Gowerton under 16 Girls crowned Ospreys’ champions.
Gowerton’s under 16 girls’ rugby team travelled to Aberavon Green Stars RFC to take part in the Ospreys under 16s rugby tournament and produced some enthusiastic and energetic rugby to eventually emerge as the regional champions.
Gowerton’s first game saw them take on Swansea rivals Bryntawe and they produced an all action display that gave them a 25-10 win. For Gowerton, tries were scored by Jorja Aiono (2), captain Izzy Baldwin-Pritchard, Ellie Mills and Ffion Cort. Other good performances came from Grace Pope and Maddie Harwood and the dynamic defensive work of Nicole Mort earned her the player of the match award.
Next up it was Llangynwyd from Maesteg. The Maesteg school took the lead in the opening minutes, but Gowerton responded when Jorja Aiono crossed before a powerful and determined driving run by Ellie Mills saw her shake off several would be tacklers to drive over the line and give her side the lead. Llangynwyd regained the lead with two tries of their own. Gowerton were not going down without a fight and with time running out they pressed for a winning score. Faith Bruno Page gathered the ball and set off on an elusive run that took her over the line, but she was unable to ground the ball and the chance was lost, the final whistle followed giving the Maesteg school a 15-10 win. Ffion Cort was player of the match and there were good performances from Ella Thompson Jones and Mia Williams.
To qualify for the final Gowerton needed to win their final game against Bridgend School Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen. They produced an excellent performance to come out on top 19-0. Daisy Steadman, Jorja Aiono and Izzy Baldwin-Pritchard scored the tries with the highlight being Izzy’s length of the field run for her score. Izzy and Ffion added a conversion apiece. Ellie Mills was player of the match and there were good performances from Sophie James and Katie Richards. Victory meant that Gowerton qualified for the final as group runner up.
Table
Won
Drew
Lost
For
Against
Pts
Llangynwyd
3
0
0
65
20
9
Gowerton
2
0
1
54
30
6
CCYD
1
0
2
30
54
3
Bryntawe
0
0
3
25
75
0
Cup final
Gowerton 17 Llangynwyd 14.
The final against Llangynwyd was equally as competitive as the first game between the two sides. Gowerton dominated the early stages with Daisy Steadman impressive with her speed and distribution. Two tries by Jorja Aiono, one converted by Izzy Baldwin-Pritchard gave Gowerton a 12 point lead. Llangynwyd replied with two tries of their own and added both conversions to have a narrow 2 point lead.
Gowerton’s resolve was now tested and this time they refused to fall short with Jorja Aiono’s persistence allowing her to cross for the winning score. The final whistle followed shortly afterwards and a triumphant Gowerton celebrated. Player of the match was Daisy Steadman and player of the tournament was Jorja Aiono.
Gowerton now go on to represent the Ospreys region in the Welsh Schools’ final later in the season.
