News

Tonna Youth 35 Bridgend Athletic Youth 2^nd XV 42

Ospreys OC Youth League – Sat 14^th Oct 2017

With both sides given license to play without fear the spectators were treated to an enjoyable high scoring game with the Athletic Youth 2^nd XV (The Rags) triumphing by 42 points to 35 in their 3^rd Ospreys OC League game away at Tonna. They crossed for 7 tries.

A large Tonna pack piled early pressure on the Athletic. Having weathered the storm, the Athletic grew in confidence and their backs started some slick handling moves. Tonna opened the scoring with a penalty cancelled out by Caine Woolerton. The home side then crossed for a well converted try. The Ath’s strategy to keep the ball away from the Tonna juggernaut pack paid off. From the excellent restart after Tonna’s try by Connor Fabian, flanker Kasari Mehta gathered the ball at full speed to outflank the home defence for a try wide out. Following a spell of good possession centre Caine Woolerton made a line break and put the supporting Danny Osarigie over for a great try. This put the Athletic ahead for the first time. Outside half Connor Fabian then sprinted through a gap to cross under the posts for a try converted by Woolerton. This boosted the Athletic to go in at half time with a 20-10 lead.

The second half started as the first with the Athletic having to defend for their lives against the big ball carrying Tonna pack. The spell was broken when Jack Obbard won turnover ball close to his try line. The ball was moved wide for James Tidy to sprint along the touchline before delivering a well-timed inside pass to ever supporting flanker Kasari Mehta to cross for his second try. Athletic man of the match Sam Owens then got in on the try scoring act to open daylight for the Rags.

The Athletic introduced Louis King, Brandyn Fooks, Will Watkins and Teo Filis from the bench. All contributed as the Athletic scored further tries through Filis and the hard-working prop Iestyn Thomas.

Tonna never gave up and crossed for three second half tries, though two in the last five minutes when the game was effectively over.

Athletic Youth Head Coach Lee Grabham was delighted and commented. “This game was an excellent advert for grassroots rugby, played in great spirit with both sides contributing to an excellent spectacle. Tonna’s approach saw them pick up a losing bonus point and a try bonus point, while the Rags came away with a deserved 5 pointer.”