Clwb Panto - 18-12-2016

CRCC vs Llandaff North

Scorers - Osian D (5), Charlie, Tomos B

Managers Seren Y Gem - Osian D

Photos by Chris (Dioclch Chris)



How do you put into words what happened on Pontcanna fields today? Which words can give justice to the efforts, heart and skills shown by our under 11's team against Llandaff North. It was another incredible story fit for a cinematic release. With Sion Corn along for the ride!! Ho Ho Ho!!!

As the teams warmed up, it was evident the opposition towered over us; but the David and Goliath story is nothing new to our team, its all our boys and girls have known this season.

The difference this time around was Llandaff North seemed to be able to ruck like they had just returned from a three week intensive course with Sam Warburton and David Pocock. They were certainly a tight unit, not interested in spreading the ball out wide, but like rampaging Rhinos took the ball up, recycled and repeated... and repeated until they reached that sweet white line.

Chwareae teg, Llandaff North got results via that tactic and were 3 tries up in no time at all. It looked ominous, but Clwb dan 11 are turning into that boxer or cage fighter that needs to taste their own blood before reacting, as so it was the fight back started.

Osian D scored his trademark try down the wing, before adding a second. Llandaff North were rocked, but another try by them seemed to settle their collective nerves. 2-4 with half time beckoning, and the ball went lose near the half way line. Time seemed to slow down, everyone held their breath and only one person reacted... Felix; he scooped the ball up and in one movement shipped it wide, into Charlie's hands. Charlie now, running so hard, went inside them, outside them, through them and eventually over in the corner for Clwbs third and things were looking alot brighter at half time. The score was 3-4. We had been here before, the belief was there.

The second half started and Llandaff encouraged by their coaches words rucked themselves over Clwbs line to increase their lead, but that was the last time in the game where their dominence at the ruck was observed. From that point on every ruck was a competition, and where before Llandaff North won everything, they now started getting pinged for hands on the ball and offiside by Sion Corn. With Cwlb having more of the ball in the second half, the tries came... first through the ever improving Tomos B, before Osian D ran in a hatrick of unanswered tries. At the final whistle the score was 7-5 ito the home team.

Today once again, the boys and girls showed great spirit. That never die attitude that they have forged through some of the more difficult games earlier in the season is now bearing fruit. It was a richly deserved win, and it was a great early Christmas gift to anyone lucky enough to witness it, a real honour. If that wasn't enough drama for you, next Sunday is the Clwb Panto at The Cayo.

One Last thing, I would just quickly like to that thank Sion Corn for making such an effort turning up and reffing today (in JPs absence) especially at this time of the year.  I thought Cai's dad shouting "rubbish ref....get back up your chimney" was a little harsh; especially as he had no influence regarding Clwb losing the coin toss. I cannot and will not put into print what Aled said regarding Sion Corn, but I do concede it was very accurate and amusing. Also, a massive thanks must go to Mel again for manning the cafe allowing the rest of us to enjoy the game.


Ymlaen

Rhymney Vs Clwb

 

Score 4-10

 

Osian 4, Charlie 2, Cai, Cameron 2, James 1

Managers Seren y Gem - Cameron/Osian D

Quote JP : Shaking head "Too much football on a saturday"



It was classical crisp December morning in Wales. In a car park in front of Rhymney Rugby's Club house, several brown bags containing copious amounts of Haribo were exchanged, allowing for Clwb to get the numbers they needed to put a team on the field; and what signings these turned out to be.

Clwb with their shirts inside out gelled instantly well with the new recruits, handshakes all around. You could smell the anticipation in the air, mixed with the aroma of Mel's quality hot chocolate.

 Clwb kickoff'd, but soon took control of the ball, with Osian going over for the opening try. Yet despite Clwb scoring again through Charlie, Rhymney came back strong with two impressive tries of their own. Our new signings (the front row union) were immense in the scrum, giving Cai B quick ball to operate with. Felix had a number of forceful runs and his running on the shoulder and quick hands led to Clwb going over twice more before the half, but Rhymney struck back; meaning the half time score stood at 3-4. All to play for.

