Welcome to Rhiwbina U13's (2009-10)

Head Coach
Mark Brinkworth: 0777 3567494

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Under 13's Photos

Rhiwbina 12  Penarth 0 - Blues Cup Round 2 (Sun 7th Feb 2010 - Home)

The cup tie finally got underway after cancellations due to the snowy weather, between the two District cup finalists.

Both sides are well known to each other and boys from both sides make up part of the U13s district squad ,so Rhiwbina knew they had to play at their best to progress to the next round. After a weak performance in the last round against last years finalists Cowbridge, when Rhiwbina were lucky to scrape through, they were back to nearer their best with a powerful display.

With the forwards dominating the bigger Penarth pack , our dangerous backs were able to run Penarth ragged. The normally dominant Penarth lineout which is usually a big part of their game was continually disrupted by Sam at the front, Shaun in the middle and Syd at the back. Shaun in particular was exceptional securing the Penarth lineout ball against the district second row. Will took numerous strikes against the head enabling Rhiwbina to be on the front foot.

The first try was scored after the forwards secured good ball for Breandan to release his potent backs, the ball reaching Toby O'Leary who showed his speed strength and power, and although held by two players managed to slip the ball to Conor who sprinted in from 40 yds, converted by Fishy.

The astute play by Fishy on the odd occassion when we were under pressure, got us out of trouble with his tacticle kicking display. When Penarth did manage to run the ball, the defence by Alex, Conor and Alec prevented them from crossing our game line.

The second try resulted from Sam securing front of the lineout ball and the pack driving his fellow prop Theo over the line. The kick was missed.

Half time Rhiwbina 12 - Penarth 0.

At half time a number of changes were made to enable the full squad to be given game time. The second half continued as the first had left off with Rhiwbina pressurising Penarth and only strong defence by Penarth prevented Rhiwbina from scoring again.

The highlight of the second half was again the strength and speed of recent convert to rugby Toby O'Leary who ran through two Penarth defenders to score a try only to be called back by the Penarth touch judge for a " foot in touch".

With 10 minutes of the game remaining, Rhiwbina saw the welcome return to the field of Myles Churcher to the cheers of his fellow players and supporters after a serious 5 month illness.

He started where he left off last season with a scintillating break to the try line only to be held up (literally) by the biggest player on the field who proceeded to use him as a weight lifting bar.

Final score 12-0 to the homeside.

It was difficult to select a Man of the Match as the whole squad competed well, but Penarths two danger men Chengis and Che were marked out of the game by Shaun and Toby and for this they are named as joint Man of the Match.

Thanks to Penarth for a great game played in good spirits and all the best for the rest of the season.

Thanks to the ref for his strong control of the game.

Thanks to all supporters for their continued great support.

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Rhiwbina 47  Waunarlwydd 0 (Sun 8th Nov 2009 - Home)

The first meeting of the two sides was marked on Rememberance Sunday with a minutes silence.

We welcomed Waunarlwydd with a feeling of trepedation, knowing that they had taken some very good sides close to the mark and were last years Ospreys region plate winners.

However, Rhiwbina rose to the challenge to turn in possibly their best performance of the season, with both the backs and forwards working together to make a very good side look ordinary. Although Waunarlwydd had their influential number 10 out through injury, they never really threatened our line , except on one occassion when numerous penalties were given their way, but the Rhiwbina defence stood firm and they were unable to cross the line.

Our first try was scored with a lineout won by the ever improving Shaun Lynch who off loaded to Theo Warren who made good ground and passed to the backs. Strong running centre Conor Kidner crashed through the defence to score under the posts. The conversion was scored by Alex Lloyd. Conor scored the second try with a length of the field sprint and also scored the conversion.

The third try came from a steal by Sam Brinkworth in the lineout who fed the ball out to the backs and swift handling saw the ball go right out to Jerry Casserly on the left wing who showed his pace to out run the chasers, Conor again converted. Conor reached his hat trick of tries in the first half when influential captain Syd Blackmore looking like he had been in the ring the night before with Nikolai Valuev, stole the ball in a lineout and offered the ball Conor who again stretched his legs to cross theline.Unfortunately the conversion was missed.

Half Time Rhiwbina 26- Waunarlwydd 0.

To their credit Waunarlwydd didnt give up and at times showed why they have been so successful in their region. However, with so little of the ball and Rhiwbina tackling like demons, they were unable to make any real progress when they were in possession. Alec Jones and Toby O'Leary both making their debut appearances for the club came on at half-time and although both nervous, showed skill and pace and will both gell well into the team. 

The second half continued as the first had left off with two further tries by Conor and a great Captains try by Syd. All three were converted. The referee commented on the pack and in particular the front row of Sam, Theo and Will Haines who again took a few against the head. The forwards dominated the game with Michael and Tom clearing out well and Lloyd getting out amongst their backs like a good number number 7. 

