Llangwm RFC Under 14s enjoy the Irish experience
The Llangwm RFC under 14s squad recently returned from a highly enjoyable and successful tour to Kilkenny in the Irish Republic. The squad spent three days in Ireland playing two fixtures against Athy RFC and Kilkenny RFC – and played really well to win them both.
Leading the tour squad of 22 players was the coaching team of Dafydd Bowen, Joseph Kiff, Geoff Asson and Laurence Price and the tour was made possible by the tireless work and organisation of Adam Picton-James and the fund raising efforts of the boys themselves.
Formidable challenge overcome
The tour party, based in Kilkenny, travelled to Athy RFC on the Saturday morning for its first fixture and the home club’s under 14s presented a formidable test for the Young Wasps, having lost only one match in two years.
But on a bright yet very windy morning the Llangwm boys were not be denied. They tore into their shell-shocked opponents from the first whistle and quickly mastered the difficult conditions.
Roared on by a strong travelling support of parents, the forward pack provided a great foundation for the outside runners with some ferocious rucking and scrummaging. The runners repaid them handsomely, spreading the ball at every opportunity to stretch the Athy defence and building an unassailable lead with four tries.
Even bigger victory
Athy then showed why they lose few games, fighting back in the second half to put pressure on their opponent’s line but the whole Llangwm team tackled like demons and held on for a superb 24 – 10 victory.
On the Sunday the squad moved on to Kilkenny RFC for its second fixture and against another good outfit the boys started where they had left off, playing some superb team rugby. The ball was moved through the hands at every opportunity and at a pace that left the Kilkenny defence chasing shadows at times. Kilkenny though showed true Irish grit, never giving in and securing three tries of their own. But Llangwm notched nine excellent tries, shared across forwards and backs, to secure a brilliant 57 – 17 victory.
Wonderful experience for players and parents
The tour was a great experience for these young players as Athy and Kilkenny both provided excellent playing facilities and typical hospitality for the boys, with the promise of a return fixture in Llangwm. Thanks must also go to Stena Line for the hospitality shown to the boys who enjoyed a tour of the ferry and complimentary meals on the voyage home.
And of course, whilst well behaved, the parents also enjoyed some excellent hospitality.
Congratulations must go to everyone involved, particularly the players, who flew the Llangwm flag with pride and passion.
Llangwm U14s Squad:
Iestyn Arnold; Dom Asson; Matthew; ColeIwan Davies; Ben Gardiner; Ioan Hawkridge-Jones; Sion James; Ieuan Jones; Rhys Llewelyn; Harry Makepeace; Arwyn O’Loughlin; Solomon Oxenham; Owen Phelps; Joe Phillips; Finn Picton-James; James Price; Evan Thomas; Jake Thomas; Flynn Tjoonk; Lewis Wilcox; Seth Willington; Charlie Wilson.