The start of this return fixture between Heart of Wales District U13s and their Cardiff &Vale District counterparts was delayed to allow the unusual February sunshine to thaw the frozen Aberdare pitch.
However, it took a little longer for the sun to get through to the visitors as Heart of Wales made the early running to come away with a penalty kick after 3 minutes. The Cardiff & Vale side then sprang into action and an electric 8 minute hat trick from The Cowbridge Express Christian Roberts-Waters really warmed things up! The first came from a classy outside break and 50m sprint down the touchline to finish near the posts. Outside half Josh Rees (Rhiwbina) added the conversion. The second came from 40m but the third and most spectacular came from 75m. Good covering work by flanker James Berridge (Rhiwbina) and left wing Craig Wilford (Glamorgan Wanderers) saw a loose kick being fielded in the visitors 22. The ball was quickly transferred to Christian who then did the rest! This took the score to 3-17 after the first quarter.
A new ruling at this age grade for 2008 allows kicking from anywhere on the field. While the game was spoiled by some pretty aimless kicking at times, St Peters wing Cobi Flowers showed exactly why the law has been changed. A lovely outside break was followed by a superbly controlled kick and chase for a classic wingers try in the corner. This went unconverted and saw the score at 3-22 at the break.
Changes at half time seemed to unsettle the visitors but bolster the home side. Indeed within 1 minute Heart of Wales took advantage of some poor tackling to race in for a converted try. Regaining their composure Cardiff & Vale came storming back and this time if was the forwards who come to the fore. Some excellent close work resulted in prop Damian Atkins (Glamorgan Wanderers) going over in the corner. The try went unconverted.
The rest of the second half was a rather scrappy affair. Indeed in was such play that saw replacement centre Jacob Chilcott (Rhiwbina) pounce on a loose ball and race in for a try. This was converted by Kyle Barros (Barry). Heart of Wales then added a penalty as the game came to a close. Final score 13-34.
Some very creditable performances from individuals in both teams but perhaps a bit more teamwork is required. Man of the match must go to try machine Christian Roberts-Walters getting his second hat trick in two games to take his tally to 8 tries in 3 games.