As 2018 comes to a close the young men of Machen U15s took to the field against local rivals Penallta looking to round the year off in style.
As soon as Penallta only rolled up with 12 players we knew that today's game would be a disjointed affair. Luckily the legends in the form of Kareem and Evan were willing volunteers and donned the colours for the opposition to help them out. We can't thank both lads enough as without their help the game may not of gone ahead. Both lads ...also played out of their skins with Kareem putting in a crunching tackle on Logan and Evan scoring his first try - albeit is was for the opposition. They all count Ev 👍. Boys, you weren't supposed to play that well for them - can't fault it and Penallta's coaches were very appreciative of your efforts.
Scrums of late have been one of our strengths and successes, but today they were passive which took away a significant weapon in our armoury. In some regards it was probably for the best, as the ground under foot was quite slippery and scrum time could have been dangerous.
I think the tough game vs Caerphilly the week before had taken it's toll, as the lads didn't seem to be at their cohesive best. However, there was some good passages of play with the backs putting the ball through the hands in very difficult conditions 👏, and the forwards work rate once again was tireless and support play was generally good 💪.
We didn't escape unscathed though. With Ben Rudge involved in a nasty head collision resulting in a cut over the eye that needed glueing. Girls will love it Ben 😉.
The lads gradually wore down a spirited Penallta, and it appeared that the gruelling fitness that many of the boys had endured during summer was a telling factor. The lads kept up the pressure throughout the game and ran out convincing 31 - 12 winners.
Not a bad result considering we weren't functioning at our best - a room for improvement 6 out of 10.
Thankfully a few weeks off will allow many of the lads carrying bumps to recover. Enjoy the rest lads.
Try scorers were Josh Hart x3, Leo Quigley, Logan George; Conversions Bailey Braithwaite x3 (with one out wide almost out on the 5 metre line = top effort).
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