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24th Sept 2011

TONNA YOUTH 12 – 32 PONTARDULAIS YOUTH

Yet another wet Saturday saw Pontardulais visit Tonna. A really poor turnout of players saw Tonna only able to field 14 players this week. Tonna started the game and immediately set to work through the forwards with strong direct driving. All the early game was Tonna’s and with a Gareth Davies at 10 with strong pairing Joey King & Warren Hicks at centre the simple short passing game was looking good. Pontardulais stood firm to the pounding and when in possession looked to go a little wider than Tonna and from near enough their first visit into Tonna territory crossed the line after repeated recycling and spreading the field. Tonna looked comfortable in possession but a little predictable, the defence was good from Pontardulais and they managed to pick off an unlikely try after pinching the ball from a Tonna lineout drive and their flanker beating 2 defenders on his race to the line. At half time 0-12 to Pontardulais but Tonna certainly still in the game.

Callum Mcphee was forced to leave the field shortly after the restart which left Tonna down to 13 players. With less numbers on the field the spaces opened up and with the weather now improving the pace of the game picked up. Tonna dug deep and battered away but when possession was lost they were punished by 2 quick counter tries. With 2 less forwards Tonna’s driving game was not really working so quicker ball was given out and Gareth Davies stepped and stretched his way over the line and Elliot Bradbury’s conversion made it 22-7. Pontardulais used the ball to spread Tonna and good handling saw them bag 2 more unconverted tries. Not done yet though Tonna’s fitness again told and after an excellent spell of possession Warren Hicks rode a tackle to touch down to bring it finally to 32-12.

Tries:- Gareth Davies, Warren Hicks

Con:- Elliot Bradbury

A great effort by the players who turned up with some very creditable performances, you can all be proud of the commitment you put in. With a better turn out and commitment from the others, these are the games we could win. A good turnout for TRAINING and match days is required for us to really move on. A big thanks to everybody who turned up

17th Sept 2011

PYLE YOUTH 10 – 18 TONNA YOUTH

TONNA STICK IT OUT TILL THE END

Certainly not an every day run of the mill Saturday afternoon for Tonna Youth. A different type of selection discussion for the coaches this week due to the luxury of being able to field 23 players which included 8 players making their first appearance of the season with 3 of them being their first time in Tonna colours. The starting line up had a familiar look to it as the boys who had done so well the previous week got the nod again for this one. Playing with the wind but against the slope Tonna made a reasonable start with some good driving making the hard yards and trying to release the back line into the spaces that this very wide field offered but handling errors and inaccurate passing was posing as much of an obstacle as the opposition. Although making good yardage the offloading game that worked so well the previous week was not happening with runners too often going alone and being isolated or forcing impossible passes. Tonna were having most of the play but Pyle were showing that there were not going to be bossed around with their back row making some sound hits and with their back line running straight and hard at pace Tonna were also made to work hard to cover their counters. As the game settled Tonna were spending more time in the Pyle danger zone but were kept out by some good defending despite the efforts of the Tonna stronger larger forwards and drives of Captain Rees Jones and ever present 2^nd rowers Mike Turner & Matthew Rawlinson. The break through did eventually come after 15mins and it was outside half Adam James who got the score after supporting a back line break and receiving an inside pass to power over. In the windy conditions the conversion went wide but Tonna were off the mark now and hoping to settle down, the chances of that happening were reduced within minutes of the restart with the injury withdrawals of wing Kieran Snyder and influential No8 and Captain Rhys Jones. Two debutants replaced them in James Thomas on the wing and Resolven recruit Nathan Jenkins coming into the back row. Both settled into things well and Tonna settled down, the lineouts were going well again with accurate throwing from Chris Jones and the scrum looked comfortable with Tom Harrison giving his larger opponent a difficult time. The backs were now finding more spaces and making good progress with centres Danny Gould & Joey King showing strong running and being supported by the skilful running of Jake Issac, only the execution of the final pass was prevention further scores and chance after chance went begging, things were just not going for Tonna and when Joey King crashed over the line taking a couple of defenders with him only to be denied by the ref being unsighted things couldn’t get much worse. Unfortunately they got a lot worse for Tonna as from the resulting 5metre scrum and looking good for a score, the ball was nudged forward to hand the feed to Pyle who broke down field and ended up sending their pacey winger over in the corner for a very unlikely equalising score. With no need to panic but a few alarm bells ringing Tonna responded well with the back row boys Callum Mcphee and Craig Giggsy Howells supporting around the fringes and following the backs on their forward breaks, but again the chances were wasted with too eager over running of the ball & dropped passes. Despite Pyles best efforts the pressure would have to tell and at last a back line break led to Jake Isaac joining the line and stepping inside for a good finish to restore Tonna’s lead. Pyle kept coming back and with pace behind they looked to kick long and outchase the Tonna defence but good cover by Nathan Jones as usual and new boy James Thomas kept the line intact. At half time 10-5 to Tonna.

