Youth rugby: Gutsy Blaina fail to beat Ponty

Apr 3 2008 by Dominic Jones, Gwent Gazette

Blaina U15s 0Pontypridd U15s 48

BLAINA entertained the Pontypridd under-15s side at the Duffryn Park, Blaina on Sunday.

Pontypridd were at full strength as there was no district game for them, and it certainly showed.

They took a leaf out of the first team’s book with a great all round team performance winning by 48 points to nil.

Blaina once again showed great resolve as they fought hard and did not allow their heads to drop right until the final whistle.

Ponty got off to a great start as a poor clearance kick by Blaina was gathered and Kyle Harrison sprinted over for a try which was converted by Deon Macintosh, son of the former All Black Dale.

He then split the defence to cross for another try which he again converted.

Some great defence by Mathew Thomas and Cory Williams prevented another score for Ponty.

Blaina did well with Scott Cray, Daniel Wall and Nathan Williams combining well to take Blaina into the Ponty half.

Ponty increased their lead as Harrison crossed for his second try and David Otu crashed over for another try, Macintosh converted both.

Blaina began well in the second half with Kieron Meek, Ashley Preece and Cory Williams combining well but the organised Ponty defence could not be breached.

Ponty once again stepped up a gear and scored three more second half tries through Jack King, Ben McNeil and Macintosh who looks a real talent for the future.

For Blaina, Jarod Isaac, Ben Smith and Scott Cray kept trying until the final whistle.

The game was played in fine spirit by both sides and earned the praise of referee Eric Jones who commended the players for their discipline and skills throughout the game.

On Sunday Blaina host Risca at Duffryn Park, kick-off at 11am.