Fixture

The RTB Steelers under 11’s showed grit, steel and determination to overcome two opponents and possibly the coldest ‘Beaufort’ blizzard the young players have ever experienced.

In temperatures that never entered the ‘positive’ range, the pitch was heavy but playable and there was no hint of frost. The first opponents up were New Tredegar. The young ‘Newts’ possibly knew what to expect from RTB, however did not expect the Siberain blast, in the usual Mediterranean  climate of Beaufort, to be quite so severe.

The game commenced and the Steelers soon went on the front foot and a couple of quick tries gained the advantage. Good work from Thom Chaffey, Joseph O’Farrell and Elliott Hughes kept the home side crossing the gain line. As the blizzard gathered momentum the ball handling became difficult, but with Mason Lewis battling hard, the T’s gathered another couple of tries to seal a 25 points to 0 victory as an early whistle brought the game to a conclusion.

The boys returned to the changing rooms to regroup and prepare for the stern challenge of Pontypool Utd.

The ‘Pooler’ boys were up for the battle and early exchanges put the Steelers under immense pressure. Multiple phases of play ensued, however the home sides defence held firm. Pooler were playing with the elements and there was no way of RTB releasing pressure through the kicking game. Once the players realised ‘ball in hand’ was the only way to release the siege, the game turned and RTB broke to score two swift tries. Pontypool Utd responded, however the home side had learnt how to adapt to the fierce conditions.

As the game entered the second period, the RTB side dominated the territory and it was United’s turn to be under siege.

RTB turned pressure into points to win a very good game 35 points to 5.

Great performances in the ruck area from Dylan Edwards, Max Gregory and Liam Price laid the foundations, Josh Hathway, Ryan Dennington and Owen Jones put the final touches to secure the result.

Every player who took the field at Beaufort for RTB Steelers, New Tredegar and Pontypool Utd deserves a great deal of credit for committing so much in such cold conditions. Let’s hope the weather in Pontypridd next week will be more favourable.