Fixture

The Young Saints travelled to play Penallta at the Dragons' training base at Ystrad Mynach and played more than their part in a try fest of rugby. 

This was the first game the team had played in over a month, so the players could be forgiven for a little rustiness, but little was on show as the Young Saints played some superb attacking rugby, scoring four tries despite eventually going down 31-22 to the Pitmen.

As has been the case in the last few games, it was Saint Julians who started the brighter, keeping the ball and going through the phases well until working Mitchell Watkins in for the first score of the game.

Watkins had to leave the field shortly after which forced the Saints into a bit of a reshuffle. Soloman Gabicca came on at flanker, back row forward Iwan Pitman switched to inside centre and Caleb Higgs-Collier, who was returning from a 3 month injury, moved to the wing. The switch did not stop the Saints continuing to play with width and pace, and only some good scramble defence from the opposition, in addition to some lazy support play, stopping the Young Saints extending their lead.

Penallta, while rarely going beyond two phases of play, did look dangerous in open play and soon struck back with a try following a good kick and chase. 

Captain Joseph Lee, who marshalled his troops well from outside half, scored next with a fantastic break and hand off to beat the covering tackle, but again sloppy first up tackling allowed Penallta to score again shortly after.

Saints next try really had the coaches purring. Following a set piece, Sol Gabbica carried hard, sucking in 3 defenders and presenting the ball. The forwards cleared out quickly allowing the backs quick ball which they used to carry further over the gainline and into the Penallta 22. Another quick recycle saw Riley Hayward make a break and be brought down close to the tryline, following which he popped up to the Kieran Addis who ran in for a great team score just before half time.

The second half saw the Pitmen make a comeback, scoring a try which again came from broken play and missed first up tackles.

The Saints were next on the score sheet due to some excellent running, support play and basic draw and passes which put Iwan Pitman over the the Young Saints' fourth of the afternoon and back into the lead.

Unfortunately, the Saints could not hold their lead as Penallta scored two further tries, the latter coming in the last play of the game. 

The coaches were pleased with the performance of the team. Especially considering it had been a month since they had played. A special mention must go to Shay Bushe, an U11 player, who was sublime today, putting in a man of the match performance due to his ferocious hits and ripping work - stripping the ball off players far larger than himself.

There will be training on Wednesday and Saturday again this week in preparation for the Plate game against Forgeside next Sunday.

Full Time

Penallta RFC 31-22 Saint Julians RFC

Try Scorers

Pitman, Lee, Watkins, Addis

Man of the Match

Shay Bushe