Match Reports

St. Peter’s Under 12

Contact Details

We are updating our contacts list, so that we can use a new communications system (Teamer) next year.

Please send your email and mobile phone details to stpeters.gwyn@gmail.com

Presentation Night – Change of Date

It will now be on the evening of Saturday 14th of May at 5pm. Please bring a plate of food.

Sunday May 1st Abergavenny Tournament

Runners-up

The Tournament

It was a pretty good result given some missing players, injuries and the time that the campers went to bed the night before.  A good end to a great season, where the team has been to the final of everything that they have entered.  And as Nicola once told us around the camp-fire “like that Meatball used to sing - one out of three, ain’t bad” 

In this one they fell at the final hurdle against the familiar faces of Talywain.  On the way there, they were undefeated and maintained the proud record of never having conceded a point to an English side.

For the stattos:

• Played 6, Won 5, Lost 1
• Tries for 21, Tries against 3

The Silverware

Pool Game 1

St Peter’s 25 Abertillery 0

The Game

A convincing first game saw the boys run in 5 tries, all from the backs.  Everyone got on and everyone played well. 

Tries: Ben x1, Raf x1, Tom M x2, SPO x1

Pool Game 2

St Peter’s 30 Haywards Heath (B) 0

The Game

This one was tainted a bit by an injury to Connor O’Brien very early on.  Fortunately our two healthcare professionals, Jinan and Alison, were on hand to refer him to the St John’s Ambulance plodders, who called a small ambulance, who called a big ambulance that took Connor away.  The good news was that he was back with us later in the day, but still needed to go to hospital to get checked out. 

Once the game got going, there was some excellent handling resulting in a six try demolition.  It was in this game that SPO tackled one English player so hard that he finished up back over the border.  

Tries: Sion W x1, Raf x2, Tom M x2, Ben x1

Pool Game 3

St Peter’s 35 Barry 0

The Game

5 in the first, 6 in the second and now 7 in the third game with the team on fire against a plucky Barry side.  Again some excellent tries, none more so than from Rhydian who ran in and touched down one handed with air of a player who scores three or four tries every game.  Congratulations Rhyds, on your first try of the season.

Tries: Tom M x2, SPO x1, Rhydian x1, Raf x2, Sion W x1

Pool Game 4

St Peter’s 5 Haywards Heath (A) 0

The Game

A real toughie against the best English team we have ever played.  With the score at 0 – 0 the team lost captain Sion W to an elbow in throat (now fully recoved, although he still has a touch of the Barry White’s).  It was therefore to their great credit that they ground out a victory by the slimmest margin with an interception try from Tom Meehan (Owain has already taken legal advice on court action for breach of copyright).

Tries: Tom M x1

Semi-Final

St Peter’s 10 Blackwood 5

The Game

The semi-final was another nerve jangler, with the Rocks scoring first from Raf, but a big and physical Blackwood side getting back into it with the first try conceded on the day.  It was nip and tuck, but Tom managed to score and the boys played out time for the victory and a place in the final

Tries: Raf x1, Tom M x1

Final

St Peter’s 0 Talywain 10

The Game

Despite winning their semi-final in extra-time, Talywain were fresher than the Rocks and our boys showed only little flashes of the form that got them to the final.  That said, the defence was heroic at times and it was not through a lack of effort that they were defeated.  Talywain, with their talisman number 8, were just a bit too strong this time. 

Well done Talywain

Tournament and Trip Highlights:

• Loads of tries, especially from Raf and Tom M
• Bone cruching tackles from SPO
• Enthusiatic support, especially from Jed

• For Nicola (Click)
• Pat O’Brien’s relentless wood gathering for the BBQ
• The Witts world record attempt for the most people sleeping in a caravan awning

Things to work on:

• Building a chair strong enough for Jed
• Singing – it was total pants
• Saving a bit more energy for the final

Rocks Man of the Tournament – SPO

Thanks to Patsy, Rebecca and Alison for organising

 Tournament report by “The Team Manager”

Sunday April 17th

 Sully 0 St Peter’s 54 

Best Wishes

Our best wishes to Mary (Zach’s mum) who not well and is likely to require an operation.  All at St Peter’s wish her a speedy recovery. 

Pat (Connor O’B's grandad) is still in hospital, but is in good spirits and looking forward to next season, when he fully expects to attend the Blues Cup Final and see the team win!

The Game

Having originally been forced to call the game off at late notice, Sully were good enough to put together a team from the under 12′s and under 13′s who had come to training.  Unfortunately for them, they were up against Rocks side that was firing on all cylinders right from the start.  Despite a significant size difference, the smaller St Peter’s forwards were the more aggressive and they dominated the breakdown, setting a strong platform for Josh Nolan and Daf to set the backs away.  The tries came at regular intervals – the first from Ben on the far right, then Owain (yes, he threw a dummy) in the same spot and then from Tom M out wide on the left (Tom had moved into the backs after Mckenzie had suffered an early injury).  The next try was the best of the half, with excellent support play keeping the ball alive for Stef to take a pass from Lucy to score.  Rami was next in and then Lucy got a fine try of her own to make the half-time score 30 – 0.

The second half started in a similar fashion to the first, with the Rock’s forwards putting in strong tackles and robbing the opposition at the breakdown.  The first try of the half was a solo effort fro Stef who beat two men from the half-way line and had just enough gas to touchdown as the covering defender caught up with him.  Rami then got his second, expertly converted by Josh Boys, and then a third for a well deserved hatrick – Ben converted.  The last try was a thundering run from Joe, who showed excellent strength, speed and ball handing skills to score from 25 yards.

This final game of the season was a landmark match for three of our players:

-  Josh Boys will drop down to his school age group next season.  He has been a member of the squad from the start and his trademark head-on tackles of larger opponents have long been an example to his older team-mates.  Our loss is the Under 11′s gain.  We expect to hear big things.

- Lucy Paterson cannot move up to U13 with the team because of WRU rules.  She will leave a big gap as she has had a fantastic season in both attack and defence.  We will also miss the dumb-founded look on the faces of opposition players and supporters as they are run around or smashed in a tackle “by a girl”.  Hopefully Lucy will carry on playing rugby -  she is many people’s top tip to be the first from our squad to play for Wales!