The second half replacements of Jonny, Chimpo and Chris kept the momentum going. Luke Fish and Breandan Nap showed their class in controlling the game, Alex Lloyd continues to improve and his centre partnership with Conor is starting to reap rewards.Jerry always looks dangerous when in possession of the ball. Ralph, although the smallest player is fearless in his defence and attack and Toby Thomas back from injury is continuing to show potential. It was nice to see our two wounded soldiers Mylo and Connor Martin supporting the boys and wish them both well in their continuing recovery.

The coaches were delighted with todays strong performance and would like to thanks all parents and friends for their continued support. Thanks to the ref for turning up on a post International sunday morning!! and his pleasing comments.

We would like to thank Waunarlwydd for making the trip up from Swansea and look forward to the return fixture in the New Year.

Full Time Rhiwbina 47- Waunarlywdd 0.

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Rhiwbina 49  Cricc 0 (Sun 18th Oct 2009 - Home)

Still with the sun shining in mid October, Rhiwbina U13s gave a pretty average display, despite the scoreline suggesting otherwise.

We were slow to start perhaps not really giving CRICC the respect they deserved with having always beaten them by a fair margin previously. To their credit CRICC fought hard in the earlier stages and with several large strong boys putting in big tackles it looked like we were going to have a game on our hands . Rhiwbina eventually put points on the board after Shaun, looking marginally offside, picked up a loose ball after a ruck and passed to Sam who drove over the line. As is often the case in this age group, the kick was too far and was missed. After a good move which involved all the backs Conor K sprinted in to score our second try. Again the conversion was missed.

We were unlucky in the first half to lose Connor Martin with a broken collar bone and wish him a quick recovery.We have had a spate of bad luck in the early season with various illness and injuries and to their credit the boys are filling into unaccustomed positions for the good of the team.

Half Time Rhiwbina 10- Cricc 0.

After receiving the Alex Ferguson hairdryer treatment, Rhiwbina came out and started to play with more conviction and the appearance of Myles being wheeled across Caedelyn Park seemed to spur the boys on to score a few tries for him. Jerry showed his pace up the left wing to score and Syd and Michael both showed their power to cross the line to score tries.

Conor K then got back in on the act by scoring the next 3 tries converting one, with the final word again to Jerry who sprinted in to score under the posts and also nailed the conversion. The second half was a much better display and with 3 or 4 boys playing with slight injuries the coaches were generally pleased with the win.

Scorers
Conor Kidner 4 tries and 1 conv.
Sam Brinkworth
Jerry Casserly 2 tries and 1 conv.
Syd Blackmore
Michael Thomas.

The majority of the boys, coaches and dads are now off to Spain for 4 days warm weather training!! Enjoy your well earned rest boys and bring back your mums a nice present!!

Thanks to CRICC for a well fought but clean game and also to the ref.

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Cardiff and Vale District Tournament (Sun 11th Oct 2009 - Rumney RFC)

Rhiwbina U13's are crowned this season's District Champions

This years District tournament was hosted by Rumney RFC. On a day that started with the worst Sunday weather so far this season Rhiwbina took a squad of 20, eighteen under 13's and two Under 12's Josh Moore and Owen Lane.

The results for the Pool stages went as follows:-

Pool Game 1: Rhiwbina 15  St Peters 0.
Try scorers, Alex Lloyd, Conor Kidner and Sam Brinkworth.

Pool Game 2: Rhiwbina 10  CRICC 5.
Try scorer, Conor Kidner x 2. 

We were then top of the Pool and played St Albans in the quarter final.

Quarter Final: Rhiwbina 20  St Albans 0.
Try scorers Conor Kidner x 3, and Josh Moore.

Semi Final: Rhiwbina 10  Rumney 0.
Try scorer, Conor Kidner x 2.

FINAL : Rhiwbina 10  Penarth 5
Try scorers Conor Kidner and Connor Martin.

With matches being just six minutes each way, it is important in these tournaments to ensure you score first so as not to press the panic button. Although the forwards took 3 or 4 games today to play anywhere near their potential, the backs clicked right away with the new centre partnership of Alex Lloyd and Conor Kidner working well together and the usual displays by wingers Connor Martin, Ralph Phillips and Jerry Casserly.

Breandan got the backs moving swiftly throughout the afternoon with his superb service and reading of the game at scrum half, covering for the hospitalised Myles Churcher. Luke Fish controlled the games superbly with his astute kicking. Due to an unfortunate injury sustained by Toby Thomas our two young lean mean fighting machines (Owen and Josh) both played out of position for us at full back during the afternoon, neither looking out of place and were assets to the squad. 

