Clifton U10s They Went, They Saw, They Conquered

With the season almost over the U10s decided to tour to the Gower and play some real rugby. A big thanks to Jinx who picked up the mantle and organised everything, to mine and eveyones shock!

The weather for Saturday was not looking good so a diversion from the beach to the indoor swimming pool was a good strategic decision.

Knowing how to live it up it was off to TyBarn for all you could eat, and we did. I clearly can't say much more as "What goes on Tour stays on Tour" but it was a good night and we were all in bed before the witching hour!

...and so to Sunday and the rugby. We arrived early at Dunvant RFC. The weather was good. We were the only players there, so a quick check that Jinx had got the right rugby club and that we weren't meant to be in North Wales.

Phil our host at Dunvant greated us in good friendly Welsh fashion, the rugby match hadn't started yet! We discussed the similarity of our rules. Other than playing with the same shape ball there weren't any. They play with 10 players which was our full tour squad so no injuries would be allowed! They kicked from their own 22. No lineouts. 5 men scrums but uncontested. Conversions after the tries. Only 1 or was that 2 in the mauls, but you are not allowed to compete for the ball. The boys took their usual attitude of lets just play, and play they did.

First up was Dunvant v Vardre. It was a close game which Dunvant won. Passing was good by both sides but we noticed that they did not like to tackle. Unfortunately we had lefty our big bruisers in Clifton but Theo and Luke would make up for it with their crunching tackles.

First up was Vardre, referred by the Dunvant coach. The boys quickly adapted to the new set of rules and put in the crunching tackles. It was 6-1 at half time and the boys were told to take it easy i the second half as we had another game and no subs. Full time score was 9-1. Vardre put up a great performance and were great hosts, but Clifton always had the edge.

A quick 10 minute interval to catch our breath and next up the home side, Dunvant, with the same ref (I think!). They had seen what we had done to Vardre and I think had been given a pep talk. The first half was full on rugby with some mighty tackles and great tries by both sides.Clifton were trailing 3-2 just before half time but managed to score before the break and go into the second half neck and neck. Clifton looked sligtly on the back foot and just hanging on with some tired boys and a couple of niggling injuries. But in true Clifton U10s style they nuckled down and physologically beat the other side in the second half with one of the best tries of the season; a clearance kick by Theo from our own 22 chased by Sami Hamid who caught it to go on and score a try. Given we never kick this was simply brilliant. The final score was 6-3. Relief could be seen on the coaches and players faces.

Tries were scored by Sami Hamid(8), Malachi(3), Jake(2), George Heming, Milan. Jake converted 11 of the 13 tries and Sami 1 of 2.

It was then to the bar, a de-brief and hopefully a re-match in Clifton next year when Dunvant tour to us.