Welsh Schools Plate Final:

 


 

Lennon’s last-ditch penalty takes Dyffryn Taf to nerve-jangling victory

 

Ysgol Dyffryn Taf 15 - Merthyr College 14

 
Lennon Reynolds was the toast of his Ysgol Dyffryn Taf team mates as the full back held his nerve with a last-minute penalty that soared between the posts at the Principality Stadium and saw immense celebrations from his team-mates and coaches as the school team from Whitland edged home by a single point in this Welsh Schools Plate Final.
 
There was a special moment prior to the Dyffryn Taf players leaving the changing rooms because they were presented with their jerseys by former player, now Scarlets, Wales and British Lions centre Jonathan Davies, whose words of encouragement must have given them a significant lift.
 

Skipper Comey sets the standard as pack plays well

 
The Dyffryn Taf pack certainly started well and after a couple of promising forays into Merthyr territory they finally took the lead from an attacking scrum which was well anchored by Tom Monk, Dan Howells and Jack Worthing, and allowed influential skipper and No 8 Iestyn Comey to pick up and put in an unstoppable drive to the line before Lennon Reynolds added the extra points.
 
Winger Alex Coaker caught the eye with his defensive work but also featured in attack as outside half Harry Clapperton kicked really well out of his hands and partner Corey Delaney made sure he used the ball-wining prowess of Comey, Toby Rees and especially Tecwyn Thomas, to good effect – and it looked as if they would increase their lead as Jac Vaughan and Matthew Almond joined Tyler Reynolds in putting his twin brother Lennon away but the final pass didn’t quite go to hand.
 

Set-backs as yellow cards take their toll

 
Dyffryn Taf suffered a set-back when they were reduced to 14 men after the referee decreed a tip-tackle had been made but they defended well – and they added an unconverted try after Osian Rees and Scott Blackhouse had helped earn a short-range penalty and there was no stopping powerhouse prop Jack Worthing on a 5-metre surge to the try line.
 
A second yellow allowed Merthyr to raise the tempo though and they finally broke through with a good try Coby Jay Harries, converted by skipper Lewie Crockett.
 
It was a real boost for the opposition and although Dyffryn Taf defended well they finally conceded a second score when they were reduced to 14 players for a third time, with Merthyr skipper Sol Hadley claimed the score, again converted to give them the lead with time running out.
 

Dyffryn Taf snatch the verdict very late on

 
But it says much for Dyffryn Taf that they refused to submit and when Tyler Reynolds helped earn a late penalty it was his brother Lennon who stood up to the challenge, socks rolled down, and planted the ball beautifully between the uprights with the final move of the match - and there huge joy in the Dyffryn Taf at the same time as understandable despair for Merthyr College.
 
So it was skipper Iestyn Comey who stepped up to receive the coveted plate and it was small wonder that coaches Gethin Greaves; Rhys Davies and Geraint Evans, plus the families were filled with pride.
 


 

Coach Gethin was rightly thrilled

 
“The day exceeded our expectations in every way,” Mr Greaves told us, “and our success was all the more remarkable because our starting line-up included six under 16s and five under 17s – but what we lacked in experience we made up for with total commitment and good skill levels.
 
“As coaches we have said all along that we wanted our squad to have fun and they certainly managed that whilst still managing to win.
 
“It was also great that all 23 members of our squad were able to take some part so it was a whole-group effort.
 
“We had great support and tomorrow we will return to school with our heads held very high – a real day to remember for all involved!”



 

 
Ysgol Dyffryn Taf: Lennon Reynolds: Alex Coaker; Jac Vaughan; Tyler Reynolds; Matthew Almond: Harry Clapperton; Corey Delaney: Tom Monk; Dan Howells; Jack Worthing: Osian Rees; Scott Blackhouse: Tecwyn Thomas; Toby Rees; Iestyn Comey (Capt). Replacements: Teri James; Harry Lloyd; Ethan Ryan; Cody Davies; Aaron Williams; Morgan Williams; Jack Mousley; Ellis Phillips.
Coaches: Gethin Greaves; Rhys Davies; Geraint Evans.
 
Merthyr College: Alex Mason; Connor Friel; Cobey Jay Harries; Drew Hope: Sam Davies; Lewie Crockett; Luis Price; Callum Worwood; Joe Robins; Colby Morgan; Finn Powell; Zac Gerrish; Sol Hadley (Capt); Ryan Walker; Teilo Harries. Replacements: Noah Williams; Joshua Davies; Gethin Jones; Sam Jones; Logan Hannah; Charlie Scrivens; Riley Morgan; Ryan Astley.
 









 

Roads to the final:

 
Ysgol Dyffryn Taf:
Bryn Tawe 7 Ysgol Dyffryn Taf 29
Penweddig 0 Ysgol Dyffryn Taf 49
Porthcawl 7 Ysgol Dyffryn Taf 28
Merthyr College:
Monmouth 0 Merthyr College 0 (won on toss of a coin)
Merthyr College 29 Caerleon 17
Merthyr College 22 Rhyd y Waun 3
 
WRU Welsh Schools Plate Final – Face Book comment:
“Wow!! What a win for the boys today!
“There's been a huge amount of dedication from the boys and Gethin and his coaching team on the lead-up to today. Well done
“A massive congratulations to them all on today's achievement, putting Dyffryn Taf on the map in the best stadium in the world.
“Edge of the seat stuff, da iawn bois!”
 
 

Pictures kindly supplied by Huw Evans Photography Agency