Although slow to start the forwards led by the powerful front row of Theo Warren, Will Haines and Sam B started to play their normal game in the Final. Barn storming runs by Shaun Lynch, Tom Candlin and Mike Thomas immediately put Penarth on the defence. Although injured Rhiwbina welcomed back Captain Syd for the final and together with Lloyd Hopkin, Chris Board and Elliot Rees got in the faces of the Penarth side, some of whom are well known to the boys through the Cardiff and Vale Squad.

Rhiwbina totally dominated the final and it was only due to a number of infringements in the last two minutes, that allowed Penarth to enter our half and score in the last move of the game.

Congratulations must go to our new signing Conor Kidner who has settled in superbly into the side and scored nine tries on the day.

Thanks to Rumney RFC and particularly Terry and Mandy for the superb organisation and faggots and peas!! 

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Rhiwbina 27  Pontypool United 22 (Sun 4th Oct 2009 - Home)

Sunday morning saw the first meeting of two unbeaten sides this season, neither side having conceded a point. Both sides boasted several Gwent or Cardiff & Vale District players and it was obvious from the start with the size of the Gwent players, we were in for a bruising encounter!

The first score came from a great run by Jerry Casserly who almost made it into the left corner only to be tackled into touch. The resulting line-out was tapped back by Pontypool and Shaun Lynch broke through the line to touch down the loose ball. The conversion was missed.

Pontypool soon struck back to equal the score at 5-5.

Both sides competed well at the breakdown, Rhiwbina battled well although missed their influential Captain Syd Blackmore who was suffering from tonsilitis. Breandan Nap again slotted in for Myles Churcher at scrum half and linked the forwards and backs superbly.We were then unfortunate to lose Will Haines from the field for several minutes after a high hand-off to the throat area saw him finding it difficult to breath and needing treatment.

After Pontypool were ruled to be offside, number 10 Luke Fish took a quick tap and offloaded to Conor Kidner who handed off several opponents to score under the posts. The conversion was scored by Alex Lloyd who was playing his first game of the season after coming back from injury.

Another penalty against Pontypool saw Conor this time kick the 3 points.

The forwards battle was continuing to be intense and with Shaun down receiving treatment and Will again suffering from a second hand off in his throat, a Rhiwbina lineout close to our line was stolen by a Pontypool forward who crossed the line to score.The conversion was missed.

Half Time Rhiwbina 15- Pontypool 10.

The second half again was strongly contested, neither side wishing to give up their unbeaten run. Conor showed why his signing has been such an asset to his new club by sprinting the length of the field to score his second try under the posts. Alex again converted. Luke controlled the game and booted the ball up field on several occassions to get us out of trouble with poor Jerry, Conor and Ralph constantly charging up field to chase the ball.

Pontypool had a star player wearing number 14 but playing most of the game at 8, who was a constant thorn in Rhiwbinas side with his strong penatrating runs. A preplanned move saw the Pontypool scrum half pick up from the base of the scrum and pass to the number 14 who ran through Rhiwbina without a hand being placed on him to score a good try. The conversion was kicked. Pontypools equalling try was scored by the scrum half who again picked up at the base of the scrum and sprinted to the blind side to score in the corner. The score was now 22-22.

With the minutes ticking by Luke took a tap penalty, passing to prop Sam Brinkworth who took the ball forward offloading to the backs who spinned the ball out wide to Jerry who scored in the corner. The conversion was missed.

Final score 27-22.

Thanks to Pontypool United for a great hard game, the likes of which both teams need if they are to develop.

Thanks also to the referee who controlled the game well and was not intimidated by the oppositions "vociferous" supporters!!

Thanks to both sets of parents for their "contributions"!!!

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Cardiff and Vale U13's District Selection - 25th Sept 2009

Congratulations to the following players on being selected to represent the District:-
Syd Blackmore, Sam Brinkworth, Will Haines, Theo Warren, Luke Fish, Conor Kidner, Jerry Casserley.

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Rhiwbina 51  Bedwas 0 (Sun 20th Sept 2009 - Home)

A hastily arranged fixture saw Bedwas come to Caedelyn Parc for our first ever meeting.

Again Rhiwbina were short due to illness and injury and had to arrange the 16 fit players to fit the positions, for which the boys accepted without any complaints.

The Rhiwbina forwards put sustained pressure on Bedwas in the early minutes and after a scrum Breandan passed to Sam in a preplanned move who drove through, slipping to ball to Syd who opened the scoring in the corner. The conversion was missed.

From the kick off Luke kicked long which was well chased by Conor and Michael putting pressure on the Bedwas defender. He unfortuntely fumbled the ball which was scooped up by Conor who crossed the line. Again the long kick was missed.

Rhiwbina were now well warmed up although the forwards didnt quite reach the dominant heights of last weekend. Any ball Bedwas did win was then lost due to knock ons caused by Rhiwbina pressure.

