Pontypridd 17 Cynon Valley 0

Saturday 17th April
DC Thomas Plate Quarter Final
PSRU U/11 travelled to Abercwmboi RFC to play our near neighbours in the Plate Quarter Final. The fine weather was matched by the opulent facilities of the home club!
The game was keenly contested and much closer than the score line suggests. Despite having the majority of territory and possession in the first half, resolute defence from Cynon Valley restricted PSRU to a single try, scored by winger Ben Evans.
In the second half Pontypridd’s defence was tested time and again by the Cynon Valley team and that we protected our line under great pressure speaks volumes for the commitment of the whole team. Whilst our captain Gruffydd Lloyd once again had an outstanding game; the whole Pontypridd squad contributed to the victory, with every player tackling and pressurising their counterparts in defence.
Alun Lawrence was prominent in attack, as were our midfield quartet of Dewi Cross, Rhodri Smith, Jack Smith and Steele Quirke. Hooker Liam Beere scored our second try finishing off a sustained attack, converted by Rhodri Smith. This was followed by a late solo effort from scrum half Carl Blacker (converted by Dewi Cross)-which capped an excellent display from our East Wales number nine and sealed the victory.
The match was a great advert for U/11 District Rugby and both teams can be proud of their performances and their contribution to the game.
Pontypridd will play the winners of Bridgend and Vale of Glamorgan in the semi-final.
TEAM; 1 Liam Malkin (Liam Dando) 2 Liam Beere 3 Callum Hall 4 Alun Lawrence 5 Jack Archer (Tyler Morgan) 6 Iwan Cavil 7 Dafydd Smith (Dewi Matthews) 8 Gruffydd Lloyd 9 Carl Blacker 10 Dewi Cross 11 George Harris 12 Jac Smith 13 Rhodri Smith 14 Ben Evans (Dylan Hughes) 15 Steele Quirke
SCORERS; Tries; Ben Evans, Liam Beere & Carl Blacker. Conversions; Rhodri Smith & Dewi Cross