Following report and pictures kindly supplied by Dolgellau RFC.
To view a photo album from this match, please click here
A very impressive performance by the newly reformed Dolgellau Youth team in a keenly fought contest against a physical Aberystwyth team.
The difference in size was obvious but, to their credit, the Dolgellau boys took the game to Aber with a high tempo performance. This kept Aberystwyth within their own half for large periods of play. It was good to see the level of effort on show in the contact areas although Dolgellau do need to demonstrate more urgency at the ruck to compete for early ball.
It took almost 20 minutes for Aberystwyth to break through the home team's defensive line, following a change of focus from forward to back running rugby. Some top draw tackling from Dolgellau kept us in contention but Aberystwyth started to extend their lead with four unanswered tries in the first half.
A change of players at half time ensured that all of the 21 Dolgellau players had game time. It was clear from the start of the second half that there was no drop off in intensity or performance form Dolgellau with starting places in the upcoming youth league games up for grabs.
Dolgellau boys were rewarded for their efforts mid-way through the second half with a well worked try down the left side to see Osian Roberts cross following a forward drive and well timed pop pass.
A breakdown in discipline saw the Aberystwyth team reduced to 14 following a red card to their number eight. Dolgellau continued the pressure and were unlucky not to add to their score on three or four occasions. Again urgency and finishing are areas we can work on in coming training sessions.
Aberystwyth were able to score twice in the second half and it was particularly disappointing for them to add their second score with the last movement of the game.
All in all, plenty of commitment on show which will stand Dolgellau youths in good stead for the games to come. Aberystwyth were deserving winners but did say afterwards that they were not expecting such a physical contest.
Dolgellau youth players can all be proud of their performances as they look to build for the upcoming league game against Newtown on 5th September.
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