The Young Saints left Oakdale with a job well done as they put the developing Oakdale to the sword with a clinical display of attacking rugby.
It was the first time the team had played a match under floodlights, and the players really seemed to enjoy the special atmosphere that night games can produce, which was reflected in their commitment and standard of play.
Oakdale actually started the brighter of the two teams, scoring a try very early on which left the coaches wondering whether it was going to be a long evening in the heart of Gwent, but almost immediately the Saints hit back with a try of their own before extending the lead shortly after; a lead they never really looked like relinquishing.
The final try count was 11 tries to 3 but, more importantly, it was the manner of those tries which was the most pleasing, with the majority of them coming out in the wide channels following some slick hands and brilliant execution of overlaps and two on ones. The decision of each player was excellent and the team really held their width and depth to take advantage of opportunities when they arose.
The stand out player in this regard, and eventual man of the match, was Riley Hayward, who put in a complete performance at 9. He passed well, made good decisions and was vocal in defence encouragine his team mates to spread the field and get up in the opposition's faces. We will be asking his father to stay away more often if he continues to perform like this in his absence. Another mention must go to Shay Bushe from the U11's, who brought a real physicality to his game despite playing a year up, and to Thomas Morgan for some Shane Williams-esq footwork and excellent carries.
The Young Saints were not dominant in every aspect however, and the scrum in particular was under pressure throughout the game, which gives the coaches something to work on for Saturday - you can bet that Steve the scrummaging machine will be used in training.
Credit to our hosts for continuing to battle up until the final minute and thank you to Oakdale RFC for putting on food at their club despite it being a midweek game.
#ohwhenthesaints
Final Score
Oakdale RFC 15 - 55 Saint Julian's RFC
Try Scorers
Lee (3), Griffiths (2), Pitman (2), Watkins (2) , Thomas-keyse, Bushe
Man of the Match
Riley Hayward
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