By Brian Hawkins
After weeks of heavy rain and the inevitable cancelling of matches on Cardiff pitches it had been 4 long weeks since the team last played, so it was a welcome relief when Dinas Powys declared that the match was on.
Remembrance Sunday dawned bright and sunny and although the pitch was a bit soft, conditions were set for a good game of rugby. It had been a long time since we played Dinas so it was a step into the unknown for both teams.
Dinas kicked off and North were soon on the attack. Some good work by the forwards resulted in quick ball, this was passed through the hands and out right to Sam (Usain Bolt) Woods on the wing who got over to settle the nerves with an early try. From the kick off some good work by the forwards led to a turnover and a strong run by Chelsea, breaking several tackles in her usual barnstorming style, led to try number two. It wasn’t long before the North got their hands on the ball again and in a carbon copy of the first try the ball was moved right and Sam touched down again for number 3.
Obviously stung by this Dinas upped the pace and some strong running by their forwards led to a try. This seemed to motivate them and led to a period of pressure. Some excellent midfield tackling by the North and a bit of bad luck when the Dinas wing knocked on close to the line meant that the North weathered the storm. A clearance kick by Chelsea and a good chase led to a knock on by Dinas, seizing the advantage Alex (The red Devil) pounced on the loose ball and embarked on one of his trademark mercurial runs to score our fourth try. Just before half time some excellent forward work again resulted in another turnover and the blond assassin JS ran in try number 5.
Half time score: Dinas Powys 7 –Llandaff North 33
At the request of the home team a minutes silence was observed at half time. Both teams lined up on the half way line and it is a credit to both teams that this was observed impeccably.
2nd half
North kicked off and were playing down the slope in the second half. It wasn’t long before we had try number 6 with Sam going in for his hat trick. North were staring to dominate now with numbers 1-12 playing their part, some excellent work by Sion (Big Ted), ably supported by his mighty twin pillars Josh and Owen in the front row led to a lot of ball won against the head at the scrum. A good scrum half break by Euan and pass out left to Alex led to try number 7. North continued to dominate at the breakdown and the rampaging, marauding duo of Ioan and James were causing havoc. Some more sustained pressure and strong midfield running by Max led to Joe’s second try (8).
North continued to press and strong running by Anthony led to Rhodri being stopped short of the line by what looked like a dangerous tackle. In the confusion Cool Hand Euan, showing composure, pounced on the loose ball and playing the advantage dived/slid over for try number 9. The match was well and truly won and further tries by Sam and Joe sealed the North’s biggest win for many years. Dinas Powys were gracious hosts and the game was played in an excellent spirit by both teams.
An excellent team performance by the North, forwards dominated at the breakdown and scrum allowing the backs plenty of ball which they used to great effect.
Man-of-the Match: Josh
Final score: Dinas Powys 7 – Llandaff North 71.
(We converted 8/11 tries but I can’t recall who converted which try!)
The author cannot be held responsible for any factual inaccuracies in this report
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