2^nd half saw Tom Blizzard come on at 10 with Adam James moving back to fullback for Jake Isaac. Against the wind now the heavens opened but Tonna looked comfortable at being forced to keep the ball in hand and kept possession away from Pyle for long periods. Tonna were doing so much right but letting themselves down with silly errors and some poor decisions. The Pyle backs were finding it hard to get near the Tonna boys with Gareth Davies accuracy of passing and options offered to No.10 Tom Blizzard by his centres and now new full back Jacob King playing his first game since a lengthy injury. Tonna’s inability to score showed again as a period of good rucking & driving led to the Pyle defence being split open only for the ball to be dropped over the line with not a defender around. Remarkably when the next score came it was from Pyle who’s kick & chase downfield led to a comedy of errors in trying to seal possession and the ball ending up in the Pyle centres hands to race 25 metres into the corner to level the scores at 10-10. More changes for Tonna saw John Orral come on the wing for his first game and make a good impression with his will to look for work and run hard, also Darren Gethin came into the back row for new boy Nathan Jenkins who also showed up well. Tonna were getting penalised far too often and it gave Pyle an easy escape from pressure and nerves were starting to jangle with time running down. Tonna set up a ruck platform 25 metres out & central and delivered perfect ball to Tom Blizzard for a drop goal, as a reflection of the day unfortunately he did a Rhys Priestland impression and hooked it slightly wide. A rare Tonna penalty soon after gave the chance to redeem and with no mistake Tonna moved on to 13-10. As in each week so far the last 10minutes belonged to Tonna but Pyle would not let this game go and tackled soundly. Drive after drive was repelled until eventually as they ran out of defenders as Daniel Dickenson took a short pass to show impressive strength to barge over for his 3^rd try in 2 games and at last make the game safe for Tonna. At full time 18-10 to Tonna.

Tries:- Adam James, Jake Isaac, Daniel Dickenson

Pen:- Tomos Blizzard

Fantastic to see so many players wanting to be part of the squad. Lots of you have worked very hard and it shows at the end of every game. Today we had good individual performances but must work as a team for the challenges ahead (TRAINING). Everybody worked to the last minute, its good character, lets keep it up!

As always thanks to all of you who turned out!!

10th Sept 2011

TONNA YOUTH 46 – 17 NEATH ATH YOUTH

Tonna’s first home game of the season couldn’t have been more of a crunch match with the arrival of closest neighbours Neath Athletic, this season though only pride and bragging rights (along with a few old scores) were at stake with the Athletic taking part in the league above Tonna.

Tonna were looking to build on the week before performance and keep up the high tempo physical game but cut down on the errors that left them frustrated with last weeks draw. Immediately from the kick off Neath failed to collect cleanly and were driven straight into touch for a Tonna lineout 30 metres out. Chris Jones throwing in got it spot on and with ever reliable Craig Giggs Howells collecting clean ball Tonna began their drive to the line, rolling the maul and then popping from the ruck they made it within 5metres before Neath seemed to have any answer, some good gain line defence kept the likes of Damien Clifford and Matthew Rawlinson just short but with the ball slipped to Daniel Dickenson so close out he just powered over for the first try with just 2 minutes gone, Elliot Bradley added the conversion for 7-0.

