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Glamorgan Wanderers Youth 16

Merthyr Youth 6

“The boys were outstanding” gushed a happy Wanderers coach Stuart Baird after his side had claimed the Webb Ellis trophy.

“Something that has never before been achieved by the club, this group of players and coaches deserve so much credit for what they have done today” added Director of Rugby Billy James. 

On a grey afternoon at the Millennium Stadium there was an early difference of opinion amongst the forwards showing that both sides were up for the challenge. Merthyr created pressure from the off and after 3 minutes outside half Josh Lewis was on target with a penalty to give them an early lead 0-3. The Wanderers responded. From a free kick powerful driving from Dan Evans and Dan Crimmins set up good field position but the Merthyr defence held firm. Back came the valleys side and it took great defence from wing Aled Williams to prevent a score. From the resulting attacking ruck Merthyr had a chance to extend the lead with a penalty but Lewis’s attempt went just wide. The Wanderers were finding it hard to get their game together as all the early pressure came from the Merthyr side. Joe Russell and his forwards were forced to work hard in their own half driving the ball well at close quarter. Merthyr had another chance to extend the lead after a high tackle but again Lewis was slightly off target. As the half progressed the Wanderers started to gain some parity “Dicky” Bird narrowly missed with a drop goal and also with a long range penalty but after 30 mins it was still 0-3 to Merthyr. From a lineout on the opposition 22 Bird tried a deft chip but a charge down and break away looked certain to give Merthyr a try. It took superb chasing back by the Wanderers defence to haul the attackers down just short of the line. Unfortunately from the ruck the Wanderers backs were caught offside and Lewis landed his second penalty to give Merthyr a deserved 0-6 lead at the half time whistle.

“Huggy” Baird emerged from the dressing room announcing “The boys have had a stern talking to, the game is theirs for the taking if they want it badly enough”

The Wanderers responded to their coaches words from the off. A kick deep into Merthyr territory gave them field position and good scrum pressure caused panic in the defence. Scrum half JB got amongst the defenders and when the ball went loose the scrum half pounced to score the opening try of the game. Bird converted and the Wanderers were ahead 7-6. The confidence instantly grew in the Ely side and they started to look more like the side that had already won one cup this season.  Great off-loading and interpassing kept the pressure up on the Merthyr side and their defence started to show some cracks. After one attack the defence was caught offside and Bird stepped up to extend the lead with a penalty from 30 metres 10-6.  The game ebbed and flowed as both sides strove for a breakthrough but the defences were still ruling. An injury to one of the Merthyr wingers caused a lengthy delay but as the game restarted there was no let up in the intensity. Both sides were willing to attack from deep with little evidence of kicking duels witnessed at senior levels. The Wanderers extended the lead with another penalty from Bird after a great kick chase from Aled Williams but with only a 7 point deficit Merthyr were still in the game. As the last 10 minutes approached a yellow card for Captain Russell left the Wanderers with 14 men and Merthyr mounted a series of attacks. The Wanderers were forced into some desperate defence but the 7 man pack responded superbly to keep their line intact. Great turnover ball allowed the Ely side to clear their half and Merthyr were forced into looking for the miracle score to level the game. Running from deep in their 22 and in the final minute from behind their own line they attempted to break clear but the Wanderers were not going to be denied. When at last they were forced to kick clear Corey Allen nonchalantly stepped up and slotted over a 40 metre drop goal to seal the win and set off the wild celebrations. Wanderers win 16-6.       

Report by a Very Proud Chairman Alyn Humphreys