- Joe Miles played his first game for the Rocks and gave a very impressive display, both in the tackle and with ball in hand and he topped it off with an excellent try.  Welcome and well done.

Tries:  Ben x1,Tom Meehan x1, Owain x1, Stef x2, Rami x3, Joe x1, Lucy x1

Cons: Ben x1, Josh Boys x1

Match Report by Gwyn Williams

Tuesday April 12th

 St Peter’s 12 Pontypridd 20 (Blues Cup Final)

“There is no comparison between that which is lost by not succeeding and that lost by not trying”

The effort by the team was fantastic at the Arms Park.  Sometimes you have to lose in sport, but the only regret that you can have is that you did not give your best.  Every player gave their best, and parents, coaches and supporters are very proud of the performance. 

It was a tribute to the coaching effort of Patsy, Dai and Don and the parents and players would also like to thank those three for all the hard work that they have put in this year that gave the team the opportunity to play in the final.

Best Wishes

Our best wishes to Pat Murphy (Conor O’Brien’s grandad) – one of the keenest supporters of the team, who was unable to attend the final. Get well soon Pat.

The Build-up

Everyone met at the club, at 4:30  to receive their new ties and have a pre-match meal prepared by Don (thanks Don).  Contrary to the rumours, there has been no out-break of salmonella.  Whether or not the ties made any difference to the smartness of the team is a matter of opinion – as Patsy commented “You can tell we come from Roath”.

After food, we took a short walk to Newport Road to take the “Arms Park Special” laid on by Cardiff Bus, courtesy of Dave Hill (thanks Dave). Evidently the bus was working fine when it left the Depot.

After a short wait, the replacement bus arrived and we were off to the Arms Park

At the stadium, we got the home dressing room and settled in for a long wait, as the other games were running late

Different players deal with nerves in different ways – some stay in quiet thought, some act the fool (you know who you are) while Daf plays air guitar and Sion Williams does impressions (see photo for Wallace from Wallace and Gromit).  Note: you can click on the photos to make them bigger.

Eventually, Dai and Patsy were able to get them out for a warm-up, followed by another nervy wait in the dressing room.

And, at long last, it was time to line up in the tunnel and take to the pitch……………………….

The Game

Just like in the semi-final, the team started very well and maintained pressure for a sustained period in the Ponty 22. The forward platform was good, with the ball recycled well and there was strong running from both Rocks’ centres Ben and Sion. Unfortunately, the siege was broken by a penalty to Ponty and they made their way up the pitch with good ball retention of their own. On 10 minutes, they scored a try in the right-hand corner at the Taff end. It was too wide out for the conversion to be successful, but it was ominous for St Peters, who would need to raise their game to stay in the contest.

And it was, indeed, an immediate and impressive riposte from the Rocks, who made good ground down the pitch to set up a ruck on the right. The ball was passed to Josh Mac in centre field who made good ground before setting up a ruck that was expertly cleared out by Stef. Again the ball was quickly recycled and passed along the line to Raf on the left-wing, who beat two men to score in the corner. The conversion was too far out and there was a stale-mate for the rest of the half, with some excellent defence from the Rocks, especially Rami who did not a miss a tackle while up against a big opposition wing.

It may have been the worst half-time team talk in history from Patsy, or maybe these things just happen, but only moments into the second-half a loose kick was collected by the big Ponty winger, who ran through just about half the team to score. This was another low point that needed a show of character from the team in response and this was evident right from the restart, with the Rocks forcing errors from a usually assured Ponty team. A loose ball deep in their half was scooped up by Raf who zig-zagged his way up the field (as Dai pointed out “rather in the style of Benny Hill”) to beat the cover defence and score near enough to the posts for Daf to put over an excellent conversion. 12 – 10 to the Rocks.

What followed was an even more intense game of attack and defence, with St Peter’s in the latter role. There was not a single member of the team that did not make a tackle and would not be feeling it the following morning. It was a full 10 minutes of bruising, backs to the wall defending, with further pressure from the referee, who was looking to penalise even the smallest indiscretions, and eventually they could not hold out no longer. Again, it was the big winger who scored. With the game to chase and further wave of Ponty attacks, the same player got his hat-trick.

Nevertheless the Rocks came back and, bolstered by a full set of subs coming on in the closing minutes, they were able to finish on the attack.

Well done to the team – your best is all that can be asked of you.

And well done Ponty, for winning the Cup

Kevin O’Brien was at the game taking photo’s (thanks Kevin) and has posted them onto a website.  There are some cracking shots. See the link on the main St Peter’s site news page or go from here: Photos from the Final

Highlights:

• Raf’s second try (and his first, but the second was special)
• Rami’s defence up against the big kid
• Owain’s distribution
• Sion W’s “Elephant Man” like lump after head-butting a boot in a tackle
• The heart in all of the team

Things to work on:

• Carrying the ball in two hands to make sure that it is not spilled in the tackle
• Looking inside to the get the ball away from the touchline

Tries: Raf x2
Cons: Daf x1

Match Report by Gwyn Williams

Sunday April 3rd

 St Peter’s 24 Rumney 7 (Blues Cup Semi-final)

Message from the Coach

Patsy would like to say a big thank you to our supporters today.  You were excellent and deserved the fantastic performance that  you got from the team.   The final will take place at the Arms Park on the evening of Tuesday April 12th against Pontypridd, who beat Cowbridge in the other semi-final. 

Congratulations

To Josh Nolan, who will play for East Wales (vrs West Wales) at Schools Under 11 level on April 13. This is the highest level that a child can reach in Wales at under 11 level and Josh becomes the sixth member of squad to get the honour.  However, there is a downside – as things stand, he will not be able to play in the Blues Cup Final.

The Game

Congratulations to the team for a convincing victory and an excellent display from every single player.  This time, the victory was as convincing as the score-line suggests, with the Rocks having the upper hand in just about every facet of play.

