The sunniest day of the year so far saw the rugby finals of the Gwent JDA Dragons Cup being played at the Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach, where the facilities are fantastic. To get to the Finals Caerleon had played and won 3 matches against Abergavenny, Cwmbran and Tredegar.
The Under 13’s Dragons Cup Final was between local rivals Caerleon RFC and Pill Harriers RFC. This was the first time the teams had met this season, however most of the boys go to school and play school rugby together.
The game was tight from the kick off. Pill dominated possession and only fantastic and determined defence by Caerleon kept them in the game. Then from a lineout on the 5m line in Caerleon’s half Pill skilfully set up a driving maul to score, making it 5 – nil at the end of the first half.
In the second half both teams had moments of attack, however the defence remained strong on both sides. The players did not give up and held belief and with seconds to go Caerleon worked their way down the pitch before breaking the defensive line and scoring under the posts.
The conversion was crucial (no pressure!) and superbly taken to give Caerleon the win by 7 points to 5 at the final whistle. The cheering was so loud many supporters did not realise the final whistle had gone! Lots of celebrations followed, with the trophy and medals being presented by Dragons Second Row Joe Davies.
All in all a fantastic game of rugby. Caerleon RFC would like to thank all the people involved in organising the competition, all the referees, including the finals ref Gary Mascetti and the coaches who invest time and effort week after week to bring the game of rugby to all.
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