DC Thomas Plate Final Llanelli Vs Pontypridd

DC Thomas Plate Final 12th May 2010
Pontypridd SRU 29 Llanelli SRU 5
PONTYPRIDD COMPLETE U/11 DOUBLE FOR BLUES REGION SCHOOLS’ DISTRICTS
Following Cardiff’s victory over Newport (Dragons) in the DC Thomas Cup earlier this month, Pontypridd District Schools’ U/11’s emerged victorious over Llanelli (Scarlets) after a competitive and highly entertaining final of the DC Thomas Plate competition.
Pontypridd returned to Dunvant RFC for the second successive year to compete in the Plate Final and there was a steely determination within the squad to better the previous year’s result when a disappointing performance led to defeat. However after the first five minutes, which had been dominated by an equally ambitious and talented Llanelli team, Pontypridd trailed 0-5 and hadn’t progressed beyond their own 10m line!
In the next ten minutes PSRU struggled to overcome a powerful Llanelli pack and midfield, gradually achieving parity and eventually gaining the upper hand. They were led superbly once again by captain Gruffydd Lloyd, also prominent were scrum half Carl Blacker, forwards Dafydd Smith, Matthew Wilmot, Jay Jones;- who came off his sick bed to play- and hooker Liam Beere -who battled his way through the volcanic ash to return from Spain just in time to play the match. After a series of driving rucks and short passing second row, Alun Lawrence scored a typically bulldozing try, crossing the line despite the efforts of two Llanelli defenders he carried on his back.
If the main theme of the match was a ‘war of attrition’ between the two packs and the well-matched midfields; the try which put Pontypridd into a lead they would not surrender, came courtesy of a flash of brilliant play from full back Steele Quirke; linking with winger Ben Evans in his own half, he scythed through the covering defence and just when it seemed he was about to be tackled short of the line, off-loaded to supporting centre Rhodri Smith who scored under the posts and converted himself, giving Pontypridd a 12-5 half-time lead.
After the break Llanelli again stretched Pontypridd, but were countered by the forwards in the tight and were unable to breach the blitz defence in midfield. Time and again Dylan Hughes, George Harris and the rest of the backs thwarted Llanelli attacks before they had a chance to develop. Replacements Iwan Cavill, Liam Malkin, Jac Smith, Dewi Matthews and Liam Dando all came on at the start of, or early, in the second half. That the level of team performance didn’t fall reflected the contributions made by the whole squad–this despite the fact that among the players they replaced were three East Wales representative players.
Pontypridd pressurised the Llanelli line and scored a third try after another Alun Lawrence run when he off-loaded for prop Callum Hall to score. A similar passage of play led to a try from wing forward Jack Archer, converted by Dewi Cross. The game finished with another close-range try from Pontypridd’s outstanding attacking threat, Steele Quirke, which capped a marvellous individual performance.
The point’s difference in the 29-5 score line flattered Pontypridd- the game was much closer than this- but demonstrated the commitment of all twenty players to their defensive duties.
During the traditional after-match banquet (of sausage, beans and chips!) captains Gruffydd Lloyd and Ellis Thomas (Llanelli) thanked all concerned; the referee, coaches, parents and Dunvant RFC for their hospitality. Everyone present had thoroughly enjoyed the occasion, which for neutrals, had produced an enthralling game of rugby between two committed, enthusiastic and able teams.
After the match the Pontypridd U/11 coaches reflected, that like many rugby teams throughout Wales, we had struggled to find consistency in the mid part of the season due to a large number of matches cancelled because to the poor weather. However the commitment and enthusiasm of the boys in training was rewarded in their performances in the last games of the season. Whilst we often hope for an ‘easy draw’ we didn’t get one! The qualities of opposition in South Powys (34-10), Cynon Valley (19-0), Vale of Glamorgan (26-0) and Llanelli in the final, gave our boys a target of an increasingly high level of performance needed in order to achieve progress in the competition. During the four game cup-run we met four able and determined opposition Districts’ and scored 112 points; conceding just 15. Da iawn bechgyn, well done!
Author; Mark Condron Chairman PSRU

DC Thomas Plate Semi Final

In the last round we beat Cynon Valley 19 nil. Three days before, the Vale of Glamorgan beat them 49 7, so we knew we had to be at our best to have any chance of a result.
The first ten minutes was a see-saw affair. First we attacked strongly with our forwards rucking powerfully giving the backs good ball then the Vale would do the same. Steele Quirke then saw a gap on the halfway line, hit it at the perfect angle and broke free and out sprinted the defence to score. Rhodri Smith converted.
With the forwards playing brilliantly as one strong unit and giving Carl Blacker an armchair ride, Steele was given the ball and again sprinted over the white wash for a try.
In defence, the backs were regularly putting their opponents under constant pressure by rushing up and putting in some strong tackles. The forwards would turnover plenty of ball by being brave and working together. Time and time again the pack would off load to a supporting player or go to ground and set up a ruck placing the ball for Carl to pass to Dewi Cross. Shortly before half time, the forwards set up an attack in the Vale’s 22 and created a ruck. Carl picked up the ball, dummied to Dewi and went over for the third try.
In the second half the Vale stepped up their challenge and attacked hard and ran hard at the Pontypridd players but they stayed strong and absorbed each and every attack. No one missed a tackle and kept working till the end. The final try was scored by our human bulldozer, Alun Lawrence who crashed over with about four Vale of Glamorgan players on his back. Dewi converted for the extra two points.
With ten minutes left, on came the replacements but they didn’t weaken the side at all. In fact they strengthened the side. Their fresh legs ran strong and hard which inspired the rest of the team who tackled as if their lives depended on it. Pontypridd were determined that the Vale would not cross to score. Time and time again the Vale players attacked and tried to find a way to the try line but each time they were knocked back and couldn’t find a weakness in our defence.
All the coaches agreed that the Vale of the Glamorgan had met Pontypridd in blistering form with all players playing their best game of the season. However, with Llanelli awaiting us in the final, it is imperative that the boys don’t drop their standards.