Untypically, the team started well and maintained an assured tempo throughout the game, scoring at regular intervals and making sure that Rumney were never really in the hunt.  The forward platform was excellent and the scrum an absolute revelation (evidently Patsy gave the front row a master-class in the dark arts last Sunday).

The first try came 10 minutes into the game after sustained possession, but still took a bit of scoring in the left corner from Tom Meehan.  The second try was a long range effort from Raf, showing strength and speed to touchdown in the right corner.  Rumney showed some individual flashes, but were lucky to be only 10 points down at the interval.   Half-time score, 10 – 0 to the Rocks.

In the second-half, it was much of the same.  The pack consistently produced good ball and aggressive defence from the whole team meant that Rumney had no space with which to build an attack.  Raf got another excellent try from distance, proving that he was the best finisher on the park and giving Daf an easy conversion. 

The final Rock’s try was scored by Owain.  After Tom Meehan and Connor O’Brien had threatened the Rumney line, the ball was recycled by the forwards and passed along the back line.  With the ball in Owain’s hands, the entire population of Cardiff  knew that he was going to throw a dummy.  But the Rumney backs still bought it.  Daf converted.

Rumney got a consolation try after a mix up between defenders covering a bouncing ball.  Nevertheless, the win was as emphatic as it was deserved.

Bring on Ponty!  

Highlights: 

• That every player contributed to the victory
• Munching defence from the centres
• Raf’s two tries
• Owain’s dummy
• Lucy’s tackle on ‘Reggie’
• The scrum

Things to work on:

• Cutting out unnecessary penalties
• Can’t think of anything else.  It really was very good today

Tries:  Tom Meehan x1, Owain x1, Raf x2

Cons: Daf x2

Match Report by Gwyn Williams

Sunday March 20th

 Barry 0 St Peter’s 55 

The Game

This one was a bit of a tonking, with 9 tries scored in rapid time and the game stopped by the 50 point rule before half-time.  Were Roy Castle to be still alive and should he have been in Barry this morning, he might well have seen a ‘record breaking’ opening try from Rami – timed at 14.98 seconds - having collected Daf’s kick-off on the first bounce. 

The new rule that gives the kick off to the try scoring team did not favour Barry, as accurate restarts from Daf saw the Rocks able to challenge for possession deep in the opposition half and there was a procession of tries.  Stef ran fom 25 yards and scored close to the posts, followed by Lucy and then Raf and Tom M.  There was some good passages of play from St Peters, but tries were generally individual efforts, with Conor O’B getting two from barnstorming charges, a typical dummy and go from Owain, and a good ‘winger’s try’ from a touchline run by McKenzie.  Daf converted 5 and was pretty close with a couple of others.

The boys were brought down to earth with a bump (well, for some, several bumps) with a twenty minute game against the Barry Under 13′s.  It was a revelation to see just what a year can do to increase the size of a child when they become teenager and the Rocks struggled throughout withthe  physical mis-match.  There was some excellent tackling and counter-rucking from St Peter’s, but the older team ran out easy winners.  Hopefully, our boys will grow as big over the summer!

Tries:  Rami x1, Owain x1, Raf x1, Stef x1, Lucy x1, Tom M x1, Conor O’B x2, McKenzie x1

Cons: Daf x5

Match Report by Gwyn Williams

Sunday March 13th

 Llanishen 5 St Peter’s 29 

The Game

Another match that was tougher than the score-line suggests.  The Rocks were light on numbers with injuries and call offs leaving Patsy with a bare 15, so there were a few players out of position.  That was perhaps the reason for the lack of fluency in their play early on, but credit should go to Llanishen, who were also short of a few players.

It wasn’t until the 17^th minute that the deadlock was broken, by ‘second-row’ Rami, who took on and rounded the Llanishen winger to score an excellent try, running around behind the posts to make an easy conversion for Daf.  Three minutes later, it was Raf’s turn to break away and do the same.  Half-time score 14 – 0 to the Rocks

Llanishen started the second-half strongly and after they had sorted out some ‘internal disagreements’ their number 99 (not sure what position that is) scored after a period of pressure on the St Peter’s line.  This spurred the Rocks to raise their game and quick thinking from scrum-half Owain saw him run in a quickly taken penalty from the 22 yard line.  Five minutes late Raf got his second after a good build up, but this was ‘topped’ by some excellent movement and recycling to put Jacob Price away in the corner four minutes from time.   Great to have Jake back playing for the Rocks again

Highlights: 

• Rami taking on and rounding the opposition wing for a try
• Owain’s try from a quick penalty
• Team play in the build up to the final try

Things to work on:

• Protecting the ball in contact

Tries:  Rami x1, Owain x1, Raf x2, Jake x1

Cons: Daf x2

Match Report by Gwyn Williams

Sunday March 6th

 St Peter’s 19 Treorchy 0 (Blues Cup Quarter-final)

The Game

Well done to the team for winning a tough game.  The victory was by no means as convincing as the score-line suggests, with the second try a length of the field effortwith 5 minutes to go.  The Rocks also benefitted from regular handling errors by Treorchy, who had the edge in the scrums and competed well at the breakdown. 

The area of the St Peter’s game that most impressed was the midfield defence, with hard tacking from Daf, Ben and Siȏn O’Brien and it also the latter two who manufactured the first try – Ben making a strong break on the left-hand side of the pitch and Siȏn reacting quickly to pick up the ball from the tackle are and running in from 25 yards out.  He intelligently took the ball around behind the posts to make it a regulation conversion from Daf.  For the rest of the half, it was generally Treorchy who were on the attack, but a combination strong defence and poor handling meant that they were never close to scoring.  Half-time score 7 – 0 to the Rocks.

St Peter’s saw more of the ball in the second-half, but poor retention in contact and a series of penalties conceded meant that Treorchy were always in the game.  With 5 minutes to go, the opposition were camped in the Rocks 22 and came close to scoring with a series of bursts to the line, before Owain conjured up one of his trade-mark interceptions to run the length of the pitch for a try.  As Treorchy became increasingly desperate, the Rocks got turn-over ball to Raf who did well to beat his man from 40 yards out to run around under the posts.  Daf converted, the ref blow the final whistle and the supporters gave a cheer of relief. Phew!

