FORGESIDE U9s played host to Hafodyrynys on Sunday in an entertaining game of rugby.

For the hosts they were low on numbers from late withdrawals due to sickness and injuries and this appeared to affect them in the first half as they only scored one try to the visitors five.

However in the second half they were much improved as player of the match and captain for the day Ieuan Rowlands scored a second half hat trick of tries with some scintillating breaks along with tackling himself to a standstill.

Harrison Reed also put in a high number of tackles throughout the game as did Callum Kenvin who had a solid game in defence and attack which earned himself the player of the match award.

Riley Coslett, Dione Kenvin and Will Marshall all supported well, however the improved second half performance was not enough as Hafodyrynys proved too strong for their hosts to eventually run out eight tries to five winners.

The U8s also lost out to Hafodyrynys in a game that started very fast with offences on top and 4 tries being scored by Hafodyrynys which was followed by Forgeside tries for Cian Pearce and two for Evan Weeks.

In the second period both teams stepped up the defensive side of the game with Hafodyrynys making it difficult for the home team although Forgeside continued to press and offload leading to tries from Evyn Harper and the ever improving Rory Jenkins who was constantly leading the defensive line and supporting play which earned him the Forgeside player of the match award.

In the third period the offloading and strong running from Hafodyrynys needed to be applauded as they continued to keep the Forgeside defence stretched and keep the scoreboard ticking over. However Forgeside never gave in and the pressing defence, hard work and support play from Lacey Probert, Alfie McCann, Logan Harris Redman, Manon Higgins and debutant Rhys Richardson allowed a further try to be scored by Cian Pearce and Erin Higgins to cross for two excellent tries in response. In the end the offloading at pace under pressure was the difference between the teams and allowed Hafodyrynys to stretch out the score in the final period and end up worthy winners.

Final score: Forgeside 9 tries Hafodyrynys 13 tries