Ten try romp for Ponty under 12s

Sunday 20th November 2005 saw the young Pontypridd under 12s side entertain Beddau and the watching crowd at Taff Vale Park.  Beddau were struggling for a full team so it was agreed beforehand to play a thirteen-a-side game, with some Pontypridd players donning Beddau shirts to make a game.  This was a good session for both sides and provided the opportunity for Pontypridd to try out their players in different positions.

The game got off to a furious pace with centre Chris Jones going over early after some sharp passing through the hands by Pontypridd, scrum-half Joel Raikes converted the try for a 7-0 lead.  This opened the floodgates for outside-half Dale Hughes to exploit poor marking and score two tries in quick succession, going straight through the Beddau midfield on both occasions.  Joel Raikes converted both tries for a 21-0 lead.  The Pontypridd forwards dominated up front and their teamwork led to a pushover try that was claimed by the scrumhalf Joel Raikes.  Buoyed by their exploits so far, Pontypridd became even more expansive with their slick passing and movement leading to another try through their powerhouse fullback Oliver Bailey; again Joel Raikes converted the try.  Towards the end of the half Beddau finally woke up and threatened the Pontypridd line for several minutes before the Pontypridd fly-half Dale Hughes again unlocked their defence to score his hatrick, the try was again converted by Joel Raikes for a half time score of 40-0.  Prominent for Pontypridd in this half were Joshua Whiles-Pritchard, Chris Jones, Joel Raikes, Dale Hughes, Garin Rossiter and Will Thomas.

In the second half Beddau were more rejuvenated and provided a real contest in the midfield.  But again it was the Pontypridd pack who dominated, with their pressure leading to another try for scrum-half Joel Raikes, thanks to their second row Dan Williams doing his impression of JJ Williams, flying down the wing with a show of speed that neither his coaches or his parents ever realised he had.  Despite this set back, Beddau played well and caused Pontypridd some concern.  But it was only a matter of time before Pontypridd's dominance showed again, with fantastic handling getting quick ball out to Liam Williams on the wing who's awesome pace took him past most of the Beddau team, before he was finally held up just short of the try line.  The resulting ruck saw fullback Oliver Bailey stretch over in the corner for his second of the afternoon and a 50-0 lead for Pontypridd.  Another surprising speedster was prop Michael Connor who from the resulting kick-off sped through the Beddau defence and gained forty yards before being brought down by a wonderful tackle.  The resulting play saw outside-half Dale Hughes again tear through the mid-field and score unopposed under the post for his fourth try that he converted himself.  Fittingly it was man of the match Dale Hughes who scored his fifth and Pontypridd's tenth try after some swift handling saw him receive the ball on the wing after looping behind his backs in a set move.  Again he converted his own try before the referee blew up for an early finish.  Prominent for Pontypridd in the second half were Liam Williams, Oliver Dalley, Morgan Rees, Dan Williams and Michael Connor.  Final score was 62-0.

Try Scorers for Pontypridd:  Dale Hughes (5), Joel Raikes (2), Oliver Bailey (2) and Chris Jones (1).  Joel Raikes kicked 5 conversions with Dale Hughes kicking 2.

Preece Removals Man of the Match: Dale Hughes.

Team:  1. Michael Connor, 2. Will Thomas, 3. Nathan Payne, 4. Dan Williams, 5. Oliver Dalley, 8. Alex Knowles, 9. Joel Raikes, 10. Dale Hughes, 11. Morgan Rees, 12. Chris Jones, 13. Joshua Whiles-Pritchard, 14. Garin Rossiter, 15. Oliver Bailey.

Subs: Gareth Cleaver, Liam Williams and Geraint Jones.

Both sets of coaches would like to thank Gareth Cleaver, Liam Williams, Joshua Whiles-Pritchard and Chris Jones who each in turn represented Beddau, without who's willingness to play for the opposition the game could not have gone ahead.  Well done and thank you.

Sponsors:  Tonyrefail Upholstery and Preece Removals of Pontypridd..