5^th December 2009 CHSOB V Dinas Powys

A long time had passed since the last time the Youth had played a League game and the coaches were in apprehensive mood. A good turn out and pre match preparation gave indications that today could be a lot different to the 50 mauling handed out by Llantwit Major.

A first outing on the main pitch guaranteed the fixture and the weather held firm, unlike recent weeks. A relatively strong side was picked despite the casualties from the school match and the odd drop out. As the whistle blew for the start of the game, an air of quiet confidence oozed from the turf beneath.

During the first quarter the Quins gave no quarter and held firm in defence sending a message to the opposition that today was not going to be easy. The first exchanges saw the Quins gain an upper hand in the scrum, where time and time again, the Dinas pack was shunted off the ball or disrupted. The line out was also effective and the stats man had a distinct glint in his eye. As Rhys Atkins provided accurate throwing, the lifters Ellis and Josh paved the way for the Salmon like Joel and Kearnsie to pluck the ball and deliver.

There were glimpses of endeavour in the backs and it was only the wet slippery ball that denied the line breaks necessary to thrust up field. Some excellent defence and accurate kicking gave the Quins most of the territory and after 20 minutes the first try was scored. After initial line out possession 10 meters out, a number of phases ensued. As the Quins attacked the Dinas line, Gareth Broad broke from the maul and drove through the tackle to score wide out. The conversion went narrowly wide making the score 5-0.

However, as the old cliché goes, a side is at its most vulnerable after they have just scored. The restart was not gathered and Dinas surged forward. After a number of thrusts at the home defence a crack appeared close to the ruck. In a blink of an eye, Dinas darted through and scored. A splendid kick at goal resulted in a fine conversion and with a shrug of the shoulders the Quins were somehow behind 5-7.

Not to worry, back came the Qiuns and more possession was gained. The set piece was providing a great platform and Dinas side had to manage on scraps. Then a moment of opportunism and persistence happened 10 minutes before the break. The ball was on the right wing where Ewan Thomas was in possession. Faced with a number of defenders, he used the touch line as a guide for a neat kick through and chase. The pressure was on and the Dinas player fumbled and Ewan pounced. A great cheer erupted and the boys were now in front 10-7 as the conversion attempt from wide out went astray.

As the half ended, not for the first time the referee had to have stern words with the Dinas players. It was evident that they were not coping with the total effort of the Quins at set piece and contact area. The boys had to keep their own discipline in the face of intimidation in order to keep their focus.

With the luxury of 5 subs, the second half began with James replacing Tom and Huw replacing Rhun, fresh legs for a pitch which was holding up, but heavy going. Again stubborn defence and excellent set piece continued to frustrate the Dinas side. To their credit, they needed the score and showed lots of willing to counter attack from any position. More subs to the fore and on came Paul Nash for David and Louis for Ellis, both stepped up to the mark and maintained the standards of play.

Midway through the second half a concerted Dinas drive resulted in a number of phases. The home defence was stretched and it seemed a try was destined to be scored. But, as the coaches whispered “knock it on” poor execution left the final pass to be dropped and their chance had gone. Again Dinas attacked with astute running and kicking options. Again some fine defence and cover tackles were made by all, bodies were on the line.

Good ground was gained by Mat Davies and Jac which only frustrated the Dinas side even more. Backwards was a word not for the Quins today and the Dinas pick an go was met by solid no nonsense defence. Finally the referee lost patience and yellow carded a Dinas player for punching.

Still that can galvanise a side even more, but the Quins held their nerve. Good territory was gained and it seemed that Dinas would have to score from long range or by a mistake in the muddy wet conditions. One last sub to bring on and that was débutante Owen Efrahim. To think that not so long ago he thought of giving up, what a change around.

Alas, this was a day for the Qiuns to saviour, the day was theirs for the taking. With less than 10 minutes to go another Dinas player digressed and was this time Red carded. A tense final 5 minutes saw more desperate attempts from Dinas, but once again there was no way through.

As the final whistle blew there was an atmosphere of jubilation and pride, not relief which cocooned the field of play. A well deserved victory built on team ethic, playing for each other, putting bodies on the line and the odd glimpse of class.    

CHSOB Yth 10- Dinas Powys Yth 7