FORGESIDE minis took on Pontypool United at various age ranges on a bitterly cold Blaenavon morning Sunday, writes Steve Reed.

The under 9s fought out an evenly contested game. For Forgeside Harrison Reed was outstanding in attack as he ran direct at the heart of the opposition and tackled himself to a standstill. His performance earned him the most improved player award. Ieuan Rowlands had his usual outstanding game as he ran in two super tries and defended excellently to earn himself the player of the match award. Another player to catch the eye was debutant Connal Burton who made some excellent tackles. Also Ben Skyrme had one of his best games of the season, along with Arron Turner who ran in a good try. Captain for the day Edward Winterfeld tackled well as did Kai Teale and Callum Kenvin and Will Marshall and Demi Jenkins supported well.The game was tied at two tries apiece until the last ten minutes of the game when the visitors scored two more tries to earn themselves the win.

In the under 8 age group, the game started at a fast pace and United were on the front foot from the off, stretching the Forgeside defence which meant they were able to score some well worked tries. Not to be outdone back came Forgeside to display some great handling which led to strong running from Cian Pearce to score the first of his four tries.

In the second period it was more of the same, as both sides traded tries and displayed an excellent defensive effort. For Forgeside, most improved player Alfie McCann along with Evan Weeks, Rory Jenkins, Rhys Richardson, and Manon Higgins continued to press and put the United attack under pressure leading to several turnovers. Coming into the final period of the game United started to pull away on the score line but not before Forgeside's player of the match Erin Higgins was able to run from her own try line sidestepping and evading taggers to score the try of the game.

Forgeside U7’s made their long awaited debut for the season and in the process all players put in brilliant displays against the more experienced United side. The youngsters certainly never gave up as they ran in some super tries and made some excellent tags. The payaers were Ollie Pearce, Leah Jenkins, Tyler Cheshire, Bleddyn McCann, Jack Marshall, Harlie James Doble, Frazer Redman, Bray Lewis, Brooke Lewis, Jake Thomas and Theo Harnett. The sides drew nine tries apiece.