News

On Saturday the 18th of April Skewen RFC took on Ystrad Rhondda of Division 1 East Central at Llanharan RFC in the semi-final of the WRU Plate competition, in what probablywas the most important game in the clubs recent history. The prize for the winners being the opportunity to play in the final at the millennium stadium

This was breaking ground for the young Skewen side, as not only had they  never reached this stage of the competition before but also had never played their opposition.

This was not the case for the experienced Ystrad side who had twice before been beaten semi-finalists and were intent on not losing their third.

The early exchanges went Skewens way with much of the first 5 – 10 minutes  being spent in and around the Ystrad 22 but strong and aggressive defence meant that Skewen were unable to take advantage of the possession and territory.

As the game settled Ystrad began to gain more possession and territory and were encamped for some time in the Skewen 22 scoring 2 well-structured tries within a short period, both coming from well-practiced moves led by the outside half.

Ystrad went even further ahead with their third try a close forward drive and at this point were leading 19-0 but Skewen continued to meet their opponents head on and in fact scored perhaps what was the try of the game. Following some good phase play by the forwards the ball reach Tom Kingdom on the half way line, he broke a tackle stepped inside a defender and took the ball up to within 15 meters of the line passing inside to his fellow centre Cam Morris who with good juggling skills managed to hold onto the ball and cross near the post. The try was converted by Anthony Busselli

With the score at 19-7 there was all to play for. Indeed as the half was coming to an end Skewen where in a good attacking position when a loose ball was hacked and picked up an Ystrad player who ran 60 metres to score

Half time score Skewen 7 Ystrad Rhondda 26

Despite the half time score Skewen went into the second half full of commitment and effort and for most of the second half were encamped in an around the Ystrad 22. But Ystrad proved to be a difficult team to break down and the only points came from a close quarter forward drive crossing the line with a number of Skewen bodies over the ball. From reviewing the score on You Tube (WRU plate Skewen v Ystrad Rhondda) it would appear that the try goes to Luke Myatt.

Despite the fact that there was no further score the game continued to be played at speed with both sides committed to attack but finding that each sides defence stood up well to the task.

Both sides spent time in each other’s 22 but ferocious defending by backs and forwards nullified any attacking opportunities.

Final score Skewen 12 Ystrad Rhondda 26

Well done Ystrad who were worthy winners (just). Skewen were unlucky to meet what was probably the strongest team in the semi-final a team full of experience and quality players in key areas. This being said however we showed that we have in our squad of young players the strength, skills, ability and commitment to meet and match any team at division 1 level anywhere in Wales. 

Man of the match everyone deserved it. Well done boys!!!!!!!!!!

Skewen Team v Ystrad Rhondda

15 Gareth Morris

14 Luke Hughes (Replaced by Mathew Billet)

13 Tom Kingdom

12 Cam Morris 

11 Mat Williams (Replaced by Kevin James)

10 Anthony Busselli

9 James Ball (replaced by Jaimie Kirkhouse)

8 Wayne Mitchell

7 Luke Myatt (replaced by Dan Williams)

6 Liam Grice (replaced by Daffy Davies)

5 Aled Mogford

4 Reece Jenkins 

3 James Reeves (replaced by Johnny Gethin)

2 Rhodri Hughes (replaced by Stefan Bond)

1 David Hughes