WSRU Cup Quarter Final: Radyr weather the Christ College storm

12 Feb 2013

Following excellent away wins against Bryntirion and Y.G. Tregib, the Christ College 1st XV travelled to Radyr, near Cardiff for a Quarter Final tie against a strong Radyr Comprehensive School team.

The match had been in some doubt given the torrential rain and strong winds that had been sweeping across South Wales in the previous 48 hours. Whilst the rain had abated, Christ College found themselves playing into the elements in the 1st half. A boggy pitch and blustery conditions made handling for both sides very difficult.

However, Christ College put up a terrific display in the 1st half, attempting to run the ball when the opportunity allowed. They also put in a strong defensive showing, keeping out wave after wave of attacks from Radyr. Radyr scored a long-range penalty midway through the first half. However, just on the stroke of half-time, Radyr breached the Christ College defence with a try, which was converted, leaving it 10-0 to the home team.

With the wind behind them, Christ College aimed to take advantage of the conditions. However, they were unable to gain field position to mount a sustained series of attacks. The bigger Radyr forwards were tiring and the Christ College forwards managed to turnover the ball on a number of occasions. The Christ College line-out was performing very well too in the most difficult conditions and they were superb in the scrum, winning a number of balls against the head. However, they were unable to turn possession into pressure, and pressure into points.

The game was more or less over when a handling error in the Christ College 22 saw the Radyr forwards fly hack the ball over the Christ College line and win the race to the touchdown for an unconverted try. Christ College mounted a series of attacks as the game moved towards its conclusion but the match finished in a 15-0 win to Radyr, who now move into the semi-finals of the Cup.

Photo: CCB 1st XV v YG Tregib