Highlights: 

• Mid-field defence
• Owain ‘The Poacher’ Newson back on form with a special

Things to work on:

• Protecting the ball in contact
• Cutting out penalties
• Generally being more awake

Tries:  Siȏn O’Brien x1, Owain x1, Raf x1

Cons: Daf x2

Match Report by Gwyn Williams

Sunday February 27th

St Peter’s 20 Penarth 17 

The Game

As Alex Ferguson might say, it was ‘squeaky-bum time’ at the Harlequin Ground today, with two very late tries salvaging a victory for the Rocks which looked highly unlikely with 5 minutes to go. 

Generally, it was a lacklustre display from St Peter’s, but all credit should go to a well drilled Penarth side who took the game to the home team from the off, scoring a converted try from their winger who stripped our defence on the outside to run around under the posts.  And it was not to be the last time that the Rocks defence was to look disorganised, as Penarth were to get another ‘soft’ score later in the half.  In between those tries, there was an excellent response from Tom Meehan, who scored from distance and, on 20 minutes, the Rocks touched down again through Ben Thomas to make the half-time score 12 – 10 to the visitors.

However, it was Penarth who came out stronger in the second half.   They came close to increasing their lead through strong running out wide and only last ditch tackling kept St Peter’s in the game.  Evenually, their sustained waves of attack were rewarded and they had a seven point lead with seven minutes left. 

 It was only in the last five minutes that the Rocks really came to life, with direct running from all of the team.  Siȏn Williams showed excellent technique to score from a tap-penalty and Lucy did equally well to finish off a move wide-out.  The efforts of those two players, together with the ever industrious  Conor O’Brien, were evident throughout the game in both attack and defence and it was appropriate that they should get rewarded.

Well done to the team for ‘stepping it up’ at the end, but they will need to raise their game for the Blues Cup next week.

Highlights: 

• The last 5 minutes

Things to work on:

• Keeping organised in defence
• Protecting the ball in contact

Tries:  Tom Meehan x1, Ben x1, Siȏn Williams x1, Lucy x1

Thank you’s

Today was a ‘duty day’, so thanks to all who made the Michelin-starred bangers and chips.  Special thanks to Nicola and Bob, who came and helped even though Josh and McKenzie were unable to play.  Thanks also to Nick for temporarily giving up the high-flying world of capitalism to perform linesman duties.

Match Report by Gwyn Williams

Sunday February 20th

St Peter’s 51 Newport High School Old Boys 5

The Game

Unfortunately, Newport High School Old Boys arrived with only 11 players and were underpowered in a few areas.  Nevertheless, bolstered by four Rocks player in both halves of the game, they competed with good spirit. 

St Peter’s were quick out of the blocks and none quicker than Raf, who had scored his customary hat-trick within the first fifteen minutes.  Lucy also got one between numbers two and three for Raf and Sion O’Brien put over an excellent conversion from wide-out.  The flow of possession form the forwards was continuous and with sharp distribution from scrum-half Owain and hard running from Sion O’Brien, space was created out wide.  Rami was next to capitalise with two excellent tries frm the left wing.  Half time score 34 – 0

The second half saw a changeover of Rocks players loaned to the opposition and despite an early long-range try from Tom Meehan, NHSOB got onto the score sheet by repeatedly working the blind-side (perhaps this is what Warren Gatland had in mind for Wales – he would certainly have been impressed).  However, Tom Meehan was to have the last words, with two more tries to complete a second-half hat-trick.

Thanks go again to Dai Manley for refereeing.

Highlights: 

• Some excellent teamwork going into creating space for the try-scorers
• SPO’s conversion
• Dai managing to get NHSOB 60 yards up the pitch with strict refereeing  

Things to work on:

• Keeping concentration
• Committing enough people to the ruck to ensure the ball is secured

Tries: Raf x3, Tom Meehan x3,Rami x2, Lucy x1

Cons: S O’Brien x1, Ben x2

Match Report by Gwyn Williams

Sunday February 13th

St Peter’s 25 Abergavenny 7

The Game

Another tough game for the Under 12′s against a good Abergavenny side and on a rainy, boggy day.  Given the conditions, it was great to see a good game with impressive skill levels.  Every one of the players deserves credit for a great team performance, but it was the forwards who laid the platform for victory and scored all the first half tries  Indeed, starting with the front row, Rhydian, Conor and Joshua all made good ground with ball in hand and were dominant in the scrum.  Conor O’Brien was a willing ball carrier from second row and his partner Conor Corrigan excellent in support.  The back-row were outstanding in attack and defence.  The first half  tries came pretty much every five minutes, all showing excellent build up and support play.  Half time score 20 – 0

The second half was less cohesive from the Rocks, but with no less effort from the half time substitutes.  Abergavenny were rewarded for their efforts with an excellent try after a series of infringements from St Peters, but it was the home side who had the last wo.d, with a good try from Lucy in the corner. 

Thanks to Dai Manley for excellent refereeing.

Highlights: 

• Team effort on a rotten day
• The performance of the back-row in attack and defence
• The performance of the front-row in tight and loose

Things to work on:

• Not joining the ruck late and slowing down the ball
• Cutting out silly penalties

Tries: Josh Macauley, Tom Meehan, Stef, Conor O’Brien, Lucy

Match Report by Gwyn Williams

Sunday February 6th

Llandaff  7  St Peter’s 7

The Game

This was a frustrating encounter, with the breakdown the focus of the game and an area that the Rocks found difficult to dominate.  The reasons for this were clear - firstly, the willingness of the Llandaff boys to challenge for the ball at every opportunity and, secondly, the interpretation of  ‘the gate’ as the legitimate area from where they might make that challenge.  All credit should go to the Llandaff, who fought for everything and tackled consistently throughout the game.

