RGC 1404 U20s 21pts The Army U20s 25pts
A close fought game at Aldershot saw the Gogs just lose out despite a thrilling last ten minutes when they besieged the Army line. Late minute cry offs saw a depleted squad of seventeen travel for six hours to play this hastily arranged game and it was the tiredness in their legs that cost them the match.
The game started with just fifteen players but they were soon in front through a fine interception try from makeshift centre Paul Selwood. A conversion from Carwyn Milburn was followed soon after by a penalty and the Gogs were coasting, dominating the set scrums. An Army penalty pulled three points back but Milburn struck again and the half time score was 13 – 3.
Two late arrivals from Swansea enabled the visitors to use substitutes but the Army were able to use eleven and began to win more ball and a further penalty closed the score. Tired legs in the centre and a strange interpretation of the scrum wheeling law meant that the soldiers were able to score under the posts from a scrum that had wheeled over 180 degrees. This fired up the outraged men in red and they were almost immediately ahead again when the outstanding Mike Hall rampaged his way through a plethora of tacklers and unloaded to the supporting Lewis Maxwell who scored wide out. Milburn missed with the kick but struck a fine penalty to enhance the lead. An infusion of fresh legs and some dubious rucking put the Army in a good position but they could not create much themselves. It was an unfortunate interception that allowed them to take the lead again and, despite the battering they took in the last few minutes they ran out relieved winners.
There were four debutantes for the Gogs and all gave great promise for the future. Stand off Tom Gravell had a assured game and Number eight Jimmy Lloyd showed his skills and strength. Young Nick Saunders, usually a 10 but playing at 15, had an impressive game, showing speed and guile in equal measures. Llangefni flanker, Declan Griffiths, was asked to play out of position at second row and showed what an all round footballer he is, earning himself the man of the match.
Coach Jimmy Waring said, “It is disappointing not to have won when we were clearly the better side but there are so many things to build on from today and I can’t wait for the return match in the next few months.”
