On a very warm Easter Sunday in Holland, Dunvant under 16s; took on a very difficult group in the pool stages, to emerge victors and qualify for the tournament final. The final was a very physical hard fought affair culminating in the thrilling ending to a stop-start game which eventually went in Dunvants favour.

The tournament format was two groups of four teams playing 15 a-side rugby over two 10 minute halves.

Dunvants first game was against Towcestrians RFC a team with a large pack and some nippy backs, however, Dunvants forwards took it to them from the off and Towcestrians rarely got out of their half. Forward pressure eventually paid dividends with a try for scrumhalf Ben Ley which was converted by captain Gabriel Emery. Despite Dunvant retaining the lions-share of possession, and pressuring the Towcestrians line for most of the game; Towcestrians fast winger managed to gather some loose ball a claim a break away try which was converted. The final score was 7 – 7 and definitely one which got away. The game did have its casualties with Dan Messer missing much of the first half with a blood injury, and Brandon Ovens taking a knock which would see him play little part for the rest of the day, however, he was ably replaced by Conner Boyce, who would play an inspired role for the rest of the tournament.

The next pool game was against the hosts Rugby Club Hilversum; who once again had a large pack, but this time large backs to match. With the pressure on for a win; Dunvant started with intent, with a strong scrum and lineout dominating the Dutch, and the forward control allowing the backs space to run, with good penetration from centres Rhys George and Harry Wilkinson however despite this, the three tries that followed came from forwards with number 8 Kristian Lavallin bagging one, and loose head Ross Beresford capping a strong performance with a brace, Gabriel Emery also slotted a conversion. The final score was 17 – 0 to Dunvant, however, this was not a good indication of Dunvants control of the Game as the referee only played a 6 minute second half (just one of number of bewildering Dutch refereeing decisions of the day). Marcus Potter, who had been playing well, also picked up a knock which would see him sidelined for the rest of the day but he was replaced by the more than capable Evan Bartley.

The final pool game had Dunvant take on Medway RFC, who can best be described as a big physical pack, with some quick mouthy backs who seemed oblivious of the offside line (and fortunate for them so did the ref). Once again the pack was up to the physicality that Medway brought, with tight-head Alfie Thomas giving his opposite number a torrid time at the set piece (as he had done all day) and Lassa Schoker and Kris Lavallin domination the lineout. Every attack from their backs was snuffed out by the Dunvant backline and flankers Dan Messer and Max Harris; with Max Hancock giving their potentially dangerous winger a no time and space to move, and full back Tom Lewis collecting every ball kicked in his direction. Dunvant tries soon came; one through the forwards with hooker Ethan Murphy driving over the line following a great pack offensive, and then some great backs work through Ben Ley and great acrobatic finish by Gabriel Emery who also converted. The final score 12 – 0 to Dunvant. The physicality of the game had made its mark with a number of bruised and battered players, the main worries being Max Harris and Ross Beresford (pulled leg muscle), and Ethan Murphy (dead leg), however some TLC, Ralgex, ice and encouragement from the coaches and parents sorted them out.

Due to the draw in the first game a place in the final against Bedford Blues RFC (a District team that had sailed through their group), was out of our hands. The next part is copied from the Towcestrians RFC website:

Game 3 Tows v Hilversum (the hosts)
Tows needed 5 clear tries to make the final against Bedford Blues. The hosts were supported by the Welsh and songs, chants and merriment was coming from the main stand.
Tows put everything into it, but it wasn't to be. 17-0 was the final score but it wasn't enough, the Welsh were through to the final.

So Dunvant took to the final against Bedford Blues; a strong aggressive team (I’d never seen so many bearded 16 year olds), once again from the kick off the forwards got stuck into them keeping them in their half showing their bigger pack no respect, and forcing them to put the ball out to their backs, Dunvant backs again put in some big hits, however, Harry Wilkinson (who had tackled everything in front of him all day) managed to get his head in the wrong place and was knocked out as he made a critical tackle. The game was stopped and Harry came around and was eventually taken to hospital for tests. Harry was replaced by Michael Clay (who it was nice to see back in a Dunvant jersey) and did a sterling job as replacement. The game was moved to another pitch while the ambulance attended, and the first half continued. Bedford threw everything they had at Dunvant including a tip tackle on Rhys George and, two very late tackles on Ben Ley, forcing the ref to issue a yellow card (with the player leaving the pitch for all of 90 seconds), soon after a further strange Dutch refereeing rule interpretation saw Kristian Lavallin and the Bedford captain receive red cards and take no further part. The remainder of the game saw most of the rugby played in Bedford half, except on the odd occasion when they elected to kick the ball down the pitch, all of which were skilfully dealt with by Tom Lewis at fullback. The final whistle saw the teams even on 0 – 0 and the tournament rules dictated a period of 5 minutes extra time, with the first team to score the winners.

Dunvant continued to pressurise Bedford in extra time with Gabriel just missing a drop goal attempt and Bedford defending their line bravely as they had done all game. With time running out Dunvant managed to force a penalty around 40 metres out and to the right of the posts; Gabriel elected to kick, an amazing strike of the ball saw the kick dissect the posts for a well deserved victory 3 -0 to Dunvant.

Celebrations commenced, made even better by the news that Harry was okay despite having a headache.

This was an amazing team performance and all concerned should be very proud of their achievement. A big thank you to all the dads (granddad) and travelling subs that helped with encouragement, drinks and running repairs; coaches Richie Thomas and James Ley, and manager Mike Lewis and his assistant John Clay.. A special mention to those who couldn’t be there particularly Sam Clarke, James Ratti and Leigh Ratti (head coach)