St Peter’s were first to score, with good ball from the forwards sent out wide to Raf to round his opposite number from distance and to continue his run into the in-goal area to make the conversion formality for Daf.  Any expectation that this was to become the way of the game was quickly debunked by repeated attacks from the Llandaff forwards and astute kicking to their wingers.  After a couple of hairy moments from bouncing balls, Llandaff eventually capitalised with a good collect from a kick forward resulting in a try under the posts.  Halftime score 7-7.

Despite continuous attacking in the second half from the Rocks, there was to be no further score in the game.  The impressive Connor O’Brien managed to get both himself and the ball over the line, but beneath a pile of players and the referee, quite rightly, adjudged the ball to be held up. The general dearth of quick possession saw  the Rocks struggle to utilise the backs, who, on a narrow pitch were unable to get the wingers into space. 

It would be wrong not to mention that there were issues with refereeing interpretation at both the set-piece and the breakdown.  While taking nothing away from the opposition, there was a clear frustration that St Peter’s were not allowed to generate clean possession when the ball was correctly presented .   But, that said, all credit to Llandaff, a great bunch of kids and a good club.  We look forward to playing them again.

Highlights:

• Raf’s try
• Daf’s tackling
• Storming runs from Connor O’Brien and Josh McCauley
• Tireless endeavour from Sion Williams

Things to work on:

• ‘Clearing out’ the ruck and getting more players, more quickly, to the breakdown
• Awareness of the ball carrier to players around them
• Support runners letting the ball carrier know that they want the ball

Tries: Raf x1

Cons: Daf x1

Match Report by Gwyn Williams

Sunday February 6th – Blues Cup

Rhydyfelin decided not to play 

The Game

Didn’t happen

No match Report by Gwyn Williams

Sunday January 23rd – Blues Cup

Rhydyfelin declared their pitch unplayable 

The Game

Didn’t happen

No match Report by Gwyn Williams

Sunday January 16th

Llandaff North 0  St Peter’s 44

The Game

First up, well done to Patsy for finding a game when everything else was called off.  The ridiculousness of not playing because of a bit of rain was demonstrated by the fantastic condition of the Hailey Park pitch.  It was a perfect day for rugby.  The Rocks were down to the bare bones again, with a number unavailable and two walking wounded who turned up, but were unable to play.  One, Josh Boys, was showing the scars of defeat, having lost an argument with a running machine.

So we were left with only 15 fit players, but they were able to turn out an impressive performance, dominating in all facets of play.  The forwards created a good platform with excellent recycling to set the backs away and there was a early try on two minutes for the versatile Tom Meehan.  The pattern continued with strong running from Ben, Siôn O’Brien, Owain and Tom Burns, but it was Raf and Tom M who were to benefit most and both completed hat-tricks before half time.  Only one was close enough to the posts for Josh Nolan to get the conversion.  Half-time score 0 -32.

In the second half Llandaff North did well to keep the score down, but were kept in their own half by aggressive defence from the Rocks centres.  There were more ‘carries’ from the forwards with the impressive Connor O’Brien and Josh McCauley both getting well deserved tries.  All the players should be proud of an excellent victory.

Highlights:

• Two first half hat-tricks for Raf and Tom M
• Rumbling tries from Connor O’Brien and Josh McCauley

Things to work on:

• Eliminating sloppy errors
• Looking to ‘straighten up’ when receiving the ball in broken play

Tries: Raf x3, Tom M x3, Connor O’B x1, Josh McC x1,

Cons: Josh N x2

Match Report by Gwyn Williams

Sunday January 9th

St Peter’s 60 Croesyceiliog 5

The Game

The Rocks performed impressively today against a spirited Croesyceiliog side which has recently reformed at this age grade.  There was an especially strong forward performance and, although all but two of the tries were scored by backs, the foundation of the victory was built up front.

The scoring in the first half came at regular intervals – Raf touching down in the 4^th, 8^th and 16^thminutes, with clinical finishing from the wing put into space by excellent build up play.  Ben Thomas was a constant threat, cutting some excellent angles and he got two tries close to the posts which were both converted by Daf.  And it was Daf who completed the try scoring in the first half with one of his own, converted by Siôn O’B.  Half-time score 36 – 0

Coach Patsy Nolan rang the changes at the interval, bringing on the subs and calling back McKensie, who had played for the opposition in the first half, and giving them Raf.  Croesyceiliog also upped their game and it was they who scored first, with an impressive catch and run from their lively full-back.  The response from the Rocks was almost immediate, with excellent support play seeing Ruairí come up inches short, but doing well to recycle to Siôn Williams, who’s score was converted by Daf.  Three more tries were to follow: Ben completed his hat-rick; Tom Meehan got one from long range and Siôn O’B scored a well deserved effort under the posts after some strong running.

Highlights:

• The presentation of the ball from the forwards
• Raf’s tackle on Tom Meehan
• Back play in the first half

Things to work on:

• Doing your best even if you are playing for the opposition (as advised by Raf’s mum)
• Cutting out the sloppy individual errors

Tries: Ben x3, Raf x3, Tom M x1, Daf x1, Siôn W x1, Siôn O’B x1

Cons: Daf x4, Siôn O’B x1

Match Report by Gwyn Williams

Sunday January 2nd

St Peter’s 15 Talywain 17

The Game

After a 6 week lay off since our last game, it was very pleasing to see the standards of fitness and skill has not dropped.  Our visitors today, Talywain, are an impressive side throughout and also have, in their Number 8, one of the best players to be seen at Under 12 level.

It was a fast paced and committed game from the off, with the Rocks being rewarded for good continuity with a try from Stefan, who did well to get around the defence to score in the corner.  The Rocks continued to impress both in attack and defence, but were broken through twice by the exceptional Talywain Number 8, showing power and pace and scoring both times.  The first was, crucially, under the posts, which would prove to be the difference between the two teams.  It was also at that point that Stefan had to go off.  Nevertheless the Rocks scored another first half-try through another outstanding player, Tom Meehan.  The first half ended 12 – 10 to the visitors.

