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Bridgend Sports R.F.C. mini teams travelled up to the Llynfi Valley to Nantyffyllon this week whilst most of the junior teams were at home.

Under Sevens

The Under Sevens were involved in a round robin with Nanty and Tondu. Nantyffyllon and the Sports competed in a thrilling encounter in the first game with both sets of players showing a high level of skill in a fast-paced game. The game ended all square at 8 tries each. The Sports faced Tondu next. It was another great effort by all players. Bridgend Sports defended well, and it was a close game with the Sports pipping Tondu to the post 7 tries to 6.

Ellis Kendall was top defender for the Sports with 11 tags. Archie Hall was top try scorer with 5 tries, he also contributed in defence by claiming great tags. On his shoulder was the ever-present Matthew Griffiths who defended well in midfield, with 7 tags and he scored 2 tries. An injury in the first game did not deter Ollie Balmer, he bounced back to score 1 try and gain 2 tags.  Oscar Gee put in a superb defensive display to claim an impressive 9 tags. Leo D'Adamo was not far behind with 6 tags and 2 tries. Impressive play over both games from Dion - the 'pocket rocket' Williams with fast hands to tag 7 and to also score 1 try. Aled Rees showed a great display of attacking running to waltz his way down the touch line and bag 3 great tries and to bravely tag 7.  Mikey Heanue scored a fabulous try in the corner and he gained 2 tags. Sam Baughton was all over the pitch and gained himself a tag.
The newer members of the team also contributed with Cian Elward tagging 1 whilst Isaac Davies claimed 3 tags.  Debutant Isaac Dando enjoyed the experience by bagging himself an impressive 6 tags.

Under Eights.

The Under eights were next and despite the miserable weather, the youngsters played some incredible rugby with outstanding tagging and tries. The Sports won the first game 7-6 and drew their second game. Sports try scores were Zack Hughes, Max Hearing, Rhys Evans, Harry Trevelyan. The Sports secured a narrow 14 -15 victory, with Rhys Evans nominated as the star of the week.

Under Tens  

The home side registered their first win of the morning against the Sports Under Tens.  Nantyffyllon were a well organised team and they raced into a three try to nil lead, after some simple mistakes by the Sports. The Sports hit back with a try for the first period to end 15-5. In the second period, all twelve Sports players played some fantastic rugby with plenty of offloads in the tackle and good slick passing for the sports to win 5-10. In the final 10-minute period it was the home side who came out on top 25 – 15, after both teams played some great rugby. Nantyfylllon won 45-30.

Charlie Paget, Chloe Roblin, Madison Rees, Dylan Evans and Alfie Lewis all scored tries for the Sports with the latter deservedly earning player of the week for his all-round performance and scoring a cracking Team try. Both sets of coaches congratulated all players for an excellent display of rugby.

Under Elevens

The Under Elevens restored the balance in favour of the Sports as they defeated the home side 0 – 28.  Again, the conditions were not great, but the sports were strong in defence and attack with Ben Evans putting in some great cover tackles to defend the Sports line and deny Nanty the opportunity to score.

Under Twelves

The Under 12s and Under 14s both played host to Nantyffyllon at Newbridge Fields. The Sports were in control for the first half running in two tries. The first was scored by Mackenzie Dent who did well to power over the line from a ruck five metres from the line. The second was down to the creative brilliance of outside half Cian John, he received the ball just inside his own half, threw a dummy pass to make a lovely break and then used his pace to outsprint the opposition to score, Callum Jones converted. Nantyffyllon hit back with a try to close the gap to 12-5 at the end of the first half. For the second week running the Sports allowed their opponents to take control early in the second half, Nanty dominated the ruck areas to deny the Sports any second phase possession and as a result they were able to use their backs to run in two further tries with one conversion to win the game 12-17.

Under Fourteens

Where the Twelves failed to capitalise on early superiority, the fourteens made no mistake as they put on a great show to run in nine unanswered tries to defeat Nantyffyllon 44 – 0.

Under Sixteens

Finally, the Under Sixteens crowned off another positive week. They travelled to play Clwb Rygbi at Pontcanna fields, Cardiff for their penultimate game of the season. The Sports experimented with their side and used their full squad prior to a big local derby against Bridgend Athletic next week. Conditions were also not great in Cardiff as a constant drizzle and strong head wind persisted all morning. Clwb Rygbi got off to a great start running in two quick tries in the first ten minutes. The Sports then woke up and started to play as a team moving the ball through hands and kicking for territory, running in 6 unanswered tries to finish 36 - 12 victors.  The Sports tries were scored by Ieuan Wallis, Iestyn Rees, Coel Dykhoff, Kieran Richards (2) and Fin Duffill.  Ieuan Wallis (2) and Kieran Richards added the conversions. The coaches man of the match award was given to Elliot Bebb.