Under 12’s in the Cardiff Blues region have been busy playing matches and last Thursday saw a Pontypridd District under 12’s win with a huge victory over their local rivals and current DC Thomas Plate holders Rhondda District.

This was a very entertaining game of pressure rugby and rush defence at it’s best. The game was played at a furious pace in three twenty-minute periods at Treorchy RFC. The first third of the game saw a dominant Pontypridd side in terms of possession and territory, but it was Rhondda who scored first with a sixty yard breakaway try under the post through their lightening quick wing Callum Roberts, the conversion was kicked successfully by Bobi Sheppard. Eventually Pontypridd’s pressure told and their giant centre Rory Woodland went over for his first try that was converted by Pontypridd RFC captain Joel Raikes. Score at the end of the first period 7 – 7.

The second third of the game saw a number of changes by Rhondda and Pontypridd, who both took the opportunity to blood the less experienced players. This period was a war of attrition between both sides and was very much an even keel in terms of playing ability, but it was Pontypridd who came out on top with a try by Joshua Whiles-Pritchard who cut through the middle of the Rhondda defence to score unopposed under the posts, the try was converted by Rhys Hughes. Score was now 14 – 7 to Pontypridd.

The return of senior players in the final third of the game saw a rejuvenated Rhondda, but it was Pontypridd who scored again with another try by their giant of a centre Rory Woodland who showed excellent pace to go in and out of the Rhondda defence to score, again the try was converted by Rhys Hughes. Score with ten minutes remaining 21 – 7 to Pontypridd. This final ten minutes saw increased pressure and some outstanding rugby by Rhondda, with excellent rush defence by Pontypridd. But it took a moment of magic and power for Rhondda to unlock the Ponty defence. After having spent most the game tackling the Ponty attackers, Rhondda’s magician Dale Hughes finally managed to get the ball in his hands for a sustained period and it wasn’t long before he showed his unique ability. A barnstorming run down the wing from his own half saw him sidestepping players and barging his way through several defenders to go over in the corner. This gave Rhondda hope, as Dale and Rhondda captain James Parry led the fight-back, but despite continued pressure by Rhondda the Pontypridd defence held on for a final score of 21 – 12 to Pontypridd. Outstanding for Pontypridd were scrum-half Joel Raikes, centre Rory Woodland and flanker Steffan Jenkins. For Rhondda outside-half Bobi Sheppard, wing Dale Hughes and captain James Parry were particularly impressive.

Try scorers for Rhondda were Callum Roberts [Treherbert RFC] and Dale Hughes [Pontypridd RFC]. Bobi Sheppard [Ystrad Rhondda RFC] kicked one conversion.

Try scorers for Pontypridd were Rory Woodland (2) and Joshua Whiles-Pritchard [Pontypridd RFC]. Joel Raikes [Pontypridd RFC] kicked one conversion, whilst Rhys Hughes [Llantwit Fardre RFC] kicked two conversions.