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BARFC U15 12 Morriston U15 20

The Under 15’s travelled back to Llandarcy to play in the final of the inter-Regional Ospreys cup after winning the district D final last weekend. They faced a big Morriston side who on paper were the favourites to win. The game started well and both sides had periods of possession, but neither were able to make a breakthrough. It was pleasing to see the Ath playing with confidence and moving the ball around the field. Every player fronted up and for large periods of the half the Ath looked the most likely to score. Unfortunately, 2 mistakes resulted in Morriston gaining a foothold in the Aths 22 and the boys found themselves 10-0 down at half time.

At the start of second half the Ath hit back when the backs worked Charlie Paget into space who stepped the Morriston defence to run the pitch and score under the posts. The try was converted by Sam Whitefield.

The Ath was now taking control of the game when Ioan Shepherd was taken off the ball and picked up beyond the horizontal and dumped to the floor. The referee only issued a yellow card, which was disappointing when you consider a tackle in our match the week before which was not as dangerous and resulted in a red card for us. Nevertheless, the boys continued to play and managed to put Ethan Griffiths into space who had too much pace to be stopped. Try scored and the Ath took the lead 12 -10.

 For the next few minutes, the boys continued to play and moved the ball around. But then one mistake was made at the line out when a penalty was given away resulting in Morriston setting up a good attacking position in the Aths half. The boys defended bravely, and tackled hard for several phases but they were unable to stop the power of the Morriston pack who managed to score in the corner and take the lead. The boys had their chances to hit back and threw everything at Morriston, unfortunately it wasn’t to be, and the boys were eventually beaten 20-12.

As coaches we would like to say how incredibly proud, we are of these boys, they have played most of the season with 1 or 2 players on the bench and often without any. Many of the players have had to adapt and play out of position and again today they proved just how resilient they are. This is only their second loss of the season and to win one cup final, and narrowly lose another is testimony to their commitment and determination to the badge. Well done each one of you.