The West U16 carried on from where they left off last season by beating a spirited central side at Hendy RFC on Sunday. The game was played in perfect conditions with both sides playing open rugby. The West had a number of new faces in their line up, and with ten minutes played, good work by the forwards produced a try for captain Beth Hawke.
Central came back with powerful running from their forwards but could not turn pressure into points. Nicola Stevenson & Emily Gallaghar compliment each other well in the centre for the West and Stevenson crashed over the line for their second try, converted by Hawke.
The West back row consisting of Natalie Walsh, Lisa Newton & Debbie O’Neil kept the pressure on the Central team throughout the game.
The West had several members of last year’s Neath U13 team playing for the first time and they all played very well. Scrum half Hannah Lerwill was on top form and the quality of her passing from the base of rucks and mauls was a joy to watch. Hooker, Amy Lawrence had a superb all round game.
West made a change at fly half in the second half, with young Bethan Preece coming on for Deborah Evans. She joined her Neath team mate making a half back partnership which changed the game .The West front five were now on top giving the backs a solid platform to play. Hannah Lerwill scored a cracking individual try, which Bethan Preece converted.
The West were brimming with confidence and played the ball out wide at every occasion. Laura March and Heledd Stevens looked very sharp, with good support from full back Sammy Morgan. It was only good defence from Central that keep them out.
With five minutes remaining, West attacked again. Natalie Walsh was held up short of the line but got the pass away to debutant flanker Sioned Harries who score to bring the final score to 26-0.
