Burry Port v Pontarddulais
Burry Port travelled to Bont with an impressive 8 youth players in their ranks, 5 of whom started the match and 2 making their senior debuts.
The selection had raised a few eyebrows in the week but the coaching staff fully believed the Youth players had earned their place and were excited to see how they went against a good Division 2 team.
The 1st half was a scrappy affair with both teams trying to play rugby but failing to hold on to possession at crucial times, the referee was happy for both teams to play and controlled the game very well.
The stalemate was not broken until the 30th minute when a break up field by the home backs got them into the Burry Port 22 and after a couple of quick phases they managed to power over out wide to lead 5-0.
As the half time approached Burry Port were camped on the home teams tryline, twice being held up over the line and after refusing a couple of easy shots at goal searching for a try would have been disappointed to come up short and go into half time 5 nil down.
The second half and now playing into the wind Burry Port upped the tempo and got their ball carries into the game more, they simplified the attack and they got the rewards, Captain Andy francis got the first try, running hard and straight through his opposite number to finish under the posts to take a 7-5 lead.
Burry Port now had their tails up and Bont were struggling to cope with the direct running of the Blacks ball carrying, a second try came after good approach play and a wonderful finish through live wire hooker Taran Galbraith to extend the lead to 12-5.
Bont knew they needed the next score but with the Burry Port defence dominating the contact area they failed to get any decent attacks going and from a turnover in mid field and some good hands seen flying wing Tom Davies cross in the corner, score now 17-5.
Burry Port brought on youngster Keelan Jewell at loose head to make it an all 18 year old front row ( surely some kind of record) and with the addition of another two youth replacements Kingsley Powell and debutant Theo Barnes-watson as well as scrum half Ben Williams who all brought plenty of energy onto the field against a tiring Home defence meant the next try wasn't long coming. Center Duane Evans found a gap and a lovely inside ball to supporting full back back Adam Davies who dived over the line for the bonus point try.
Another try quickly followed a 5m lineout attack from Burry Port was initially defended well but with Burry Port keeping the ball, replacement Powell barged over the line.
The game was won but Burry Port had one more score in them, with Adam Davies dancing around a few tired defenders to again cross under the posts to put the icing on a well deserved victory for Burry Port.
Final score Pontarddulais 5 - 36 Burry Port
Burry Port are next in action on Saturday 16th Feb when they welcome St. Clears to the Memorial Park 2:30 ko.
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