Schools Under 11s start well

 

Pembrokeshire Schools under 11s 29 points  - Dinefwr Schools under 11s 7 points

Pembrokeshire Schools’ talented under 11 team made a successful start to their campaign as they entertained their counterparts from Dinefwr schools and beat them comfortably at Narberth with an excellent all-round performance from the squad.

In fine weather Pembs looked to take the game to the opposition from the kick off and with a steady stream of possession from the forwards Pembs looked to go wide at every opportunity through the speedy wingers Geraint Powell and Ryan Conbeer. This set up a good position deep in the 22 and from the resulting lineout Hywel Baker took the opposition ball and crashed over from close range.

Pembs continued to exert pressure and half backs Oli Lewis and Danny Wainwright controlled the game and varied their options well.  The running and passing of centres Aaron Cookson and Thomas Hughes enabled Pembs to set up camp in the opposition 22 and after some close range drives from prop Osian Davies and hooker Aaron Griffiths, Baker was able to use his strength to barge over and claim his second try of the evening.

Pembs were well into their stride and moved the ball at every opportunity with full back Osian Edwards making regular forays into the line and testing the Dinefwr defence. This again set up a position deep in the opposition half and after some driving from forwards Ryan Cole and Adam Bowen it was flanker Andrew Skone who managed to burrow over from short range. Dinefwr had the last word of the half and their inside centre Daniel Jenkins was able to out- pace the defence after some mazy running for a try which was converted by Dyfan Jones.

Still in charge despite changes

Pembs rang the changes at half time and took some time to get into their stride. But some stout defensive work by number 8 Archie Thomas and flanker Sion Colella kept Dinefwr at bay, although they spent long periods in the Pembs 22.

A strike against the head from hooker Griffiths allowed replacement scrum half Kieran Griffiths to clear the pressure but only for a short period, as Dinefwr continued to attack. Only the tireless defence of Aiden Hannah, Ieuan Edwards and the rest of the pack stopped the opposition forward drives. When Dinefwr went wide the tackling of Emyr Davies and the rest of the backs closed down the attack.

Pembs used a breakdown in play to try some different combinations and this paid dividends when another strike against the head was put through the hands and Kieran Griffiths, who had moved into the centre, put Ryan Conbeer clear for a sprint to the corner for a length of the field try which Wainwright converted.

Dinefwr continued to attack and only fine defensive play by Jack Tucker and Owen Lewis kept them at bay and won a fine turn over which replacement No 10 Aaron Cookson put wide for Geraint Powell to outpace the defence to round off another length of the field move which Cookson converted and end a fine performance by Pembrokeshire against a resolute Dinefwr team.

Pembrokeshire Team:

15 - Osian Edwards; 14 - Geraint Powell; 13 - Thomas Hughes; 12 - Aaron Cookson; 11 - Ryan Conbeer; 10 - Danny Wainwright; 9 - Oli Lewis (Captain); 8 - Archie Thomas; 7 - Sion Collela; 6 - Andrew Skone; 5 - Hywel Baker; 4 - Ryan Cole; 3 - Adam Bowen; 2 - Aaron Griffiths; 1 - Osian Davies.

Replacements:  Kieran Griffiths; Emyr Davies; Jack Tucker; Aiden Hannah; Ieuan Edwards; Owen Lewis