The second half continued with the same level intensity, with both teams playing ‘on the edge’ of the laws at the breakdown.  Fortunately for the referee, there was plenty of helpful advice from both touch-lines.  A period of sustained pressure 10 minutes in, saw the Talywain Number 8 complete his hat-trick when, despite some heroic tackling, he was able to reach out and score.  Talywain continued to pressure the Rocks, but the introduction of more substitutes towards the end on the game saw renewed impetus and another long-range try from Tom Meehan, with just one minute to go.  Unfortunately it was a third try too far out to get a conversion and there was no time left to score again.

Talywain left with their unbeaten record intact, but the boys can hold their heads high for a great effort.  Hopefully, we will get an away fixture with them before the end of the season.

Highlights:

• All three tries
• Determination and commitment in defence
• Some effective rucking

Things to work on:

• Retaining the ball in contact
• Concentration in decision making

Tries: Tom M x2, Stef x1

Match Report by Gwyn Williams

Sunday November 21st

Pentyrch 0 St Peter’s 43

Ravens Wood School – Bromley, Kent (probably) 0 St Peter’s 40

The Games

Two things you can guarantee at Pentyrch – a great set up and freezing cold weather.  There were two 30 minute games this week, as Pentyrch kindly agreed to host a touring side that had had their original fixture cancelled.

In common with recent weeks, the tries continued to flow.  The first game was against the hosts and the Rocks were impressive from the off.  The first try was well worked, with forwards wining good ball and Sion O’Brien making ground on the cut back before sending the ball down the line.  When Rami was brought down 5 metres short, Ben took the ball and recycled for Sion Williams to pick and score on the stretch.  After an impressive conversion from Daf, Rami scored a try of his own , followed in by Ben, Tom and Owain.  With Ben’s try converted by Daf, it was 29 – 0 at half time.

After Ben scored a fantastic 60 metre effort at the start of the second half, the intensity dropped and it wasn’t until the end of the period that Raf got the final try on the game.  Both were converted by Daf.  Final score 43 – 0.

The second game was against touring school side Ravens Wood.  No-one seemed sure exactly where they were from, but they were certainly English and the Rocks maintained their record of never conceding a point to a team from over the border.  The first half saw tries from Raf and Conor Corrigan, but it was in the second that Rocks opened up.  A lovely chip from Daf led to Tom Meehan’s first try and he was quick to score a second.  Daf then broke and scored from 20 metres out, with a final team try finished off by McKensie.  Daf converted 5 out of 6 for a final score of 40 – 0.

Highlights:

• Ben’s long range try
• Some impressive turnovers from the forwards
• Daf’s attacking chips from his own half
• The Ref awarding a conversion while looking in the opposite direction

Things to work on:

• Coming away from the touchline when in possession, to ensure the ball is kept in play
• Not giving away soft penalties, especially for off-side
• Protecting to ball when going into contact

v Pentyrch

Tries: Ben x2, Raf x1, Tom M x1, Owain x1, Siôn W x1, Rami x1

Cons: Daf x4

v Ravens Wood

Tries: Raf x1, Tom M x2, Daf x1, McKenzie x1, Conor C x1

Cons: Daf x5

Match Report by Gwyn Williams

Sunday November 14th

Dinas Powys 0 St Peter’s 63

The Game

A third try-fest in as many weeks, with eleven from nine different players.  The writing was on the wall for Dinas when Raf claimed the bouncing ball from the first kick-off and ran in a solo try in the left corner.  This was to be a popular corner, as three further tries followed in the same spot – a barn-stormer from Conor O’B, a snipe from Josh N and one for Siôn W from a nifty line-out move that was straight off the training field.  Further punishment came for Dinas as the Rocks recycled quick ball and moved out to the right for a try for Owain and then another for Tom Meehan, who cut down the range for the kickers by running round near to the posts.  Raf did the same from the left-hand side and the score at half-time was 39 – 0.

The second half was less fluid as the tempo dropped from the Rocks and Dinas knuckled down in defence.  Nevertheless, Siôn O’B was able to score under the posts after good work  by Tom Meehan, who followed with a try of his own. There then followed a period of “poo watch” as the forwards became more interested in spotting dog mess than scrummaging.  Late in the half, there were deserved tries for the hard-working Conor C and Stef.

Highlights:

• The spread of tries throughout the team
• Scoring form a planned move
• Ben’s performance at outside half
• Successfully cleansing Dinas Common of dog muck

Tries: Raf x2, Tom M x2, Conor O’B x1, Josh N x1, Owain x1, Siôn O’B x1, Siôn W x1, Stef x1, Conor C x1

Cons: Ben x2, Josh N x2

Match Report by Gwyn Williams

Sunday November 7th

St Peter’s 57 Abercynon 0

The Game

Another strong performance from the Rocks, who killed off the game with a blitz of early tries from Raf, Ben and Tom Meehan.  There was some impressive rugby with excellent presentation of the ball from the forwards and direct running and crisp passing in the backs.  The pressure was relentless and the tries continued to come in first half from Tom Burns, Stef and a second for Raf.

All credit to Abercynon, who continued to battle hard up front with parity in the scrum and some effective mauling.  However, they were always under threat when St Peter’s got the ball wide.  There were further tries from Daf, Ben and Tom Meehan, with Daf converting them all to bring his tally for the game to six.

Highlights:

• Tom Burns’s first try of the season
• Daf’s conversions – 6 out of 9 and another hit the post
• Alison and Sam’s chips

Tries: Raf x2, Ben x2, Tom M x2, Tom B x1, Stef x1, Daf x1

Cons: Daf x6

Match Report by Gwyn Williams

Sunday October 31st

Llantwit Major 0 St Peter’s 59 (Blues Cup, Round One)

The Game

A clinical and incisive performance from the Rocks yielded eleven tries, including eight in the first half.  Although not against the strongest of opposition, it was an impressive display of forward power and strong running back play.

Raf continued his rich vein of try scoring form with five in the first half, including one from a chip ahead by Dafydd which must be the try of the season so far.

The opposition continued to battle hard, but took more punishment in the second half, with all of the St Peter’s subs doing impressive work.  Three tries resulted before the Ref blew up early.

