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U9's

Machen u9’s vs Penallta u9’s
On a very cold morning we saw the two teams turn out with plenty of players so started with 10 a side.
The game started brightly with Machen kicking off and scoring almost immediately through Jacob Tunbridge
The opening exchanges indicated a fast open game with plenty of handling from both sides, keeping the ball alive and stretching each others defences.
Machen scored again after a strong run and finish from Ashton lawton and went in at the break 2-0 up.
The second third saw a change of tactic from Penallta with them adopting a more direct approach and within seconds of the restart scoring their first try.
Penallta continued the same approach for the remainder of the game and the Machen players had to stand up and be counted as the opposition carried strongly and made good ground. It says everything about Machen’s defence that Penallta finished multiple set of six without scoring.
Machen made a lot of errors when they did have the ball and didn’t complete a set themselves for the entire third. However, Machen were incisive at times and scored three tries with Alfie Davies finding space near the touchlines and scoring a quickfire hat-trick to continue his excellent form.
Penallta’s gameplan paid dividends again when they scored another direct try to make the scores 5-2 but Ashton Lawton had other ideas about how the third should finish, making an outside break and outpacing the cover to score again.
The last third belonged to Penallta as the physicality continued to increase and the player rotation disrupted flow for the Machen players. Penallta scored two tries and looked like they were intent on a late comeback but Alfie Davies again found space on the left and outpaced the cover for the final try.
Final score was 7-4
Coaches award went to the entire team as everyone played their part in what was undoubtably the most physical game of the season.
Highlights included the refs frustration at Machens handling, awarding a penalty to Penallta for a poor pass and knock on. Plenty to work on for next week but a great win and the players should be proud.
Thanks to parents for braving the cold and not complaining (too much).