Second half, and Clwb had some more new recruits. We might have lost our new front row, but we gained some skilful backs. Again, an exchange of handshakes and game on. Cai B was playing with increasing confidence running everything back, with one special run down the wing, where he decided pointing at the sky from the halfway line was a good idea; chwarae teg, he went under the posts. Clwb ran in another great try from a line out just inside their own twenty two (try of the season - James). Cameron went over for two more tries from Osian and Charlie extend the lead. Rhymney scored an outstanding try of their own in return that had everyone applauding.

The game ended, and Clwb were victors on the scoreboard. In truth, the real victor of the day was Rugby, Rhymney were the perfect hosts, so generous with their players and attitude and spirit to the game. So a massive thanks to Rhymney from Clwb, coaches, parents and players alike, for making today happem.

 
And one last thing Clwb, we need to invest in more brown paper bags and haribo!!!

 

 

Ymlaen.

 

Clwb vs Cowbridge

 

 

 

 

 

Gem 1 : 5-2 Charlie Eben

Gem 2: 5-3 Charlie Osian Ffred

Managers Seren y Gemau : Cai B

 

So Sunday arrived again. We went from playing Cowbridge away, to playing Cowbridge and Brecon away, to playing Cowbridge and Brecon at home to playing just Cowbridge at home.

 

The Cowbridge team was stacked with talent, apparently up to 9 of the Cowbridge players being selected for the regional schools team. Yet despite the challenge ahead, everyone was buoyant and looking forward to the contest. Clwb dan 11’s seems to have developed a positive attitude no matter the task at hand.

 

And again we started off well, Charlie going over for the opening try with his signature hard running. Eben also scored impressively to leave us all square at half time. A few individual mistakes in the second half led Cowbridge taking and stretching the lead, a lead that never relinquished. The first match ended 2-5.

 

The 2^nd game mirrored the first, Charlie scoring early and Osian and Ffred getting onto the scoreboard. Yet Cowbridge again pounced on individual efforts with Clwb giving away interception tries and the like; which ultimately took the game away from Clwb. The game ended 3-5.

 

But it was far from doom and gloom, there was still a lot to celebrate. For one, Clwb started to look more structured, especially in the back line. You could see the backline evolve throughout the match, they were certainly working better than a few other backlines that weekend. I can’t wait to see it develop further.

 

Bethan was great at getting the ball out of the ruck quickly which allowed the team some go forward; and Cai B’s strong ‘Jamie Roberts-eque” running created opportunities for others throughout both matches.

 

 

 Onwards and upwards Clwb.

 

Ymlaen

 

 

Mel's Ghost Walk

The faint but unmistakeable sound of Ray Parker Juniors biggest hit drifted from several of the arriving cars that transported the bravest members of the C.R.C.C. under 11's team to the sponsored ghost walk around Pontcanna fields.

As the children waited for the start of the walk, delicious rocky roads (diolch Haf) and sweets were furiously devoured. Whilst Dr Rob gave a in-depth and scientifically sound lecture on why fire needs oxygen to survive. He might have to correct me but I think it was something along the lines of 2H₂  +O₂--> 2H₂O.

But I digress...
It was a cold and dark night, the mist rolled up off the Taff covering the rugby pitches, not allowing all but the most eagle eyed to see the 22 from the try line. Everyone gathered around in a huddle, as the first tale (about a frog wench that would drag herself out the Taff, with the sole purpose of terrifying Cardiffians) was recounted. The children howled in glee, determined not to be scared and headed off into the dark.... whilst just off in the mist small little lights started appearing and disappearing, we were being watched!!!!

 As the children moved around the fields, the stories got darker and darker only to be matched by the darkness of the dimming light. A certain parent (who remains nameless but likes Kababs and Stella) recounted his own horror stories of the Taff Trails, it was enough to put the willys up you (his words not mine). Whilst another parent jumped out the bushes howling like a banshee and Mel donned a witches mask that nearly sent Theo running for the hills. The boys although still in high spirits, suddenly started walking in a tighter formation, they was almost maul like.

Another ghost story at Blackweir, a ghost pushing a high fiving cyclist off his bike and it was time to head back, down the spookily tree lined path. You could see a few heads turning back in the torch light, making sure nothing but the mist was following them back from the Taff. There was more than a little relief as the changing rooms came back into sight, everyone had a hot chocolate to celebrate. As they warmed up slightly, the boasting started about how unscarred they had been during the walk, but the children didn't believe their parents blatant lies.

