After torrential rain on the journey up, Cardiff & Vale District U14 's were greeted with glorious sunshine at Gwernyfed RFC and a good quality playing surface. Cardiff & Vale started the game well, playing with width and pace with the highlight being excellent team cohesion resulting in winger Joe McLean scoring a hat trick of tries within the first 20 mins. Further tries were scored by Dominic Callaghan, Ollie Williams and Lloyd James who also added 3 conversions to make the half time score 36 - 0.
In the second half, Cardiff & Vale continued to play enterprising rugby whilst taking the opportunity to use all 26 travelling players thus showing the depth of quality within the current squad. Tries were scored by debutant winger Rhys Williams, Rhys Owens and Dale Morris-Smith with Lloyd James adding a conversion to make the final score 53 - 12.

Under 13's Cardiff & Vale 26 Heart of Wales 0

A truly wet and windy Autumn day greeted Heart of Wales District U13's to Old Penarthians RFC for a fixture against the currently undefeated Cardiff &Vale District U13's.

The combination of an improved visiting side and a rather rusty home team resulted in a very equal first 15 minutes of play. However, as has happened many times for Cardiff & Vale it was "the St Peters flier" Jack Huntley who broke the deadlock with a great individual effort. The try was then expertly converted by Barry fullback Kyle Barros to take the score to 7-0.

A feature of the first half was the battle of the opposing inside centres. While both played significant roles in the early clashes, it was Christian Roberts-Walters (Cowbridge) who got the upper hand and scored a fine try just before the break. The conversion was missed and the half time score stayed 12-0.

In the second half, the Cardiff & Vale side, now playing with the wind behind them, started very strongly. Indeed after only 2 minutes of play Cowbridge outside half Rhys Griffin produced a very mature pass to put Craig Wilford (Glamorgan Wanderers) in space and the centre went on to score just wide of the right hand post.
The try was again converted by Kyle Barros to take the score to 19-0.

As the half progressed the visitors did not give up and given the conditions both sides contributed to some entertaining rugby. Particular praise should be given to those boys making their debut for the home side: Joseph Fuller, Elliot Sebestyén-Regan (both St Josephs), Craig Wilford, Damian Atkins (both Glamorgan Wanderers), Jack Haines (Cowbridge) and Ryan Spriggs (St Peters).

However, it was the experience of Jack Huntley that finished off the game for Cardiff & Vale. Again he showed the Heart of Wales defence a clean pair of heels to score his second try of the day. He then converted his own effort and the game finished at 26-0.

There were a number of excellent performances from players on both sides but for his enormous work rate and ferocious tackling, the man of the match award went to Sam Parker (St Peters).

Cardiff & Vale now look forward to an away fixture with Caerphilly on Sunday November 25th.

Under 12's Cardiff & Vale 19 Heart of Wales 0

On a wet and miserable day in Penarth, Cardiff and the Vale defeated their Future Blues neighbours in a hard-fought and dogged performance.

The home side played most of the rugby in the first half, dominating possession and territory, whilst a determined Heart of Wales defence limited the score to a single Shane Young try, converted by Tyler Williams.

Again in the second half, Cardiff and the Vale dominated territory, and tried to play enterprising rugby throughout, but came up against some strong tackling, and effective counter-rucking, Heart of Wales often preventing quick ball for the home backs to launch an effective attack from.

On the occasions the Heart of Wales attack entered the home half, a gritty defence held them at bay, with some outstanding tackling from both backs and forwards, with the away side pressuring the try line.

The deadlock was broken by captain and birthday-boy Callum Sheedy, who drove through a disjointed ruck to score in the corner.

Some change for the home side saw immediate effect with super-sub Kieron Trotman scoring a driving try from five yards out within two minutes of entering the match, Tyler Williams was again successful with the conversion.

Despite some sustained pressure from the visitors, Cardiff and the Vale held onto the clean-sheet for a well worked victory.

Although the whole team played well, honourable mentions should go to second row Brad Mais, who carried the ball strongly, and often made good yards and recycled ball well.

This keeps Cardiff and the Vale's unbeaten run going, having already beaten Pembroke 46-0 and Bridgend 17-7.

Under 11's Pontypool A 0 Cardiff A15

The Cardiff team made their way to the heart of Gwent rugby at New Panteg RFC for this evening fixture.

From the start, Kai Laferla (Albany) took a clean ball and drove into the Pontypool pack (Laferla went on to take three against the head during the match with another outstanding display). The Cardiff pack rucked superbly to present perfect ball to scrum half Liam Free (Glyncoed). The ball was quickly shipped to inside centre Teri Gee Morgan (Rumney) who made good ground into the centre of the field. Again quick ruck ball was provided by the Cardiff back row of Blackmore (Llandaff CW), James (Rumney) and Brinkley (Cathedral). Cardiff retained possession for a further 6 phases of play before Free once again let his backs loose. Outside half, Breandan Nap (Cathedral) slipped the ball to Joel Croker (Baden Powell) who ghosted through two desperate tackles to score. An outstanding team try.

The tempo of the game had been set, but the shell shocked Pontypool side composed themselves and piled immediate pressure onto the Cardiff side. Some intricate Pooler back moves tried to unlock the resolute and stubborn Cardiff defence, but a number of attacks by Pontypool were thwarted. Particular mention should go to Tom Hayward (Radyr). The Cardiff second row made a number of superb cover tackles and was noted by the referee for his high standard of defensive play.

A penalty to Cardiff saw a lineout taken on the halfway line. An excellent take by the hugely impressive prop Sam Brinkworth (LLanishen Fach) was followed by a driving maul, controlled by Michael Thomas (also Llanishen Fach). Thomas broke free to set up a ruck and the Cardiff backs were once again set free. Centre Jerry Casserley (Roath Park) cut back inside and fed his supporting back row. Elliot Rees (Coryton) picked up at the base of ruck deep in the Pontypool 22. He drove forward and touched down just short of the line. The ever present openside William Brinkley (Cathedral) gratefully accepted the gift, picked up and grounded the ball.
Half time 10 - nil

The second half saw Cardiff make the most of their bench. John Hunt (Cathedral), Sam Scanlon (Creigiau), William Haines (Cathedral) and Hugo Souto (Christ The King) made hugely significant contributions to the Cardiff style of play. John Hunt in particular was first to every breakdown. His support play was tremendous and with a pass off the shoulder from Callum Bricknell (Herbert Thompson) it looked as though he would break the Pontypool defence and run a half to score. The Pontypool Centre Owen Thomas (Monmouth), had different ideas and made a superb tackle to stop him in his tracks. The ruck that ensued saw Centre Teri Morgan collect the ball and with the defence in disarray, he galloped a full 60 metres to touch down.

Shortly after wonderful passing along the line saw wing Connor Martin (St. Johns) beat all cover and with the line beckoning, a scene from Question of Sports' What happened next, saw a well placed Golden Retriever in field on the half way line prevent the score, making the referee stop play on safety grounds.

The previously unbeaten Pontypool saw Cardiff the victors 15 points to nil.
Man of the Match - Vice Captain Teri-Morgan Gee. A wonderful display in both attack and defence capped by a brilliant solo try.