With the wind at their backs and such a good start Tonna looked to get straight back into Neath territory but some bad decision making, handling errors and wayward kicking meant that for the next 20 minutes they hardly left their half as they kept handing the ball back to Neath to run at them, from a missed clearance kick Neath countered and set up a quick central ruck and spread the ball our left for their pacey fullback to join the line to make the overlap and breeze over for a good try. Within 5 minutes Neath were ahead, with Tonna totally losing their shape and way and yet again missing touch their classy No10 paced around some disorganised defence to set his winger free down the left touchline, with plenty of cover coming across field the danger looked to be covered but with a single sidestep infield they were all wrong footed and left a straight run to under the posts.

Tonna now trailed 10-7 and with only 10 mins left of the half and wind advantage. Thankfully Tonna got their act together and with ball in hand settled down and started doing the basics well again and kept possession. The forward were now really starting to show their superiority, the driving and rucking game was well organised and mixed in with some excellent offloads Tonna were on the Neath line again, another pop to Daniel Dickenson saw him drive over for his second try and restore the lead at 14-10. With only minutes left from the restart another score was required to build a lead for the second half against the wind, it wasn’t only the forwards who were now making the yards and with some lovely back play passing into gaps and straight running and support from midfield trio Gareth Davies, Danny Gould and Lewis Jones taking Tonna again deep into Neath danger zone, being held up just short the backs fanned out left joined by numerous forward which gave a huge overlap, with everybody screaming to go left Tom Beans Harrison backed himself and went right and with his strength took the Neath defenders over with him to score.

HT 19-10 to Tonna.

Half time was reflection time, it was time to control this game and blitz Neath from the off, basics were all that was required and to put into practice what we train at. This half was as good a performance of skill, determination, hard work and support rugby that could have been wished for. Very oddly straight from the off Tonna got into their stride, driving in and tying in the Neath forward then releasing the backs who continually hit holes in the defence line, the continuity was maintained with Giggsy popping up everywhere even on the wing and having a couple of sprints (must be a downhill slope) and Captain Rhys Jones who again led a superb example of support play and power. Neath just kept Tonna out for a short while but the superior fitness was already telling and when centre Danny Gould latched onto Mike Turners bursting run and skilful offload to dive over the line it was going to be a long afternoon for them. With tails up and smiles all around Tonna played some lovely stuff, now being able to go wider and know the support was there to carry on, Gareth Davies (at 10 today) was causing problem with his strength and stepping and his pinpoint passing was getting Danny Gould into space to feed fellow centre Lewis Jones and supporting full back Jake Isac who showed good ability in running from deep, from one such move the centres split the line to feed hard working Nathan Jones on the wing who cut inside to race 30 metres under the posts for a lovely try.

Neath still had their odd moments of possession and attack but only their classy ‘10’ really caused any problems, the one on one defence of Tonna was good and with the forwards organised by Rhys Jones and Elliot Bradley Neath struggled for any continuity. Line breaks were now coming at will with support runners coming from deeper and in pairs offering the options, driving straight down the middle of the field unselfish offload after offload led to hooker Chris Jones flying over under the posts. With their rival beaten Tonna produced times of total rugby which even if against beaten opposition requires skill and fitness, driving tight and spreading wide at pace with inside support. With all the team looking to offload it was good to see the wide boys getting the ball and no selfishness creep in, Kieran Snyder was set free some 35metres out right on the touchline and with a flat out straight sprint to the corner he was bundled into touch just before making a super effort to touch down. The relief for Neath was not for long though and more of the same came their way, forever going backwards at ruck and maul and then spread wide and back again a centre field pick and drive movement let to Matthew Rawlinson crossing for Tonna’s last of 7 try’s (after he had stepped the 10 twice, chipped the fullback and rounded the winger J). Neath were not quite finished and their 10 got the last points of the day as the ref blew up 7 mins early to leave the score 46-17 to Tonna.

Tries:- Daniel Dickenson (2), Tom Harrison, Danny Gould, Nathan Jones, Chris Jones, Matthew Rawlinson

Cons:- Elliot Bradley (4)

Pen:- Elliot Bradley (1)

A really good display from everybody today, the attitude was spot on and the work done in training showed on the field today which was particularly pleasing, the younger players really showed up today but well done to every one of you on a good individual, and team performance. As always thanks to all of you who turned out!!

