Spaniels Match Report Vs Cardiff Met.

Report by Thanks to Richard Byers. ⚫🔵⚫🔵

Llanharan Spaniels 44–7 MET University

*A performance built on the things that cost nothing!*

Sunshine, a brand-new playing kit and the Welfare Field looking absolutely perfect, what more could you want as a rugby player?

It was a fantastic setting for the Spaniels to welcome MET University to Llanharan, and there was a sizeable crowd around the field throughout the afternoon, especially considering the first team were playing just across the road.

First and foremost, a big thank you to local man and groundsman Adrian Hornett who had the field looking fantastic and ready for what turned out to be a brilliant afternoon of rugby.

During the week, the messages centred around the things in rugby that require absolutely no talent — attitude, effort and communication. They might sound simple, but they are the things that set the foundation for everything else.

That was evident from the moment the boys arrived. There was a real focus in the changing room, everyone looked ready to perform and there was a clear sense that the boys knew what they wanted from the afternoon. That carried straight into the warm-up and, more importantly, continued right through to the final whistle.

*When you get those things right, everything else seems to follow.*

The Spaniels started brightly and played with a real purpose. We carried with intent, looking to make positive metres and put the defence under pressure. Defensively, we worked together rather than as individuals, and when the opportunity came to kick, there was always a reason behind it. Perhaps most importantly, when there was work to be done, everyone was willing to put their hand up and do it.

The forwards deserve huge credit. A young and relatively light pack put in a tremendous shift, doing the jobs expected of them and providing the platform for the backs to play. Behind them, there was plenty of attacking talent on show, with the ball being moved with confidence and the MET defence continually being asked questions.

Jack Thomson was outstanding, doing all the things you want from a player with his experience, carrying, tackling, working hard around the breakdown and making himself a nuisance throughout.

Josh O’Neil continued his recent good form, making ground with ball in hand and carrying strongly in the open, while Jessie Barnes was his usual aggressive self, constantly putting pressure on the opposition and refusing to give them an easy afternoon.

There were plenty of barnstorming runs from Kelvin Mills, while Jack Roderick was a constant threat around the fringes, sniping through gaps and keeping the MET defence guessing.

It was great to have Rhys Newman back in the side. He was certainly missed last week and his return added plenty to the team. Rhys put in another strong performance and helped himself to two tries in the process.

At 10, Alfie Cogbill controlled proceedings really well. He mixed up his kicking game throughout, using long kicks, short chips and cross-field kicks to keep the opposition guessing and consistently looking for opportunities to put pressure on the defence.

Ajay Lewis opened the scoring with a well-taken try and continued to put in a strong performance. He was unfortunate not to have more reward from the tee, but his contribution around the pitch was excellent.

The tries kept coming, with Jack Thomson, Jack Roderick, Reece Newman, Ryleigh Jeffries and Jacob Williams all getting on the scoresheet, with Reece and Jack both adding second tries. Alfie Cogbill converted two of the scores.

There was a fantastic individual story for Gerwyn Bloxsome, making his senior debut. Gerwyn started the game in the second row before transitioning into prop as the game developed. He took to the challenge brilliantly and was eventually named Player of the Match — not a bad way to introduce yourself to senior rugby!

Rhys Davies also made his first appearance for the club, stepping up well and playing his part in what was a very positive afternoon for the Spaniels.

There was even time for some familiar faces to get involved.

Head coach Lee Arthur decided giving instructions from the sideline wasn't enough and made an appearance from the bench. He put in a solid shift and, perhaps most importantly, used his experience to steer the team.

Ollie Wicks was also called upon at scrum-half, coming on in the first half for Jack Roderick before heading off at half-time and then deciding he'd had enough rest and returning during the second half. Another class contribution from Ollie, bringing plenty of experience and helping keep the forwards and backs connected.

The most pleasing part of the afternoon was the discipline. No yellow cards, no unnecessary distractions and a real concentration on getting the job done. Discipline probably cost us at times last week against Pontyclun, so it was great to see the boys keep their heads, stay focused and make sure it didn't become an issue this time around.

In the end, the 44–7 scoreline reflected a thoroughly deserved Spaniels victory.

But perhaps more important than the score was how the boys achieved it. They showed that when everyone understands their role, works for each other and brings the right attitude, effort and communication, this is a group capable of playing some really good rugby.

A beautiful afternoon, a great crowd, a new kit and a performance everyone involved with the Spaniels can be proud of. ⚫🔵⚫🔵🏉

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