During the 2010 Big Cheese Festival, Caerphilly District Coach Chris Garrett organised the first Under12’s Rugby 7’s tournament to promote the inclusion of this sport in future Olympics, the tournament was held on Morgan Jones’s Park. On an exceptionally warm day five teams formed up consisting of Tredegar, Blackwood, Abertillery, Caerphilly and a Barbarians team of district and Caerphilly players. What followed was an excellent display of tactical rugby with flair epitomising the Welsh Game, strokes of pure genius and skill shone, even over the heat that steadily rose with each hour. Caerphilly strode onto the pitch for their first game, the children’s faces calm and totally focused, their opponents Tredegar. Kick off commenced and battle ensued. The game was evenly poised, both team moving the ball wide at first opportunity first one way then the other, forwards thrusting through the gain line, it was a sight to behold, before we knew it the whistle had blown for the end of the game, spectators mesmerised not remembering the score. Caerphilly had emerged victorious scoring 2 tries to 1.
Caerphilly’s next game against a very good Abertillery team needed no introductions, the Caerphilly team still smarting from last season’s loss during the Usk Tournament. Abertillery went out with all guns blazing and their wingers causing consternation at times, Caerphilly rose to the occasion and a re-shuffle of the team effectively closed them down. This time it was Caerphilly who emerged the victors over a hard fought game, Final Score 3 tries to 2.
Caerphilly’s third game against the Barbarians kicked off with both team starting slowly, feeling out the defence and probing, it must be noted that 5 players in the Barbarians were from Caerphilly U12’s however you would not have known, both teams picking up the pace, Caerphilly made the break though and Scored, this seemed to further inspire the players with 5 further tries being scored although the Barbarians pulled 2 back. The final whistle blew and Caerphilly won by 6 tries to 2.
The team next played Blackwood, the coaching team had seem this team as their most dangerous opponents and had watched their games with great interest, final instructions were issued to the team and they ran onto the pitch. To say this was a hard game is an understatement, flashes of brilliance wowed the crowd, cheering and clapping resounded over the park. The heat was unbearable and spectator’s were heard saying they were hot and didn’t envy the players, you could see some of the players suffering with the heat but continuing to give it their all. It must be noted that neither Caerphilly nor Blackwood had lost a game so this was in effect a warm up for the final. Blackwood drew ahead however Caerphilly quickly drew level and followed up with a second try. In the second half Blackwood scored an excellent try to draw level again, the clock was ticking down when Caerphilly broke through on a darting run and scored again. Caerphilly were then penned in, in their own half and put up some great defensive work to keep Blackwood out. The whistle blew and the stands erupted, final score Caerphilly 3 Blackwood 2.
After a short break Caerphilly returned to the pitch against Blackwood, you could see Blackwood were fired up, seeking revenge and what followed was an excellent display, no holds barred end to end rugby. Both teams putting everything into it, the game ebbed and flowed one way then the other until the final whistle went. Caerphilly had won 2 tries to 1. Both teams congratulated each other on a game hard fought.
All that was left was the prize giving with Blackwood team receiving runners up plaques and Caerphilly mounting the steps to eagerly get their hands on the trophy, smiles flashing out of beetroot coloured sweating faces.
An excellent start to next season, with pre-season training looming we hope it’s a good indication of great things to come. I would like to pay particular mention to the coaching staff of Martin Jones and Anthony Evans for getting their tactics right (Warren Gatland take heed)
A big thank to the parents for giving up their day, especially over the summer holidays because without their support and commitment this couldn’t have happened. Finally to all the teams especially Caerphilly U12’s, Cain Davies, Christian Thomas, Connor Heydon, Huw Williams, Josh Lewis, Jonathon Pearce, Ieuen Lewis, Jamie Carter, Lewis Harding, Llewellyn Jones, Rhys Evans, Rhys Jones, Robert Askew, Thomas Nelmes and William (Flynn) Purser.
A final note to all you budding rugby players out there, step up and be counted, you could be Wales’s stars of the future. Caerphilly U12’s are still recruiting players to join their team and would welcome all additions. For contact information please visit the Caerphilly RFC website which covers all age groups (www.caerphillyrugby.com) and team managers details are available. Get along to the first team games next season; I would love to hear the roar of the crowd again resounding over Virginia Park.
Written by Simon Askew (U12’s Team Manager)