 It wasn't until I reached home and looked at some of the photos (see above), did I realise how ghostly the walk had been... It was a truly a spooktastic event with so much thanks for arranging, performing and making sure everyone had a great time going to Mel.

So everyone please get your sponsorship monies to Mel or myself, even if you didn't attend, please, please, please support those that braved the darkness of Pontcanna...

Old Pens Vs Clwb

 

Score 8-8

Scorers : Ralph 2, Charlie 2, Rhys, Andy, Logaan, PT

Managers Seren Y Gem : Rhys Gibbs

 



What a game, what a game, what a game.

Lets face it, when we turned up and saw the size of some of the Old Pens kids, the challenge ahead of us was more than evident. The number 21 on the back of one of the Old Pen's players shirt, could of been a reference to his ag rather than his position.

As the teams passed each other in training, a few comments were exchanged and the cauldron ( that have become old pens vs Clwb games) started to bubble.

Kickoff and Old Pens looked unstoppable, their size advantage showing at the ruck and fair play they played some great running/passing rugby. One try, and another and another. I feaed our heads might drop, but they didn't.

The boys and girls were like a pack of lions, they threw their all into each tackle, each ruck and although they were often coming off second best, they got back up and readied for the next exchange. This was personified by Mabon, i think I counted four tackles in a row, with him pulling his injured body off the floor to make that forth tackle.

JP's constant positive encouragement, meant that even as the 4th, 5th and 6th tries were concedeed, not a single head dropped.

The second half started, and a fresh Old Pen's team took the field. Rhys and Robert charged forward, putting us on the front foot, then Ralph stepped, stepped again and a little spark ignited as he went over for our first try. Next thing you know we are running tries in all over the place while Old Pen's were running out of ink!!!

Theo's kickoffs put the opposition on the back foot and Andy's fullback positioning meant that they were unable to leave their half with any sort of relieving kick. The message went on, one try behind, 3 minutes left. I don't think anybody quite believed it. The crowd on the one side of the pitch were going wild. Full of posivite comments and full of pride...

Kickoff, pressure... turnover. We have it and we almost predicatably scored. At this point I swear I saw a small tear roll down the cheek of Coach Bryan.

Old Pens reacted swifty, returning their big guns to the fray. But as the pendulum swung back and for, it was obvious that no-one was going to dominate this group of Clwb players now. The refs whistle blew and the score, well that was tied; but the peformace was all about Clwb.

I felt compelled to pat each one of our players on the back, what a great team performance, a never say die attitude mixed with some great individual flair. How JP how any sembelence of a voice at the end, I have no idea.

More of the same next week please.
Ymlaen

Dinas Powys Vs Clwb

Coach Bryn Quote/halftime chat : Bring me some teeth

Managers Player of the Match: Logaan

Score 8-7

Clwb Scorers: Charlie (3) Osian D (3) Robert

 

 

They say lightening never strikes twice. Whoever "they" are, theyhave never watch Clwb dan 11.

 

Clwb played again with just enough players, play magnificiently, were winning at half time and then lost the game in the second half. It was like Llanishen all over again... With even some planes, trains and automobile issues for a couple of us getting to the ground.

 

It started off so well, Osian D, Cai and Charlie leading the charge, with some great passing throughout the team. Megs and Lilly both went forward with ball in hand and when Robert ran through the Dinas defence (on one of many runs) on his way to score, it felt like it was going to be our day. It was a fantastic half of rugby, maybe the best this season.

 

But the lack of subs, proved to great a burden to bear and as the second half kickoff, Dinas brought on 4 fresh players. Cai B really bossed things from scrum half, Osian MD, Bethan and Logaan put in some big tackles, Charlie and Osian D were brilliant in the ruck and Cai continued to snipe, step and jive his way up the pitch, but the fresh legs of Dinas started to show, and they ran in 5 unaswered tries in the final quarter.

 

It was a great match to watch, the boys and girls really gave it their all and everyone was so proud of them at the final whistle. Dinas were great hosts and I really look forward to playing them again.

