Pontypridd Schools 7 - Cardiff Schools 10
In awful conditions with a howling wind and torrential rain Cardiff schools managed to book their place in the semi finals of the DC Thomas Cup.
Cardiff tries scored early on when Luke Fish (St Albans) made a blindside break, throwing a dummy and touching down in the corner. It was a great solo effort but minutes later Pontypridd responded with a converted try.
Half time Pontypridd 7 Cardiff 5
The match was a real war of attrition and the backs did not see much of ball, due to the conditions. However, Scrum half Liam Free (Glyncoed) broke the deadlock late on in second half. A gap opened and near the scrum and the number 9 took the opportunity to run in and score.
Special mention to Sam Scanlon (Creigiau) and William Haines (Cathedral) who made a huge difference to the forward efforts late on.
Man of the match Luke Fish (St. Albans) with a commanding display in such difficult conditions.
Things are looking positive for the future as both teams were brilliant in such awful conditions. Cardiff now meet Rhymney Valley in the semi finals of the DC Thomas Cup (Welsh cup) with the other semi final being played between Pontypool and Bridgend.
Cup Team for Semi Final match
Sam Scanlon Creigiau
William Haines - Cathedral School
Kai Laferla Albany
Sam Brinkworth - Llanishen Fach
Thomas Hayward Radyr
Michael Thomas -Llanishen Fach
William Brinkley - Cathedral School
Sydney Blackmore - Llandaff City CW
Cameron James Rumney
Thomas Candlin Rhiwbina
John Hunt - Cathedral School
Elliot Rees Coryton
Megan Jones - Mynydd Bychan
Liam Free - Glyncoed Juniors
Breandan Nap - Cathedral School
Jessie Lipetz Robic - Mynydd Bychan
Teri Morgan Gee Rumney
Jerry Casserly - Roath Park
Joel Croker - Baden Powell
Connor Martin - St. Johns College
Jacob John Stacey
Like Fish - St Albans
Pontypridd Schools B 5 Cardiff Schools B 0
Hawthorne
The Cardiff side unfortunately started the match with twelve players on this damp, cold evening at Pontypridds home pitch. Players had to be borrowed from the opposition in order to kick off on time.
The Cardiff and Pontypridd sides were evenly matched and from the kick off both teams showed their intent with some strong direct running from both the forwards and the reorganised backs. Tackling from both teams was equally as effective.
It was Pontypridd who opened the scoring in the first half and although both teams came close, this was to prove the decisive factor in a hard fought encounter.
Special mention should go to Lloyd Hopkin (Llanishen Fach) and Tom Candlin (Rhiwbina) for their superb efforts out wide and also to Megan Jones (Ysgol Mynydd Bychan) for yet another excellent display.
Cardiff A play Pontypridd A this Saturday in the quarter final of the DC Thomas cup. An equally well contested match is expected.