News

Match reports from Machen U14s new reporter Eddie Invermoore-Davies (EID)

BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN

Machen RFC U14s opened their 2017/2018 campaign with tough back-to-back home fixtures, followed by a trip along the A470…… 

Machen vs Pontypool UTD (03/09/17)

Machen Seniors 1st XV had enjoyed glorious conditions when they opened their 2017/2018 League campaign in style on Saturday 3rd, running out 27-10 winners over Chepstow RFC, but when their Under 14 counterparts took to the same pitch the following day, the meteorological picture had changed markedly. Pontypool Utd were the visitors, and as the teams made their final preparations in the changing rooms for the battle ahead, the home spectators huddled in the FanZone in an attempt to remain dry. It soon became apparent however that the 5.76 square metres of coverage afforded by an Argos® pop-up gazebo was not going to provide sufficient shelter for the capacity crowd (especially with the rain coming in sideways), and most resigned themselves to a drenching.

This was always going to be a tough opening fixture for a Machen side which most regular observers would agree improved steadily throughout last season. Pontypool Utd have always been strong in this age-group, and so it proved on the day, but the Machen boys were up for the fight and never looked like taking a backwards step.   

The ball was like the proverbial bar of soap, and handling errors on both sides were going to be inevitable. This meant that getting the ball out wide through the hands was never going to be easy, and the game largely became a battle between the forwards. Logan, on the right wing, got on the ball for one run in the second half and almost managed to get away, but along with his back three colleagues, Harry and Tom, he was largely kept busy on defensive duties, in particular in fielding the opposition number 10s probing kicks in behind – all of which were dealt with expertly.             

The first half was an even contest, with the sides exchanging two tries each - Josh touched down twice for Machen with some trademark elusive (not to mention fast) running, to cross at the newly renamed ‘Reservoir End’ of the field.

Following the half time oranges – a new innovation which appears to be popular with the players - the conditions continued to play their part, and the second half was again largely a forwards dominated one, though the opposition did produce one moment of enterprising back-play in particular when the left wing popped up in midfield on the shoulder of the no. 10 who put him in for a neatly worked try. For Machen, Josh completed an impressive hat trick.     

All in all this was a strong start to the season against a good side, and certainly gave the team something to build upon. Tom’s solid return to the team was recognised with the season’s first ‘Man of the Match’ award, which was well deserved. He’d been kept busy in defence, made himself available when the home side were in possession, and hardly put a foot wrong overall.

.....

Machen vs Cwmbran (10/09/17)

The following Sunday had something of a ‘Groundhog Day’ feel to it both in terms of the weather, and of it being a second consecutive home fixture. The coaching and management team were certainly glad to have received their 100% waterproof team jackets (teabags). As for the supporters, the FanZone was not open on this occasion due to unforeseen circumstances – drawing murmurs of discontent from some supporters – so umbrellas were in full effect.

Once again, the management had lined up a contest against a strong side in the shape of Cwmbran RFC. Memories were evoked of close matches home and away in previous seasons, and it was clear from the early exchanges that this one was going to be no different. There was a noticeable improvement in match sharpness among the Machen players in comparison to the previous week. Having said that, the massive Cwmbran pack were very quick at the breakdown and the home side knew they would have to work hard to win and retain possession. Like the previous week, the first half was very even and for Machen, Josh again scored two tries. He left the defence in his wake on two occasions having profited from good work from team mates in winning the ball, putting the opposition on the back foot by breaking the gain line, and recycling quickly. This time the tries came at what will one day be re-named the ‘Co-Op End’ – probably around September 2021.

As in the previous match, this was largely a forward battle. At the set piece Cwmbran’s heavier pack probably just about edged it in the scrum, with Machen taking the honours in the line-out. Special mention in that respect goes to Connor, who stole a couple on opposition ball, and who was solid on Machen’s own ball – assisted of course by some accurate throwing-in from Ieuan. Connor later went on to get a try to top off a good days work, with the other try being claimed by Leo who can also be pleased with his all-round contribution both in defence and attack. By the end of the game, the home side had gained parity at the breakdown and threatened to score late on, which would surely have seen them emerge victorious with time running out. It was not to be however, and another close match ended Machen 20 Cwmbran 24. The only thing separating the teams in the end was two successful conversions from the visitors’ number 1 who slotted over a couple from out wide, to the delight of the vociferous travelling supporters.

There was no ‘Man of the Match’ award as a large number of players had to leave straight after the game – probably due at least in part to the late kick off necessitated by the clubs current one pitch set up, as it waits for the front pitch to bed-in following it’s re-seeding during the summer. Too many players impressed in the opening two games to mention them all individually, but the team as a whole should be pleased with their efforts so far and whilst there are things to work on, there is also much to build on.

.....

Dowlais v Machen (17/09/17)

The good work in the first two games paid dividends as the Under 14s took to the road for the first time this season against Dowlais (Merthyr) on Sunday 17/09, where they ran out impressive 5-48 winners. This time they were able to combine another solid up-front performance with an ability to spin the ball out wide in better conditions, allowing the backs to show their skills - Logan in particular profiting with a handful of tries (see Coaches match report due to prior engagement of match reporter EID). 

Excellent 5 - 48 win today and a half decent performance to go with it. A few pleasing things to note were:

1. Backs moved the ball wide with Tom and James showing good hands to utilise the pace we have out wide.

2. When we were switched on we scrummaged well and more often than not pushed Dowlais back at a rate of knots.

3. The introduction of Ronnie into our u14s family and he produced some barnstorming runs and showed that even props can sidestep.

4. Once again, excellent discipline especially towards the end when Dowlais tried to take the law into their own hands.

Big thumbs up to Ieuan who played for Dowlais and was an absolute nuisance at the breakdown. Well done Irish.

Gethyn Cannon also had a big game and thankfully is none the worse after his knock at the end of the game, albeit he'll be sore tomorrow.

Scorers were Logan George with x5 who capitalised on the ball being spread wide and showed good pace to beat the defence. Josh Hart with another hat trick who terrorised Dowlais at will. Declan Nott slotting 4 conversions.

WELL DONE LADS

No man of the match this week as we were unfortunately unable to sample the delights of Dowlais food due to refurbishment of their club house and many of the lads had subsequently gone.

….

Machen Under 14s next match is away against the newly merged St Julians / Monmouth (at Monmouth).