U13's Tour “INTO THE VALLEYS 2010”

Merthyr RFC (Tour) 10 – 19 Eagles

Juniors U13 • Tour • Sat 27th Feb 10, 12:00AM

U13's Tour “INTO THE VALLEYS 2010”

 

“INTO THE VALLEYS 2010”

 

......and (safely) Out Again!

 

Even 'Shaun the Sheep', our Artificial mascot decided he would return on the coach, despite the obvious attractions on the hills around Merthyr!

 

A remarkably quick journey down to Merthyr Tydfil on the Friday evening, courtesy of The Stig and his “aerodynamic coach”, saw the Tour Party arrive in time to witness the second half defeat of our Welsh 'hosts' at the hands of the French. Could this be an (The) Omen?

 

Saturday morning saw a 'normal' Tour breakfast; sharing bacon and eggs with paracetamol and neurofen, and everyone wondering why they still can't count past thirty-two.

 

Following a leisurely morning, one the world's most organised and hospitable men, 'Merthyr Mein Host' Mark Williams, came to Get us and escort us up the hill to the 'Wern'. The boys headed for the changing rooms to get ready for their first International, allowing the Dad's to mingle around the coffee bar, and pass round the Mints.

 

Merthyr Tydfil RFC 10 – 19 Touring Eagles

 

The picturesque ground (in two directions anyway) was in excellent condition and it was certainly one of the biggest pitches the boys had ever played on. The energy levels were definitely going to be key.

 

Both sides looked nervous in the opening exchanges, with many handling errors disrupting the game. However, once the Eagles got to grips with some interesting rule variations (which effectively made scrums non-contested) they were able to put some pressure onto the Merthyr defence. The width of the pitch also required great levels of concentration to deter any counter attacking.

 

Despite this space, and following some stodgy play in the middle of the park, SH Lim found Loftus with quick ball from the base of a well won ruck and he delivered a wonderful chip through the centre for an advancing Murray to chase down. With a wonderful turn of speed, and an expertly executed kick forward, he managed to evade the Merthyr defence, pick up the ball, and cross the try line for the first try of the day. Lonsdale stepped up to convert, for a very welcome seven points to calm everyone's nerves. 0 - 7

 

Now showing plenty of confidence the backs started to execute some probing of their own and with excellent work along the line, the Eagles found themselves  with two wonderful scoring opportunities in either corner. On both occasions the ball just slipped from our grasp at the point of touchdown.

We were left to wonder whether these lost opportunities were going to be costly, and sure enough a superb break by the Merthyr No. 7 (who was voted their MoM) saw him cross the try line in the corner. The conversion attempt was missed and play continued until an unfortunate injury to the Merthyr SH brought forward the halftime whistle. 5 - 7

 

Merthyr came out for the second half with a completely different mind set and dominated the early exchanges in midfield, with their big powerful runners taking advantage of static scrummaging and taking the ball with considerable momentum. One such drive down their left hand side saw a couple of missed Eagles tackles resulting in a second Merthyr try in the corner. Once again the conversion attempt was missed but the Eagles were now down 10 – 7.

 

The Eagles re-grouped and steadily made ground with excellent rucking and driving, and at last took some pressure off their defence. Gaining confidence, and with energy levels restored through sheer willpower, Merthyr found themselves panicking just outside their 22. The excellent Bone, who was playing one of his finest ever games for the Eagles, burst forward to charge down a defensive kick which fell towards an advancing Murray, who taking advantage of the kind bounce forced his way over the line under the posts. Loftus duly converted and the Eagles restored their lead. 10 – 14. 

 

Making full use of their squad, the Eagles were able to introduce fresh legs to hold a very resilient Merthyr at bay. Once again the Eagles pack were asserting themselves, and from one such forward maul, the ball found the very mobile Loftus who fronted the attack a good fifteen yards, before setting up Bliss to take up the next phase. He advanced a further fifteen yards to just short of the try line and with great support from the forwards, skipper Chandler picked up and drove round the side to force himself over the try line in the corner. It was a fantastic period of play and despite the conversion attempt falling short, the Eagles had given themselves a cushion at 10 – 19.

 

With the clock ticking down the Eagles had to withstand one final onslaught, but with admirable courage they stood up and cleared the ball deep into Merthyr territory inviting a knock on to bring about the final whistle.

 

This had been a fantastic, physical game of Rugby, with both sides giving no quarter in the tackles. It was all hard, but fair stuff, and both sides should be applauded for their sportsmanship and adherence to the core values of Rugby.

 

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Much needed refreshments (for everyone) was next on the Agenda and taking advantage of the Merthyr hospitality the tour party stayed at the ground to watch the Merthyr Tydfil 1^st XV take on local rivals Bargoed RFC in a highly entertaining National League Division 1 East fixture.

The extremely hospitable Merthyr team then invited us back to their clubhouse back down in the town for tea, quizzes and music; not forgetting the England v Ireland International. Some members of the party elected to Walkies back, but it wasn't long before we were re-united to cheer on our heroes at Twickenham. It is safe to say the majority of the people in the room were cheering for the other side!!

 

In truth the banter was excellent, which meant we didn't hear tHe idisyncratic commentary too much. The result, needless to say went down well with said majority!!