AMMAN UTD 5 – 5 TONNA YOUTH

The first weekend of the season saw Tonna travel to play Amman Utd on a very wet windy afternoon.

As with every new season everyone was anxious to see how their preparations had gone and what the player response would be. Pre season turnouts had been generally OK but had tailed off towards the end regrettably. However Tonna travelled with a full team of player with some very familiar faces returning from past junior seasons. With the very tricky conditions it was never going to be an open match and playing simple controlled rugby was the instruction from the off. Playing down a slight slope with the wind behind them Tonna started well and played the first 20 mins almost exclusive in Amman territory. The scrum was going well with the Daniel Dickinson having moved across to accommodate Chris Jones taking over as hooker. Forward drives were making good yardage with some intelligent short pop passing, unfortunately with handling conditions being so bad, spilt ball in contact was a too familiar frustration. The breakthrough did come though around the 20min mark with Captain and inside centre Rhys Jones again bursting onto a short pass and hitting the gap like a downhill runaway JCB with the handbrake off and breaking the tackle to sprint 25metres for a well worked try. Amman Utd came straight back at Tonna but were punished everytime they lost the ball by some good positional kicking from Elliot Bradley along with good chasing by Nathan Jones on the wing.

The second half had everything against Tonna, the slope, rain and wind and for long periods it seemed the ref was too, with a succession of penalties and missed knock ons. To their credit the players just got on with the game and had to defend soundly as they were pinned in their own half for long periods. Amman were now moving the ball a little wider but with Danny Gould partnering Rhys Jones in the centre it was all under control. With Amman on top and the penalty count mounting the inevitable happened and No8 Wes was harshly yellow carded for illegally playing the ball at a ruck. Just before the 10min binning was up Amman decided to run a penalty 5m out and non existent shocking defending allowed their second row to run straight over the try line for the simplest of try’s and the previous hard work was gone. The conversion was missed with scores at 5-5.

Territory was still all Amman but with no real penetration and defence looking comfortable, Tonna looked much more dangerous when they did get the ball and produced some excellent linking and support movements later on, as the game neared the end Tonna looked far stronger and fitter than their opponents (could it be that pre season training pays off?) and looked odds on to snatch the game with the last move, a lineout catch and controlled drive for 25m was halted right on the try line and knocked on with Elliot Bradley waiting to pounce.

The game ended as a draw of 5-5.

A good tester for a first up match but much tougher games to come, starting next week against Neath Athletic.

A big thank you as always to everybody who turned out for us, if you keep it together and train we can have a successful enjoyable season.

TONMAWR – ‘TEARS & TANTRUMS’
Osprey League ‘OC’ 26/03/2011
Tonna Youth 18pts v Tonmawr Youth 16pts

Tonna youth’s league match at Tonmawr offered the opportunity to complete an unprecedented double over their near rivals and get their league form back on track. A few very late withdrawals meant Tonna left with a slightly smaller squad than hoped that included 11 players who were in their first year of youth rugby.
The side were welcomed to Pontrhydyfen by blazing sunshine and nothing else as no representative of the opposition was available to help in finding the location of the facilities or to hand out the Orienteering map and compass required to locate the field.

With a nice wide field and the much larger Tonmawr pack it was clear that Tonna were in for a battle up front and had to look to go wide to gain advantage. The game started at the high pace Tonna required with recycled ball being moved at every occasion, with confidence high Tonna refused a straight forward kick at goal with scrum half Gareth Davies taking a quick tap and dart making some good yardage, the arriving support unfortunately knocked the ball on and the chance was lost. Far too many handling errors in the first 10 minutes hampered scoring opportunities provided by solid clearing out by Dan Dickinson, Tom Harrison, Mathew Rawlinson & Mike Turner with the ever present back row support provided by Wade ‘like a salmon’ Parry, Craig ‘Giggsy’ Howells & Rhys ‘Juggernaut’ Jones.