Highlights:

• Daf’s chip ahead and Raf’s pick up off his toes before running in to score the 4th try
• One of the opposition coaches saying “look, these boys never drop the ball” when telling his team that they needed to defend more aggressively
• Owain handing off the Invisible Man shortly before scoring his try

Things to work on:

• Scoring a bit nearer to the posts to get the conversions in better range

Tries: Raf x5, Ben x1, Tom M x2, Owain x1, Siôn O’B x1, Siôn W x1

Cons: Daf x2

Match Report by Gwyn Williams

Sunday October 24th

Bridgend Athletic 0 St Peter’s 15

The Game

Given the difficulty in finding the ground (we believe that Mark and Zac are still on the Bridgend ring-road) it was somewhat ironic that we had more players than the home team.  Luckily for Bridgend, we were able to let them have Tom Burns for the first half, and he proved to be one of their best players.  In fact, his good form continued when he came back to the Rocks in the unfamiliar role of second-row after half time, as Ruaridh had a stint for the opposition.

The game was scappy and error-strewn and despite the Rocks’ complete domination of the first half, there were only three tries, two from Raf and one from Ben.  The latter was a quality team effort and very pleasing to see, but unfortunately it was a brief high point in an otherwise disappointing game.

The opposition came out fighting in the second-half and while the Rocks were efficient in defence, they didn’t create much.  The flow of the game continued to be disrupted by errors and infringements by both sides.  At least the boys got some good scrummaging practice.

Note:I’m not sure why, but there was a professional photographer at the game who took a load of photos that he has posted for sale on a website: www.glennsports.co.uk.  Some good ones there, especially if you like pictures of the backs.

Highlights:

• A couple of well worked tries
• Burnsie’s performance (albeit for the opposition)
• Team spirit

Things to work on:

• Catching the ball
• Forwards presentation of the ball to scrum-half (he shouldn’t have to go digging for it)
• Dai Manley’s engine

Tries: Raf x 2, Ben x1

Match Report by Gwyn Williams

Sunday October 17th

Rumney 29 St Peter’s 17

The Game

A squad decimated by the District’s decision to arrange a game the following day, and by a couple of late call-offs, left us with only 11 players for the trip to Rumney.  The opposition (also missing their District players) were good enough to give us three of their boys so that the fixture could be fulfilled at 14 a-side.  And it was the 11 Rocks, plus 3 (all of whom played very well – thanks boys) that took the lead with a classy solo try by Owain, who went on to repeat the feat after Rumney had equalised.  With St Peter’s ahead at half-time, Rumney swapped over the “plus 3″, but fell further behind to an excellent try from Rami, after set up work from Owain and Josh Nolan.

From then on, things began to go against the Rocks and, despite the continued efforts of peerless captain Connor Corrigan, Rumney were able to run in four unanswered tries as the defence tired.   The final scoreline was harsh on the eleven, all of whom had shown considerable commitment and will have the bruises to show it.  There was definitely a feeling of unfinished buiness and coach Patsy Nolan declared that he was already looking forward to the return fixture.

Highlights:

• Generally, good presentation of the ball by the forwards
• A couple of Rhydian rumbles and his enthusiasm to chase kicks
• Good close-quarter tackling in the forwards – especially from Aaron, Zac and Josh Boys

Things to work on:

• Fitness
• Technique -the tackled player must fall the correct way and lay the ball back intelligently to protect possession
• Taking time over conversions – two points could be important in a tight game
• Not stopping playing  to appeal to the referee (you know who you are)

Tries: Owain x 2, Rami x1

Cons:  Owain x 1

Match Report by Gwyn Williams

Sunday October 10th

St Peter’s 0 Pontypridd 22

The Game

Down to earth with a bump as the Rocks were outgunned by an excellent Ponty side.  The final scoreline was a little deceptive for a game that was 0 – 0 at half-time, but Ponty made an excellent job of pushing home their advantage after scoring 5 minutes into the second half.  A bad day for St Peter’s was made worse when Ponty scored a length-of-the-field try under the posts with the last move of the game.

It is difficult to pull many positives from this game, other than that some hard lessons will have been learned.  This is a side that the Rocks can beat, but the players need to work in training to eliminate mistakes and to raise the intensity of their game.

Highlights:

• Good scrummaging
• Some great cover defence

Things to work on:

• Keeping concentration for the full game (especially not letting ‘heads go down’ after conceding a try)
• Committing to the tackle
• General discipline

Match Report by Gwyn Williams

Sunday September 26th

WRU District B/Blues South Tournament – Winners

The Squad

The Trophy (kindly donated by former Olympic Champion Soviet Gymnast Olga Korbut)

The Tournament

The statistics tell the story and there is no doubting that the best team was victorious:

Played 5, Won 5. Tries for 12, Tries against 0

…….but it was a tough competition and all the squad should be very proud of their performance.

The tournament organisers and District selectors also appreciated the quality of our play, asking a further five players to join the six (Ben, Raf, Josh M, Tom M, Sion O’B and Daf) already in the District squad. Well done to Connor O’B, Stefan, Lucy, Sion Williams and Josh Nolan (still only 10 years old and already selected this year for Cardiff Schools under 11’s). Whether or not they feel able to take up the offer, it is justifiable recognition for these consistently high performers. No doubt a few others were pretty close too, as this was a tournament victory from a talented squad who played very much for each other and not as individuals.

Pool C Game 1

St Peter’s 10 Penarth 0

The Game

A very competitive game right from the off (Penarth went on to win the Plate competition). St Peter’s did well to get going early and looked the better side, albeit without getting into scoring positions. We needed a ‘spark’ and it came in the familiar form of Raf – worked into a bit of space, he scored tries twelve and thirteen of the season, running both into right-hand corner from distance.

Tries: Raf x2

Pool C Game 2

St Peter’s 5 Cowbridge 0

The Game

Another tough Pool game against the eventual finalists saw the boys generally on top with an aggressive display from the forwards and from the defensive backline. A talented Cowbridge side were defeated by a single try from Lucy, well worked from forwards and backs and put in by the excellent Tom Meehan. This was a highly committed and determined performance from all of the players.

