Rugby U14 & U16 vs Welshpool

Our boys u14 & u16 teams started off this year’s schools rugby fixtures with the short visit over to Welshpool.

Our u16s team, well led by co-captains and RGC players Liam Edwards and James Riordan, put in a a really positive and gutsy performance against their Welshpool counterparts. This was made even more impressive in that 12 of the squad were non-club players and of them Ali Khalaf, Kieron Watson, Will Griffiths and Brian Kelikume all played their first game of rugby.

A solid platform was laid in the forwards with the front row aggressive and debutant Ali really stepping up. Flanker James Riordan and number 8 Kyle Ashley put in big performances in the back row with a series of big tackles and strong carries, ably assisted by second row Will Griffiths and flanker Fin Williams. Scrum half Oscar Davies and outside half Liam Edwards were pulling the strings at 9 and 10, allowing the powerful centre partnership of Kieran Watson and Haydn Jones lots of opportunities to make big gains in midfield. Newtown scored 3 tries through Kyle A, Kieron W and Liam E, who also added 2 conversions, 1 of them from the touch line. In a very entertaining game played in good spirit, Welshpool equalled the try scoring feats of Newtown and then kicked a penalty to take the win 22-19.

Our u14s had a tough day at the office going down to a heavy 52-0 defeat, however can be encouraged by the effort and performances of a number of yr9 pupils who led by example, including Tyler Mitchell, Dylan Jones and Shane Jones and a number of other positive performances. Next up for both teams will be Llanfyllin at home on the first Tuesday after half term.

Well done to all who played and thank you to Welshpool for the games. Da iawn pawb!