Fixture

RTB Steelers U10’s attended the Risca tournament aware that margins would be tight, however few realised the magnitude of how close the competition would be.

The first game up was against Pontypool Utd, a team we have not faced since September 2014. The game was tight and the Pontypool team showed considerable improvement since our previous encounter, however a single try by the T’s proved the difference in a wholehearted encounter to win 5 points to 0.

Next up was Blackwood, and this game was a battle of two very good sides. Defence held the key and a 0-0 draw was the outcome after 10 minutes of fierce battling.

That led to the next game, v Oakdale, which would prove decisive. Previous encounters this season have swayed in favour of the Ebbw Vale team, and true to form a couple of tries had led to a narrow lead. However poor handling failed to build on the lead and a well constructed try in the last play meant Oakdale equalised to draw the contest.

The group then rallied to overcome the much fancied Risca team 15 points to 5, this result showed what the team can achieve when they play to their potential.

Following victories against Ynysddu, Hafodrynys and Cefn Coed resulted in a tournament record of Played 7, Won 5 and drew 2. The outcome of the tournament was based on the breakaway try by Oakdale, Blackwood recorded 6 wins and a draw from the 7 games to become the unofficial victors of the tournament. Congratulations to them on a fine display throughout the tournament.

The Steelers came out of the tournament with a great deal of credit, however it shows how fine margins can prove the difference between coming first and second and the ability to hold Oakdale in the last play was the difference between RTB and Blackwood on the day.

The team who competed with such distinction today was:

Charlie Birch, Dylan Edwards, Josh Hathway, Lewis Prendergast, Josh Davies, Jamie Reynolds, Mitch Parker, Leon Williams, Owen Jones, Wesley Ives, Liam Price, Mason Lewis, Dylan Lewis, Kiyan Evans and Maxwell Gregory.