At a sunny Tondu RFC, the Vale under 15 rugby team overcame Bridgend schools by 18 points to 12 in the Morgan Griffiths plate competition and will progress to the knockout stage in the next match vs Pontypridd schools.

Both teams started well with Bridgend getting the first score with a try by their burly No. 8 after a close range lineout drive, adding the conversion to make it 7 - 0.

The Vale hit back through some good handling in the backs using Morgan Williams, Jacob Burgess, Matt Allen and Kieron Mitchell and were awarded a number of penalties in kickable positions after Bridgend handled in the rucks. Ed Howley made certain of one and hit the upright with another. 7 - 3.

Before half time the Vale pressurized Bridgend at every chance they had and this paid dividends as Owain Lord pounced on a loose ball to score a well earned try that had been fumbled by his opposite number at a 5 metre scrum. Howley added the conversion to turn around at half time, 7 - 10 up.

The second half started particularly well for Bridgend by using their dangerous backline and especially their full back and right wing who worked well to create an overlap on the right to score in the corner. 12 - 10 to Bridgend.

Vale had to defend hard with both backs and forwards involved and from a defensive kick on their own line, a favourable bounce landed in the hands of the chasing Che Pomphrey to gather and feed the supporting James Whittingham who did well to find the ever-present Nick Boudier who powered in from 15 metres out to score near the posts. Ed Howley's conversion hit the upright again and was adjudged to have missed. 12 - 15.

The final 5 minutes saw a heroic defensive display by the Vale as Bridgend through everything at them, using the bigger pack and dangerous wide runners. The Vale were up to the task, led by Stef Baker, John Miles, Harry Thomas and Chris Brace.

Vale managed to clear their lines by kicking out of danger, following up well and causing Bridgend to lose possession at the ruck area, led by Sam Hall and Alan Doyle. After such pressure a period of handbags at 5 paces ensued between the 2 packs and the Bridgend full back was penalised. Howley made sure of the 3 points. With 3 minutes to play the Vale held out to secure the victory as captain Harry Roberts showed his know-how by checking with the ref before putting the ball dead to secure the victory after pinching the ball at the ruck area.

Final score - Bridgend Schools 12 - Vale of Glamorgan Schools 18.

In the semi final against Pontypridd at Hawthorn High School the result was reversed with Pontypridd running out deserved victors by 26 points to 5. Against a team that had played a number of high calibre matches recently the Vale schools started well, showing they were up to the task ahead, ably led by Harry Roberts at hooker. The first exchanges were explosive affairs with neither team taking a backward step.

Ponty were the first to score using their dangerous backline in the first 5 minutes to score out wide. Forward play was going well for both teams and the Vale held their own at the scrum once they knew they were capable opponents for the Ponty eight with Nick Boudier and Steff Baker showing their potential.

Ponty scored 2 further tries without reply but the Vale battled well to contain them and score a try of their own from a tap penalty, Harry Roberts driving over after quick thinking by Owain Lord and Chris Brace.

A kick and chase from Ponty saw a mistimed attempt to minor the ball and the Ponty outside half followed up to score. After a few handbags at six paces a player from each team was sent to the bin and the game got back to business.

Ponty exploited a loose clearance to run wide and score through their left wing, making the final score 26-5. With a loose pick up that didn't go to hand and other handling errors, combined with the influential James Whittingham missing through injury , the Vale had shown Ponty that they had not just turned up to come second. They go forward to the final knowing that they had been in a keen well-fought match, good luck to them.

The team's 15 a side exploits this season have come to an end but they look forward to the national sevens competition in May. Harry Roberts praised the help and time given by coaches and managers this season to make it such an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Vale squad - Sam Hall, Harry Roberts, Alan Doyle, John Miles, Nick Boudier, Steffan Baker, Kieran Mitchell, Matt Allen, Owain Lord, James Whittingham, Che Pomphrey, Ed Howley, Morgan Williams, Harry Thomas, Jacob Burgess, Mason Good, Lewis Griffiths, Harry D.-Bennett, Chris Brace, Dafydd Fardy.

Vale teams beaten by more experienced Terenure College

The Vale of glamorgan under 11s rugby hosted touring teams from Terenure College, Ireland at the Old Penarthians with both A and B teams losing narrowly.

The A team started well with the first few exchanges showing that Terenure were a well organised, physical side with on average larger and more aggresive players. The Vale battled well until the opposition scored a well worked try from a tap penalty on the blindside to go 5 nil up. A number of determined runs from the Vale backs, especially Rhodri Hopkins on the right wing, Joseff Williams at full back, Harrison Ashby and Bevan Howell in the centre made the visitors tackle well to keep them out. The tackling in midfield was especially ferocious, sometimes being penalised for over zealous and high challenges. Terenure went further ahead, taking their chances well from a scrum, and evading 2 tackles to score. The Vale tried hard to get on the scoreboard with backs linking well to put Bevan Howell on a switch back to the blind from Rhys Bradshaw but was stopped close to the line. Rhydian Williams combined with namesake Joseff after a Terenure clearance kick to score out wide. Rhydian showing great pace to beat the cover defence. Vale 5 , Terenure 10.

The second half saw 2 more tries scored by the visitors without reply by the Vale team, although some determined play by all players just couldnt break down this determined Irish team. Reuben Williams combined well with Rhydian and Ioan out of defence and although down to 14 men for a few minutes after a series of dangerous tackles the visitors kept the home team out. Forwards were led well by Sam Corkhill and Haaris Kahn who tackled and pinched all they could in the loose while the front 5 tackled and rucked to the best against a team that were at least a year older per player showing what a hard task they had during the match. Final score - Vale 5, Terenure 20 points.

The B team, with a number of new drafted players competed well against the visitors. The lead changed a number of times after Fin Davies had scored the Vales try and Iestyn Raven converted, with overall winners being Terenure by 14 points to 7. In the clubhouse afterwards the players mixed well while the pleasantries of exchanging ties and plaques occurrred between captains and managers for a fixture that has been played for over 25 years and plans to be played for many more years to come. Thanks to catering mothers, referees - Dave Swain and Steve Union who played an very important part in proceedings keeping the matches under control and all coaches and supporters.