WELSH INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS 19 CRAWSHAY’S YOUTH 41
The newly reconvened and revitalised WISRA – the Welsh Independent Schools Rugby Association – gave their more famous opponents a real battle at Brecon before fading in the closing stages writes Huw S Thomas.
WISRA last played a competitive match against the Welsh Secondary School back in 1998 but now intend to give private school boys the same regular chance of proving their worth as do the two other Welsh junior invitation sides – Crawshay’s and Welsh Academicals.
With three Welsh U18 invitation sides now fielding sides of players not selected by the region, there will be an increased chance of boys making strong cases that there is life outside the region.
The Independent Schools side had players from Christ College, Llandovery College, Monmouth School, Rydal Penrhos and the Catherdal School, Cardiff and although devoid of star players because of representative duties, they were in the game for all but the last ten minutes.
Christ College’s Dan Parry who is much involved with the organisation was pleased with the day.
“It’s a good start on the way to reforming WISRA as all five schools were well represented and contributed whole heartedly.”
“We were in the game until the last ten minutes against a very fit and well drilled Crawshay’s and many of the 27 boys used will have taken benefit from playing at a higher level than usual.”
“The hope is that some of the boys who have slipped the regional net will get the opportunity to show that they have the potential for honours down the line.”
Both Llandovery props Llyr James and Cameron Stewart impressed with their work in tight and loose, Rydal flanker Matt Johnson sped about in the loose along with Cathedral School No 8 Iwan Jones, Christ College centre Rhys Conqeur was a strong mid field runner and Monmouth School’s Joe Salter showed neat touches at fly half
James grabbed a couple ot tries from driving mauls and Conquer finished a flowing movement with a corner try.
Crawshay’s – true to their philosophy – fielded a team drawn from all parts of Wales and fielded seven debutants from the side that had lost to Llandovery College.
They were undoubtedly the better side on the day with captain and Bargoed Youth No 8 Cody Rees a real force in the loose, supported by Merthyr Youth lock Finley Thomas.
Their superior work at the breakdown, more powerful ball carrying and greater awareness of space behind took Crawshay’s home comfortably in the end.
Centre Ioan Thomas – hero of Llandeilo’s WRU Youth Cup final win over Pontypool Utd – looked particularly sharp in mid field, running freely and tackling hard to emphasise his promise, a good example of a player capable of higher things.
WISRA were only 15-14 down at the break, two tries from James and two conversions by Salter trumped by efforts from wing Theo Mc Kerrow (Chepstow CS), flanker Zac Lynham (CAVC) and wing Levi Perry (Bonymaen Youth).
Finn Thomas crashed through for the opening try of the second half but this was swiftly answered by WISRA’s best try of the day, scored by Conqeur who was put clear by some lovely, swift handling by the backs.
That was as good as it got for the new boys as Crawshay’s took firm hold of proceedings against a tiring opposition.
Pontypool Utd Youth fly half Morgan Cusack capped a fine afternoon, slicing through for a brace of tries two tries and converting his own tries and the chip and chase solo effort from centre Deri Mason (Builth Youth).
Crawshay’s Welsh chairman Richard Brice was delighted with the outcome but equally happy to see WISRA competing so well.
“We had to play some of our best rugby of the year and it will be great to have the Independent Schools go on our regular fixture list.”
“It will give even more players the chance to break through into regional, even representative rugby.”
“There are plenty of boys – often late developers – who have the potential to make a name for themselves.”
WISRA
Tries: L James (2), R Conquer
Cons: J Salter (2)
CRAWSHAY’S
Tries:M Cusack (2), T McKerrow, Z Lynam, L Perry, F Thomas, D Mason
Cons: M Cusack (3)
All photos by kind consent of Anna Hurley