Having survived the early pressure it was now Tonna’s turn to look to it’s defence. The larger pack of Tonmawr along with their organised drives and mauls provided a perfect platform to release their back line at will, the Tonna defence stood firm with numerous attacks being stopped before the gain line by the organisation and commitment of Nicky Fisher at 10, and strong centre pairing of Alex Davies and Warren Hicks, the attacks were becoming relentless but Tonna somehow stood firm with some intelligent cover tackles being made by both wings Nathan Jones and Elliot Bradley and any kicks through being punished by the long boot of Tomos Blizzard. Tonmawr eventually opened the scoring with a straight forward penalty for offside at the ruck. Tonna had survived a 20 minute battering so could be happy to be only trailing by 3 points.
Straight from the restart Tonmawr were at it again and Tonna seeming to be unable to get their hands on the ball, a problem not helped by the Tonna lineout becoming less and less reliable despite the efforts of Wade Parry showing the athleticism of a ‘Romanian Rhythmic Gymnast’ to no avail, the efficient front line jumping of Tonmawr was totally disrupting the Tonna boys. It was a real derby match now with big hits coming in from both sides up front and behind and the ruck area resembling a WWF bout at times, Adam James who is very good at being annoying was doing so to good effect to the Tonmawr boys with his constant sniping and counter rucking catching the scrum half out on a couple of occasions, unfortunately with his new trendy red streak in his hair resembling him to escaped Mackaw he didn’t escape the notice of the referee and was penalised a few times and warned for being too eager. Giving penalties away, resulting in lineouts in our own 22 proved decisive. From a lineout the inevitable catch and drive came from Tonmawr that trundled over the Tonna line but with the fantastic spirit of the Tonna lads showing through again the defensive pressure caused a knock on in the act of grounding. The respite eventually ran out as a pick and drive forage into the Tonna 22 eventually left an overlap on the left hand which wing Elliot Bradley could do nothing to prevent but his forcing the touch down to be wide out resulted in the conversion going wide and Tonna being 8-0 down and really needing to get into the game.
Tonna needed to get ball for the back line to use and move the heavy Tonmawr pack around in the heat, digging in and hitting rucks hard some possession and momentum was gained and with Gareth Davies keeping the back row occupied with his darts, his then quick deliver to Nicky Fisher allowed his accurate distribution to create space for centres Warren Hicks and Alex Davies to exploit with strong straight running or feed the outside boys of Nathan Jones and Elliot Bradley, Tonna looked much more comfortable now and knew if they could run at Tonmawr the rewards were there, with Tonmawr under pressure and the tables very much turned they missed clearance kicks to touch which were now run back by full back Tomas Blizzard, who, with his fast football feet and ability to side step somebody in a phone box proved a productive outlet, from one such return somehow the Tonna pack got to him at the breakdown and presenting perfect ball, the ball was quickly moved out to centre Alex Davies who made a perfect outside break between the centres and then stepped the full back and paced his way over the line for a classic score. Unfortunately the conversion went wide but Tonna were now back in the game at 8-5 and the break in play gave a welcome chance to catch some breath and take on some nice warm water.
Hard work by the whole 15 had kept Tonna in the game, so no silly mistakes were needed now before half time,
From the restart unfortunately the Red Mackaw was caught being too eager with his work at the ruck again and was very fortunate not to get yellow carded, so with only 2 minutes to go to half time Tonmawr stretched the lead to 11-5.

