This is the true nature of rugby, 21 boys from all walks of life going away together, bonding, communicating and basically having a good time with plenty of physical exercise – surely what we all want for our kids. Most arrived at Pontins in Prestatyn on Friday 28th March with most adults getting straight down to complaining, drinking copious amounts of alcohol while resolving the worlds' problems. The boys practised the art of gambling and winning pink fluffy unicorns! The Osprey's victory on Friday evening set us up for an eagerly awaited Saturday full of competitive rugby. We were not to be disappointed. Monmouth's first match was against Paviors with the game only being fifteen minutes each half. Conditions were truly abysmal, horizontal rain and freezing wind with the opposition being twice our size, the boys were looking nervous. Encouragement from the sidelines soon put these nerves to rest. Hallam opened the scoring with a great rip and a short run to the line. Monmouth's second try was typical welsh rugby, with our winger Sam scoring in the corner after going through every pair of hands in the backs, which with the ball being resembling melted butter was hugely impressive. With a mix up from the Monmouth defence at the re-start, we conceded our only try. Hallam once again scored with a great break running the length of the pitch. A few minutes later Hallam repeated this moment of brilliance. The next try came from Henry with a beautifully worked penalty, which the coach would like to take credit for but had no knowledge of it! Hallam using his speed and strength scored once again after breaking through several tackles. Monmouth's heaviest player, Grant, sold a dummy to break the line but was caught by two of the opposition, who subsequently released him (most strange) and he ran for the line to score the final try. The final score was seven tries to one, which was a feat in itself as all the conditions were against them. This was Monmouth's only game on the Saturday as the tournament directors made a correct decision in cancelling the remaining games. Monmouth were to play Morgan Wasps on the Sunday, a Scottish team of giants, undefeated in two years. Due to the abysmal condition of the pitch, we were forced to use a very small partially grassed area, about one third the size of a normal pitch. Once again these conditions were not going to suit our style of rugby, which is to use our pace out wide and throw the ball about. After a mud wrestling competition the ball popped out to Ted who kicked, Sam Crickmore chased and released Hallam who scored the opener. Morgan Wasps scored the next try with a lucky interception. Once again Hallam made a good break but was foiled by the weight of mud underfoot, however, Ted put in a mighty effort to be in support which paid dividends, as he was to receive the ball and score the winning try. The final score was two tries to one. It was plain to see this game was won by huge tackles being made by all the boys and a gritty determination, which made all, who viewed the game extremely proud. The tournament was brought to a sad conclusion for Monmouth U13's as the conditions worsened and we had to pull out, due to the pitches being unplayable. We however were moral victors of the tournament beating the eventual winners. The U13's team: - Scott Davies, Henry Palmer, Evan Whitson, Sam Crickmore, Cameron Boycott, Callum Gleed, Grant Davies, Joe Christopher, Tim Turner, Liam Musselbrook, Ted Senior, Ieuan Jones, Hallam Amos, Sam Kerr, Josh Kings, Tom Evans, Joel Hadley, James Davies and Adam Wheeler.