 

Ymlaen Clwb

 

 

 

 

 

 

LLanishen vs CLWB

Quote of the Day from Llanishen Coach "I will kick your head in"

Clwb Seren Y Gem - Everyone in a Clwb Shirt

Score 9-6

Scorers : Cai (2) Charlie (2) Osian D, Osian MD

 

Well some days following the under 11s are hard to forget, and this fixture might be one of those.

 

After an initial Wacky Races start, where we all turned up at the wrong pitch before heading under the Aquaduct in a hurried convey and arriving to feel the first sensations of the approaching winter, the 10 kids of Clwb laced up their boots and donned their scrum caps.

 

We had all witnessed the prowess of Llanishen at the CRICC tournament, and as the teams warmed up, and the parents looked around hopelessly for coffee, there were whispers of us being on the recieving end of a bad beating.

 

The game kickoffed, and Clwb played with character and flair, forcing the knock-on, presuring the backs and competing at the ruck... one try for us, then another...and another. At one point, Clwb were leading 6-1, before Llanishen score two quick tries before half time.

 

Unfortuately for Clwb, half time changed everything and nothing went their way in the second half. Llanishen were brutal at the ruck and evry decision went their way, resulting in 6 unanswered tries.

 

It was a loss, but also a victory for our players. To compete so well against a team that trains 3 times a week, that includes 4 county players and are seen as one of the best teams in the region, I think was amazing. To be 6-1 up at one point was no accident and if luck had been with us the second half we might of come away even happier. Very proud of everyone of those players who wore the shirt today.

 

I think we can learn a few things from Llanishen, keeping our shape and being faster and harder at the ruck, but I think they also can learn a few things from us too.

 

Ymlaen Clwb.



CRICC Tournament

 

 

Results/Canlyniadau

 

Clwb 2 Penarth 0



Cai, Charlie

Clwb 6 Whitchurch 1

Charlie (3), Cai, Osian MD, Osian D

Clwb 1 llandaff 2
Robert

Finished Second in the group

Clwb 1 St Peters 3



Theo

Clwb 4 Rumney 1

Rhys, Osian D, Theo, Cai

Clwb 1 Rhiwbina 2

Osian D

 

 

JP Quote:

They all tried their best today

 and played with smiles win

or lose. Great to see. Very Proud. 

Managers Player of the Tournament - Theo

 

 

What a great tournament and thanks must go to our host CRICC for all their efforts and welcome.

 

I think JP's quote really summed up the day well, our victories were great, our defeats came from very close games and the boys and girls did themselves, their parents and the coaches proud. Proud not only of the way they played, but in the way they interacted with the other teams and behaved during the whole day. They are a credit to the Clwb.

 

I have so many memories of today; Osian' run down the wing with Rhiwbina players being smashed aside one after another, the hair bear bunch, Ian' ice revenge, that one parent stepping over the mark, Robert thundering over against Llandaff, ending up in the Taff on the way home, I could go on and on....

 

I think today we got a real insight of how we measure against the other clubs in the area, and you know what? We might not be the best, but on our day we are competitive with anyone of those teams we played against today, and we did it smiling.

 

I have medals for everyone who played today (not Bryan), which we will hand out next time we are all together.

 

Ymlaen Clwb.



Wales Sport Awards 2016

 

 

Look out for Clwb in the video - da iawn.

 

 

5 reasons not to use the W word around this man

If you have been around the team in recent seasons, you might of noticed me running for my life on a number of occassions after using the W word with reference to one of our outstanding young players...

This is a warning, don't do it... I am a professional.... but here are the main reasons why you might be dicing with death if you mimic my actions...

1. He is a popular guy, he knows a lot of people, has many contacts (apparently even in the LA underground)  that he could ring at a drop of a scrumcap; and the last thing you need is this bunch knocking your door at 2am.

 

 

2. He was born and raised in Dunvant. This is a picture of him on his first day at work down the mines aged 5 (yes he had a beard at 5) in 1865. As you probably know the first rule of dealing with the good people of Dunvant, is that you do not mess with the good people of Dunvant!!!

 



 

 

 3. He will set his pet on you. (He is not the dinosaur in this picture despite what you may have heard otherwise)

4. He has played the game, and not the soft game we see these days. He has more knowledge about rugby in his little finger than the combined knowledge of an autumn international crowd. His opinion should be respected, with the exception of w**g play.