 

The Major observation on the whole day, was the support of the opposition parents and grandparents, with Mums and Nanny's supplying all the food and joining in the singing and merriment. We have much to live up to when we host the inevitable return fixture.

 

Sadly we couldn't Hang eround all evening and it was time to depart for the coach to take the short journey back to the hotel for the Tour Dinner and Tour Court. But not before Pamela had presented his 'nice pair' of tickets to clean up in the Raffle. What happened to that bottle by the way.......?

 

The Tour Dinner and Court was enjoyed by all (including a small contingent from the Merthyr Club!) and after a very exhausting day the boys retired for bed and the Dads were finally able to relax in the bar for a nice quiet drink.

 

The next morning was again relatively civilised, albeit there were some complaints of potential long term damage tO livers. Heroically Serg(io)ing on, the Tour party assembled back on to the coach to delve further “Into the Valleys”. The scenery was, in places, Bootiful with even our very own Old Sheep hankering for the “good old days?!” It wasn't long however before we hurtled and Lurched our way back down another valley and into the small town of Aberdare for our second fixture of the Tour.

 

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Aberdare RFC 24 v 5 Touring Eagles

 

Representatives of Aberdare had been at the game the previous day and it was evident that this had created an extra incentive for a highly motivated Aberdare side.

 

On a much colder, breezier day there was no doubt they would represent a huge challenge to a visibly tiring Eagles squad. Showing real character, however, the Eagles were definitely up for the fight and in fact dominated the early stages of the game actually taking the lead when Murray intercepted a loose ball and raced away for a fine individual try. 0 - 5

 

The score surprised the largeish crowd (which included several from the Merthyr Club – cheering on the Eagles!!) and Aberdare were definitely under pressure. In fact Murray nearly scored a second breakaway try, which might have been crucial, however he was thwarted just five yards out.

 

Finally Aberdare's nerves settled and they started to work their backs into the game, who troubled the Eagles defence with constant probing around the flanks. Once again the lack of really competitive scrums watered down the Eagles effectiveness, and only encouraged strong running from deep from a number of their bigger boys. Nonetheless, the Eagles resisted until late in the first half when a sharp move across their backline created the opportunity to break the Eagles defensive line to record the equalising try. The conversion attempt was successful and Aberdare went into the break ahead 7 – 5.

 

The second half started with the Eagles literally camped in the Aberdare half, and assisted by the strong wind they launched several drives for the line, only being prevented by some strong and excellent defensive tackling. With a little bit of fortune the Eagles could have restored their lead, after a heroic Chandler drive but unfortunately the referee adjudged there to be a knock-on at the critical point of touchdown.

 

It was a major blow, and you could sense the momentum of the game was about to turn. Although the Eagles continued to battle all the way to the final whistle, showing good discipline in adversity, from this point onwards Aberdare ran in three tries, converting one, without reply, and certainly finished the stronger side to finish deserved winners by  24 – 5.

 

It had been a very brave performance by the Eagles, and perhaps whilst the scoreline was maybe a little harsh, it had been an excellent mornings Rugby, and in the longer term a great learning experience for the squad.

 

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With the closing embers of the Tour fast approaching there was just one hospitality duty left to navigate. A short drive took us to Aberdare RFC HQ where we were all fed and watered in preparation for the return journey. Following the completion of presentations we were on our way but not before an unscheduled stop was made to bring on board 'provisions', and allow certain members of the party to use the facilities of a Wally and (Le) Bush to make themselves 'comfortable'!

 

Luckily for all concerned the Law rounded the coach without getting sight of their 'small' misdemeanours! And off we went, home in search of Marital heaven and the chance of a well earned snooze!!

 

 

Summary

A massively enjoyable weekend, which could never have happened without the efforts of Lawro and a certain individual from Merthyr Tydfil RFC. The Eagles played truly excellent rugby, always competitive, yet sporting, and deservedly earned the respect , friendship and plaudits of the opposition and supporters. 

 

 

TOUR STATISTICS

 

Squad: Max Chandler (capt), George Matthews, Luke Bliss, Elliot Woodhouse, Sam Jones, Martin Tersigni, Kieran McCarthy, Matt Murray, Chris Bone, Seb Bate, Adam Carter, Benjy Baxter, Tom Anderson, Seb Lim, Harry Lonsdale, Daniel Loftus, Chris Cody, George Meek, Marcus Gruen,  Sam Parsons, Joshua Buisson,  Angus Cook

 

                                    Pl        W        D         L          F          A

Results:                    2          1          0          1          24        34       

                                               

Try Scorers:

3          Matt Murray

1          Max Chandler

 

Conversions:

1          Loftus

1          Lonsdale

           

Awards:

 

Saturday         v Merthyr Tydfil           Man of the Match       Chris Bone

                                                            Merthyr MoM              Chris Cody

 

Sunday           v Aberdare                 Man of the Match       Harry Lonsdale

                                                            Aberdare MoM          Matt Murray

 

Dads on Tour                                     Player of the Tour      Adam Carter

 

Coaches                                           Top Tourist                  Sam Jones

 

 

 

Sleep loSt at tour !!

1/3/2010

 

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