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Today the combined under 9s and 10s team put on the most tenacious, physical and committed performance of the season against Pembroke Dock Quins. Earlier in the year we won a tight high scoring game against them down in Bierspool but today took on a much physically bigger side with nearly every one of their players having a considerable height and weight advantage over our players. We may not have won but what this group showed in the ferocity of their defence and maturity of their play was outstanding. It was a performance in which a few players grew up and showed what we know they’re capable of. I normally would go through every player but we had a large squad so that may be impossible. The under 9s players added a lot of quality to the side and despite being smaller were not intimidated in the slightest and towards the end were happily repelling attack after attack whilst camped on our line with aggressive tackling and a physicality far beyond their years. Alex stood out particularly with his 100% tackle return and timed his hits to perfection. Rohan also played above himself, constantly involved in proceedings, really comfortable both tackling and carrying supported well by Austyn who again stood out both in attack and defence. Every one of the under 9s players added something different, didn’t shirk their defensive responsibilities and carried directly and strongly and looked the part.
We had the usual length of the field efforts from George who must have beaten every player on the pitch twice by the final whistle. Harry contributed his normal aggressive display and also released George for a try when finding him with a long cut out pass on our own line. Manny was industrious in attack and defence orchestrating the rearguard effort when we were under the cosh in the second half. Skipper Iestyn put in yet another all action display scoring tries and hitting ruck after ruck to turn defence into attack sustaining an injury to his elbow in the second half that brought his game to an early finish.
My man of the match today was Trystan who once again raised his game to another level. Trystan was the most physical player on display today, fearlessly defending, winning rucks and then getting back on his feet to carry the ball directly and aggressively time and again. What we saw from Trystan today was a performance level that from his efforts in training we knew would come. When Iestyn went off injured I asked Trystan if he could up his game even further. His answer was in the display he gave. He was devastated at the final whistle to have lost and exhausted from his efforts which was testament to how much his team means to him.
The most pleasing aspect of today was how this group came together at short notice to put on the best display of teamwork and commitment we’ve seen all season. A match that will live long in the memory. Well done everyone.

Marc Davies.