Fixture

Facing a squad of 23 players, with 6 coaches and an entourage of travelling support, the 14 brave boys of St Julian's battled manfully in defeat, succumbing to a 17-0 loss but making their opponents work for every single point earned. The courage & togetherness with which they played, coupled with far more aggression in defence, left their coaches purring as they came off the field - a far cry from last week's disappointment in the win over Bedwas.

It was actually Saint Julian's who started the brighter, with a long spell inside their opponents 22, going through the phases and making good ground with hard carries. However, they were unable to convert this pressure into points and a number of penalties meant that Old Penarthians were quickly up the field and over the whitewash for their first try, which came from a tap penalty.

The Saints were clearly frustrated, and indiscipline cost them field position again following the restart. Old Penarthians were camped in the Saints 22 and eventually the pressure told as they crossed the line for a second try following some good build up play.

The rest of the half was evenly contested, but on the stroke of half time it was the visitors who extended their lead with a try from their impressive number 8, who went from his own half and dotted down despite being chased down by two wingers. The TMO replay showed there was a foot in touch as the covering defence made a tackle attempt, but this was not consulted by the referee or his touch judge, so the try stood.

With the try just before half time, there was a real possibility that the Young Saints would let their heads drop and allow their opponents to start running in the tries, but to a man, all 14 (and at times 13) players dug in and refused to lie down. They kept the second half try-less, which frustrated their opponents who started to express their frustrations. Again, the Young Saints did not back down and showed courage in face of the increasing pressure. Liam Luckett, who had man of the match with a typically combative display, lead the team from the front, throwing himself into rucks and contact with aplomb. While the whole team performance was impressive, other special mentions must go to Dylan "Erik the Viking" Lewis for his big tackles and to skipper Joseph Lee for looking out for his players at every opportunity.

All in all Penarthians deserved their win, and there is plenty for Saint Julian's to work on, but the coaches could not ask for more in terms of determination, passion and teamwork from their team.

Full Time Score

St Julians RFC 17 - 0 Old Penarthians RFC