyr), Kai Laferla (Albany) and William Brinkley (Cathedral) all ensured that they made some excellent hits and were highly effective in running the ball back at their opposition.
An exceptional first half offering a feast of running rugby and a determined gritty display in the second half saw Cardiff the victors.

Man of the match - Captain Sydney Blackmore (Llandaff CW Primary School). Another workmanlike performance leading from the front.

Rhondda Schools 'B' 0 Cardiff Schools 'B' 44

Saturday 17 November, Gelligaled Park

Perfect playing conditions greeted the Cardiff and Rhondda sides as they prepared to lock horns at Gelligaled Park. The Cardiff team were eager to get on the field following a cancelled match mid week and this certainly showed.

A comprehensive victory saw Cardiff play some wonderful rugby to see off a competitive Rhondda side, who never gave up trying.

The forwards set the platform for the backs to show their full range of skills. Theo Warren (Cathedral), Harri Symons (Pwll Coch), Hugo Souto (Christ The King) and the impressive Tom Candlin (Rhiwbina) used their strength to good effect in securing a huge amount of quality ball for scrum half Megan Jones (Mynydd Bychan) to release her backs. Some wonderful interplay and brilliant individual efforts by the back line saw wave after wave of attack end with a try.

Rhondda were rarely out of their half and were kept on the back foot by this dazzling first half display. Andrew DeTorres (Bryn Deri), Jessie Lippetz Robic (Mynydd Bychan), Matthew Hopkins (Herbert Thompson) and Jacob John (Stacey) were the pick of the bunch with some stunning footwork and handling skills.

Although Cardiff played particularly well in the first half, they relaxed a little after the turn around knowing the game had been won.

An excellent team performance displaying the superb levels of strength in depth of the Cardiff Squad.

Player of the Match - Megan Jones - Aggressive tackling and wonderful vision allowed her back line to display an array of skills

Scorers:

Tries: Jessie Lippetz Robic 2, Andrew De Torres 2, Joshua Payne 1, Lloyd Hopkin 2, Hugo Souto 1

Conversions: Jessie Lippetz Robic 2