A game (or games) of two halves

This weekend saw the return to rugby for the Pirates after the christmas break and it was a Sunday to get the old grey matter stirring.  Two teams of Pirates, the Skulls and the Crossbones, against the local visitors from Dunvant and the valley boys from Tonna.  Each Pirate team got a crack at each of the visitors for a half in a kind of multi-match challenge.

So the teams (and if I've got them wrong feel free to moan):

Skulls

Props: Josh B, Luke,
Hooker: Tomasz
Back Row: Tal (Captain), Freddie (Pack Leader)

Scrum Half: Liam
Fly Half:  Rhydian (Vice-captain)

Centres: Harley, Tommy
Wings: Jon, Sean A

Crossbones

Props: Kian, Connor
Hooker: Sean
Backrow: Tom T , Matthew S
Scrum Half: Jake C
Fly Half: Jake S
Centres: Rory, Jo, Josh
Wings: Will, Owen

Tonna came down to play after running up a score when they played the Pirates at home, with some interesting variations on the WRU's rules.  Back at Bishopston the core of the Skulls team put on a very spirited effort.  Going behind very early they came back well, tackled bravely and equalized just before the half time whistle, with the team creating space for Sean to finish in the corner.  One conversion from Liam and seven all at half time.  Tag, on came the Crossbones for a very close fought second half.  Will provided both the tries with some elusive running, Jake C popped over a conversion and that was enough for the draw (19-19) against 10 good Tonna players and a very supportive on field coach.

Meanwhile on the other pitch the Crossbones put Dunvant under pressure and got to the break two tries to the good (no posts, so no conversions), with scores from Will and Jake C.  Tag, on roll the Skulls after their marathon first half against Tonna, and immediately put Dunvant under the cosh.  Liam scores, but with no TMO and two Dunvant players underneath him the five yard scrum is given.  Dunvant then came back into the game and weary legs couldn't prevent them from crossing for a couple of scores late in the half to bring the game to a 10 - 10 draw at the end.

So, a promising start back, some good team play and very entertaining to watch.  Good wing play from Sean and Will saw them being awarded the Players of the Week.  There will be a postscript as a number of energetic heroes stayed on for a final match against Dunvant ..... but I don't know the score yet, a touch of satellite delay.