  
5. Even if you are feeling brave and you decided to gang up on him chanting the W word, it won't bother him one bit, he will welcome those odds.

Basically leave using the W word to professionals like me...

You have been warned.

Llanwit Major vs C.C.R.C

Managrs Seren y Gem Osian MD

Coach Bryan Quote "Come on ref, it'll be dark just now"

Scores

 

Clwb 8 Vs Llanwit Major 6

Charlie (2)

Tomos

Dewi (2)

Osian MD (2)

Cai B

 

Clwb 1 vs Whitehead 12

Cai

Well the early start was well worth it. I know a few of us took the scenic route there, but what a ground and a cracking morning for rygbi.. plus the suprise of playing Whitehead as well as Llanwit Major.

The games were a little contrasting. We did exceptionally well against Llanwit, but Whitehead prooved too strong.

Against Llanwit Major there were some great performaces across the pitch, Cai Barker impressed with his leadership and dropkicks, Tomos was fantastic in the ruck, Dewi ran from everywhere, Ffred tackled everything in sight and there was some bravery and heart on show from Charlie and Robert.

Against Whithead, we really weren't in the game. It was a hard learrning curve, but highlighted the importance of the ruck area and the need to make those first  up tackles. Chwarae teg, Whitehead were an impressive outfit, passing and rucking like pro's.  Ymlaen Clwb

Special thanks to Megs dad in his medic role, much appreciated.

Fund Raising - RUGBY CARDS

Another great idea from MEL - Rugby Cards.

Its a real simple idea, you sell a team for £2 to 20 people. This makes £40.
When all teams are sold you scratch the silver covering off to reveal the winner. the winner recieves £20 and our fund recieves £20.

If we all take one or two cards, we have enough to rsie £800 in a short space of time with minimal effort. So at training I will hand cards out.... and thanks for the support.

Cake Sale...

Massive thanks to Mel and Lee for pushing the cake sale today and to everyone that contributed. I am personally gutted I missed out on Theo's efforts. 

We are going to continue to sell cakes and add coffee, tea and even if you are very lucky bacon butties. All monies raised will go to bringing the cost of the "Tour to Belfast" down for everyone. In the coming days I will be letting you all know how you can help to....

CRCC Vs LLANDAF

SEREN Y GEM - CAI P

A tough couple of games today, but great to be able to field two teams against a pair of strong Llandaf teams.

I only managed to watch the one game today, where although things didn't go our way, heads stayed up and a lot of heart was shown, There were two tries from Charlie and one from Ralph. Also strong running with the ball in hand from Rhys and Osian MD, and some fancy stuff from Ralph.

From what I heard from other parents, the other game was more competitive. JP mentioned after the game the tackling of Max, and also Cai P who closed down the dangerous Llandaff winger time and time again. (If anyone has the scorers from this match let me know).

Today was another steep learning curve, another tough encounter; but if you can keep your head up and play as a team, enjoy the game, then you also won something today - which in many ways is more valuable than any score line.

Ymlaen Clwb !!!

My Management Team

I have recruited two parents to share my role as manager this season, to ensure we as a team are not only a team on the field, but off it too.

Although neither need an introduction, the blog post is too short not to...

Fund Raising Manager

Who is Mel ?  Charlie's Mam.

Interesting Fact: A former kickboxer..... so I have nothing else to say.

Qualifications: Last year Mel trained as a CRCC score keeper, volunteered to help paint the changing rooms, helped with the food and volunteered to help at every opportunity. She is also one of the most vocal parents we have on the sideline.

Social Manager

Who is Ian? Mabon's Dad

Interesting Fact: Someone in his family more or less invented the internet. Has a dodgy knee. Is a pretty good goalkeeper. Likes Curry.

Qualifications: Former Dunvant player - enough said.



Despite Ian trying to kill me every time I mention the W word, these are truely two of the most brillaiantly supportive people I have ever met. I believe with their recruitment, the team will grow beyond just Sunday mornings. Mel will be working towards raising money towards our tour(s), while Ian will be working towards organising monthly events for our kids to partake. Sometimes these roles will overlap, and I hope everyone will support them in their efforts. Any help you can offer them will be greatly appreciated. You can contact them through email or the whatsapp group, or even just speak to them on Sunday.
.