At half time the game plan was clear, keep up the physicality in defence to force mistakes and move the ball wide. With 4 of the Tonna front 5 being in their first season they had stood up admirably so far but now had to dig even deeper, 2 changes were made in the pack with Callum Mcphee and Sam Richards coming on, 2nd row Mike Turner left the field after giving a physical and yet another improved performance.
It was hoped the Tonmawr pack would tire 2nd half and Tonna did win more possession from the off and the physicality was now forcing Tonmawr mistakes, and with Rhys Jones now being on the front foot and making yards a more structured phase play was developing, however it was the defence again that proved the difference as with Tonmawr choosing to try go wide, the Tonna back line closed them down forcing a dropped pass for Alex Davies to race on to and show he has a nose for the white line to match Daniella Westbook. Tom Blizzard took over the kicking duties and the conversion took Tonna into a 11-12 lead and the locals not being very happy.
Tonna were still having a terrible time at the lineout but were managing to contain the Tonmawr pack with good close work from Craig Howells and Mathew Rawlinson and the fresher legs of Callum Mcphee meant he was always in the thick of the action or offering support off the fringes. Tonna made their final change with tough tackling Nathan Jones making way for Kieran Snyder who has only just qualified for youth rugby and shown good promise in defence and attack. Tonna were now on top and yet another penalty at the ruck offered Tom Blizzard the chance to stretch the lead, he pushed the kick wide but from the resulting drop out the whole game was to change and have move twists and turns than an Alton Towers roller coaster. On gathering the dropout a Tonmawr player came blatantly offside at the ruck again to kill the ball which resulted in a simple yellow card decision which was not met with any pleasure from the players or side line watchers, claiming the Red Mackaw was still getting away with it. With the remonstrations still going on Tom Blizzard had the difficult chance of a long penalty attempt wide out, a good strike saw the ball sail over just inside the post, but with the touch judge Dai ‘Laser sight’ Cole and the Tonmawr representative disagreeing it was left to the ref to decide, and with the touchline barrage continuing the ref awarded the 3pts to make it now18-11. (Video evidence provided by Owain Davies later showed that Dai’s eyes were perfectly correct even at the age of 62 and the kick was clearly over.) This unfortunately lead to mass dissatisfaction from the Tonmawr onlookers and players with toys leaving the pram from all angles, this obviously had a negative effect on the Tonmawr players concentration as immediately from the restart a Tonmawr prop took out a leaping Sam Richards in the air with the precision of a Iraqi Scud Missile which left no option but to present a 2nd yellow card and leave Tonmawr with 13 players and surely looking down the barrel of defeat.
With their composure restored though, Tonmawr to their credit somehow managed to keep control of the ball and territory while the sin bin clock ran down, they battered away at the Tonna boys who stood firm and at times during breaks of play the pitch resembled a battle scene from ‘Call of Duty’ with bodies strewn everywhere, thankfully Ryan on the medical duties managed to patch up and keep everybody on the field during a busy day for him. Tonmawr survived the 2 yellow card and pushed harder for the converted try to bring them level and with yet another twist Tonna were suddenly down to 14 players with Rhys Jones rather unluckily being carded at the ruck, with his loss of his physicality it was now going to be squeaky bum time with only 6 minutes to go. Relentless drives from Tonmawr were met by gain line tackles but eventually Tonmawr broke through wide out again on the overlap but being forced to ground out wide proved vital as the conversion was missed to make it 16-18 to Tonna with 3 minutes on the clock.
Any score would now seal the game for either side and with the Tonna restart not going 10 metres, Tonmawr ripped into Tonna from the scrum and again drove into the 22, the pop and drive tactics were gaining ground again and with Tonna unable to really challenge at the ruck for fear of conceding a penalty it was up to the first up gain line defence to hit the ball carriers back, with time now run out Tonmawr moved wide off a ruck and looked odds on to score only for a tremendous double hit to cause a knock on and end a brutal game as 16-18 to Tonna Youth and complete a magnificent league double to the delight of the Coaches and supporters who had witnessed a true physical team effort from a very young outfit and secured another win in a difficult division for them since moving up to ‘OC’. Being gracious in victory the Tonna players waited to clap off the Tonmawr team as is tradition but not so gracious in defeat the Tonmawr team did not, their indiscipline maybe showing off the field as well?
Tonna had shown there is more than one way to skin a cat, and the Tonmawr tiger was tamed by pure hard work, never say die attitude and always applying the pressure when you don’t have the ball to force mistakes, a good team ethic was evident today, so get to training and keep eating the Spinach. WELL DONE LADS !!
Also thanks to Owain Davies for providing the video coverage, today was a game Owain was itching to be involved in as a bustling backrower but sadly he is recovering from a facial injury sustained against Aberavon Quins and has undergone cosmetic surgery on his nose, he is now apparently saving for cosmetic surgery on his breasts and promises the boys to return with new improved and bigger hits. (I think that’s what he said)

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