Tries: Lucy x1

Quarter Final

St Peter’s 35 St Joseph’s 0

The Game

It was great to see traditional rivals “the Jo’s” (who only re-formed at this age group last year) get through to the quarters. However, the omens were not good for them when half their team fell over trying to perform a ‘squeeze’ in the pre-match huddle. St Peter’s put in abrasive team performance and were on top in all facets of play, rewarded by seven tries by seven different scorers (which would have been eight by eight if Sion O’Brien had not had one inexplicably disallowed).

Tries: Lucy x1, Raf x1, Sion W x1, Connor O’B x1, Ben x1, Owain x1, Stefan x1

Semi Final

St Peter’s 5 Llanishen 0

The Game

Fresh from beating Rumney in the quarters, Llanishen were well up for the challenge and were nothing like the team that the Rocks overwhelmed in the first game of the season. Although we were a little nervous, there was no lack of commitment, with the back-row and the trio of Connor’s (Beere, Corrigan and O’Brien) to the fore in the tight. A single first half try from the excellent Ben Thomas saw the Rocks through to the final.

Tries: Ben x1

Final

St Peter’s 5 Cowbridge 0 (After Extra Time)

The Game

A tight encounter between too excellent sides was a mirror of the earlier Pool match. The Rock’s forwards had the edge up front, but, even on the bigger pitch, the backs were unable to break through the Cowbridge defence. The match could not be settled in normal time, and went into a sudden-death three minutes each way.

Cometh the hour, cometh ‘the Poacher’, as the deadlock was broken with a trademark sneaky interception from Owain, who ran home from half-way.

Not a great way for the opposition to lose, but certainly better than going to penalty kicks and Cowbridge were very gracious in defeat.

Tries: Owain “the Poacher” Newson x1

Tournament Highlights:

• Squad togetherness, controlled aggression and commitment
• Great rucking thoughout
• The Llanishen coach’s wonderfully one-eyed post-match ‘we wuz robbed by the ref’ team debrief after losing the semi-final
• The joyful pile-on to Owain after his ‘sudden-death’ winner in the final

Things to work on:

• A day off from any criticism – we won the District tournament because we played the best rugby

Well done Rocks!

Tournament Report by Gwyn Williams

Sunday September 19th

Llandaff 5 St Peter’s 24

The Game

A wake up call for the team today after a tough encounter with a combative and hardworking Llandaff team.  With a strong side out and Llandaff short of a couple of their speedsters, St Peter’s came into game expecting to dominate.  However, such self-confidence was not matched with skill levels and there were lots of sloppy mistakes in the opening minutes.  This culminated in a loose kick being run back through weak tackles for a try to Llandaff.  St Peter’s showed good character to come back immediately and score two tries of their own through Raf and Tom Meehan – going into half-time 12-5 up.

The second half was mirror of the first – Llandaff continued to fight hard, especially in the maul, and St Peter’s continued to make unforced errors.  Nevertheless, a well worked try for Ben Thomas and a late second for Raf put a bit of respectability into the score.

Highlights:

• A lovely dive pass from Josh Nolan (the mark of an increasingly able scrum-half who has just been selected for the Cardiff Schools Under 11 Squad – well done Josh!)
• Coming back immediately after conceding a try
• The ref stopping the game to take a mobile phone call

Things to work on:

• Going into games with a less arrogant attitude
• Getting the ball to ground when going into heavy contact
• Clearing out the ruck area
• Cutting out needless kicks.

Tries: Raf x 2, Tom M x 1, Ben T x 1

Cons:  Dafydd x 2

Match Report by Gwyn Williams

Sunday September 12th

St Peter’s 34 Rhiwbina 0

The Game

The best so far. More injuries, illnesses and absences left us with only 15 fit to start and every one of those 15 (and Lucy – who came for the 2nd half) should be very proud of their performace.

This was Raf’s game for five quite outstanding tries, but also a fantastic team performance that saw the opposition beaten up front and unable to get a platform from which to trouble our aggressive defence.  The ‘Raf show’ was topped off with a great team try from Connor O’Brien.

Highlights:  Raf skinning players on the outside. Forwards clearing out and fast presntation of the ball.  Steff’s support play.  McKensie keeping the ball alive in contact   All round team effort.

Things to work on: Not giving away silly penalties. The referee needs to be fitter.

Tries: Raf x 5, Connor O’B x 1

Cons:  Owain x 2

Match Report by Gwyn Williams

Sunday September 5th

Abergavenny 7 St Peter’s 27

The Game

A tough second game for the Under 12′s, with a number of drop-outs meaning only 17 fit players.  Tom Meehan showed his versitility by moving from his new position of flanker back to the centre and proved the difference in the first half with some powerful running rewarded by a hat-trick of tries.  The opposition were combative and feisty, but were matched in both aggression and skill when our forwards got their act together and became dominant in the second half .  An excellent try from Owain put the game beyond the opposition and one from Raf put the icing on the cake.

Highlights:  Team effort, Tom’s tries and a great debut at u12 from Lucy.

Things to work on: Goal kicking and discipline.

Tries: Tom Meehan x 3, Owain x 1, Raf x1

Con: Ben x 1

Match Report by Gwyn Williams

Friday September 3rd

St Peter’s 43 Llanishen 0

The Game

An excellent start to the season with the boys embracing the new rules very effectively.  We now have 15 aside, full sized pitch, 25 minutes each way, handing off, pushing in the scrums (half metre) and, strangely, uncontested line-outs.

Backs and forwards worked very well together with some efficient and stylish inter-play combined with marauding defence which meant that the opposition (who had the potential to play some excellent rugby) could not get going.

Highlights:  A good all round team performance

Things to work on: Forwards – better protection of the ball at the breakdown.  Backs – using the man in space early and looking to support that player.

Tries:

Tries:  Raf x 3, Connor O’Brien x 1, Sion W x 1, Ben T x 1, Dafydd x 1

Cons: Dafydd x 4

Match Report by Gwyn Williams