Two further quick tries came from Syd and scrum half Breandan, Luke converted Breandans try. Again from the kick off Luke kicked long , the chase by Conor and Michael this time forced the Bedwas defender to kick the ball into touch. The line out was won by Sam who drove forward to the line offloaded to the forwards and was eventually taken over by Breandan to score his second try of the day. 

Michael then got in on the act with good clean passing skills shown by the backs and good running by Connor drawing the man and giving the perfect pass for Michael to score in the corner.

The kick off again saw Luke kicking long which reached touch. Their lineout was won by Theo who showed his driving power before offloading to the backs. Conor took the ball in the centre who then ran through all the Bedwas backs to score his second try which he also converted.

Half Time Rhiwbina 39- Bedwas 0.

The second half saw much of the same. Bedwas showed some good skills particularly their number 12 who was a strong runner and looked like he was going to score a try before taking the wrong option and kicking ahead losing possession. 

A further try and conversion by Conor who, when on a strong jinking run opponents find difficult to tackle and Chris Board after another drive by the forwards saw the ref blow up early at the score of Rhiwbina 51- Bedwas 0.

Again the coaches were pleased with the performance and attitude of the boys both those playing out of position and those playing with niggling injuries. The solid front row of Sam, Will and Theo stood firm, Shaun and Tom had good runs, Elliot, Jonny and Chris are always dependable and of course Captain Syd is always a part of every move.

Luke is controlling the game well at 10, Breandan again slotted in well at scrum half and two forwards Lloyd and Michael both did well on the wing. Toby, Conor and Jerry all show great pace, and this today, although not spectacular was a solid performance.

Thanks go to Bedwas for playing a good clean game at short notice and both sets of supporters for their contributions.

We also send our love and best wishes to Myles for a speedy recovery and to John, Jayne, Anais and Gabbi. We look forward to Myles gaining strength and soon being back with us.

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Bridgend Athletic 0  Rhiwbina 19 (Sun 13th Sept 2009 - Away)

Rhiwbina travelled to Bridgend with 17 players for the first game of the season.

A scintillating display by Rhiwbina saw them take the spoils in this hard fought contest, thereby taking the Athletics 3 year old home record.

From the whistle Rhiwbina went straight on the offensive forcing Bridgend to make mistakes. After a number of driving mauls by the Rhiwbina forwards led by the captain Syd Blackmore, Sam Brinkworth picked up, side stepped the outside half and bulldozed his way over the try line to score the opening try of the season. Unfortunately, the conversion was missed.

Bridgend decide to kick away from the forwards at the kick off which was ably taken by Jerry, who superbly offloaded to new centre Conor Kidner, who showed his strength and speed to run three quarters of the pitch to score under the posts. The conversion was scored by Luke Fish.

Rhiwbina were now well on top and the backs were showing their skills in getting the ball out to the wingers. Unfortunately, after one barn storming run up the wing, our other flyer, Connor Martin suffered an injury to his knee and was replaced by Michael Thomas , a second row.

Bridgend did manage to get into our 22 after a superb kick by their centre, but from the resulting line out Hainsey hit Sam with the throw and the pack led by new prop Theo and Hainsey drove the Bridgend pack 25 yards to clear our line.

Half Time: Bridgend 0 - Rhiwbina 12

With Bridgend fielding a large number of district players we expected them to come out all guns blazing. However, a long kick off from Fishy immediately put Bridgend under pressure and despite attempting to run the ball they were thwarted by the stern defence of the Rhiwbina 15.

From one of the attempts to move the ball Jerry intercepted and despite two players attempting to tackle him, he slipped the ball to Conor Kidner who sprinted in again for his second try, which he also converted. A number of players were playing out of position due to illness and injury. A special mention must go to Breandan Nap who filled in admirably at scrum half, Michael Thomas playing on the wing, and Jerry Casserly at centre. Rhiwbina continued to over-run Bridgend and little Ralph was put away on a few occassions only to be brought down by desperate Bridgend tackling.

An onlooker was heard to say that after paying a lot of money to watch Wales and the Ospreys, he had seen a better game of rugby today free of charge!

The Rhiwbina coaches were delighted with both the display and style of victory and the manner in which the game was played was a credit to both sides.

It was impossible to pick a man of the match today as all 17 gave their all to the final whistle. Conor and Theo had great debut games, the defence of the back three, Toby, Ralph and Connor held fast, Breandan and Luke gelled well at half back and dictated the game. The pack of, Sam, Will, Theo, Shaun, Jonny, Syd, Tom and Lloyd didn’t allow Bridgend into the game at all. Chris Board had been unwell during the night but managed to go on for the last 7 minutes and as previously mentioned Michael Thomas showed his excellent commitment by playing on the wing.

Thanks also to the referee for a well controlled game and the excellent support by both sets of parents.

Final score: Bridgend Athletic 0 - Rhiwbina Squirrels 19.