CARDIFF SCHOOL TRIALS

 

LLongyfarchiadau i Osian Darwin for being selected for Cardiff Schools 11's.

This is an amazing achievement and everyone at Clwb are very proud of you and look forward to following your progress throughout the season.

 

Also a well done must go to Charlie, Eben, Ffred, and Jake. The trials are not an easy place to play rugby and you have all gained a massive amount of experience going forward; that hopefully Clwb will now benefit from.

 

If you wish to follow Osian and Cardiff Schools 11's the twitter acount is https://twitter.com/csru_u11

 

Ladies, Gents and Coaches I give you OSIAN DARWIN !!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RUGBY TERMS - Translations

WELSH / ENGLISH WORDLIST - RUGBY TERMS

Welsh Word	English Word
ar y blaen	in the lead
asgellwr	wing (player)
bachwr	hooker
bachwyr	hookers
blaen asgellwr	flanker
blaenwr	forward (player)
blaenwr asgell	wing forward
bwlch	gap
cae rygbi	rugby pitch
cael mantais dros	gain an advantage
cais cosb	penalty try
cais/ceisiau	try/tries
cam drafod	handling error
camgymeriad	error
camgymeriad	mistake
Camp Lawn	Grand Slam
canolwr	cantre (player)
canolwr/canolwyr	inside centre
canolwr/canolwyr	outside centre/s
capten	captain
cefnwr	full-back
cell cosb	sin-bin
chwarae teg	fair play
chwarae'r rheol fantais	play the advantage
cic	kick (noun)
cic a chwrs	up-and-under
cic adlam	drop-kick
cic bwt	grubber kick
cic cosb	penalty kick
cicio	kick (verb)
cicio	punt
cicwr/cicwyr	kicker/kickers
clo	lock
cosb/cosbau	penalty/penalties
croeso yn ôl	welcome back
Cwpan Y Chwe Gwlad	Six Nations Cup
cylawni trosedd	commit a foul
dynfarnwr	referee
egwyl	half time
eilyddio	substitute
enill y mediant	gain possession
enill y mediant	win possession
gêm	match
gêm gartref	home game
gêm gynderfynol	semi-final
gôl adlam	drop-goal
gôl gosb	penalty goal
gwrthwynebydd	opponent
haneri	half backs
hanner cyntaf	first half
hyfforddwr	coach
lein/leinau	line-out/s
llinell gais	try-line
llinell hanner	halfway line
llumanwr	linesman
mantais	advantage
maswr	fly-half
maswr	stand off
maswr/maswyr	outside half/s
meddiant	possession
methu cic gosb	miss a penalty
mewnwr	scrum-half
ochrgamiad	side-step
pas/iau	pass/es
pêl rygbi	rugby ball
perfformiad trawiadol	impressive performance
postyn	post
prop/iau	prop/s
rheng flaen	front row
rhwystro	obstruct
ryc a scarmes	ruck and maul (noun)
ryc/iau	ruck/s (noun)
rycio	ruck (verb)
rygbi	rugby
rygbi tri ar ddeg	rugby league
rygbi'r undeb	rugby union
seren y gêm	man of the match
sgarmes rydd	loose maul
sgarmes/oedd	maul/s
sgôr	score (noun)
sgrym/iau	scrum/s
sodli	heel (verb)
Stadiwm y Mileniwm	Millennium Stadium
sylwebaeth	commentary
tacle deg	fair tackle
terfynol	full time
tîm	team
tir	territory
tirio'r bêl	touchdown
torri	infringement
trawst	crossbar
trogais	converted try
trosedd	foul
trosedd proffesiynol	professional foul
trosi	convert
trosiad	conversion
tyrfa gartref	home crowd
Undeb Rygb i Cymru	Welsh Rugby Union
wedi ei anafu	injured
wythwr	number 8
y deugain	(the) forty minutes
y ffin gwsg	dead-ball line
Y Goron Driphlyg	Triple Crown
y tri-chwarteri	three-quarters, the
yn erbyn	against
yn farw	out of play
yn lle [enw]	on for [name]
yr ystlys gwsg	touch in goal
ystlis	touch