Semi Final Victory For Dunvant Youth

On a cold and damp Friday evening Dunvant Youth took on Loughor Youth for the third time this season. Having already claimed two victories against the opponents an away victory in the league at Loughor 6 - 15 in September, following this up with a home league victory 25 - 0 in December it was important that we were not over confident going into this encounter.

The game kicked off with both sides playing attacking exciting rugby, Dunvant were the first with a scoring opportunity with a penalty having been awarded. Full back Dannie White unfortunately pushing the attempt just wide of the posts. Dunvant got off the mark in the eleventh minute with a superb try from outside half Brandon Wood that was converted by Dannie White 7 - 0.

In the nineteenth minute number eight Cory Bennett powered over in the left hand corner for a well deserved try, this following a period of pressure from the home forwards. The try was converted by Dannie White 14 - 0. With both sides continuing to play attractive rugby with strong attack and defence from both teams the final score of the first half came from outside half Brandon Wood again converted by Dannie White 21 - 0 going in to the break.

As expected following a stern talking to at the half time break Loughor came out all guns blazing and Dunvant were made to defend hard for prolonged periods. Eventually the home teams defence slipped, Loughor getting in on the sixteenth minute of the second half for their first points of the game with a try under the posts that was converted 21 - 7.

It was important that we kept our concentration and composure, with good attacking rugby continuing from both sides, defences were stretched. In the twentieth minute of the second half the Brandon and Dannie show continued with a hat-trick of tries being notched up for Brandon Wood (No substitute for pace!!!) converted by Dannie White 28 - 7 to the home team.

Dunvant continued to attack the Loughor try line and were unfortunate not to cross. The game was ended around three minutes early with a serious injury to blind side flanker Danial Rogers. In trying courageously to get over the whitewash he suffered a suspected neck injury that required him to be conveyed by ambulance to hospital. With little time remaining the referee decided to end the match whilst we awaited the arrival of the ambulance. Final Score - Dunvant 28 - Loughor 7. We now face either South Gower or Vardre in the final of the Swansea & District plate.

Update is that Danial Rogers injury was not as serious as envisaged and all involved wish him a speedy recovery.

I would like to thank all the squad players that turned up on Friday night. It is a real shame that all who turn up can't be included in the match day squad. With squads for league and cup matches being limited to 22 it is sadly not possible for all to be involved.

The photographer on Friday night told me during the game on Friday night that her was really impressed with the standard of play. He and the referee have subsequently posted the following comments on Twitter:-

Alfiepics @alfiepics - Well done @DunvantRFC youth tonight in the @sdyru semi final, very impressed, great rugby played by both sides.

WRU REFEREE @WRUREFEREE - Fantastic Game Tonight Some Real Talent Shown From Both @DunvantRFC @LoughorRFC Nice To See A Good Turnout Great Hosts See You Again Soon.

Keep an eye on the photographers website as he does publish photos of the games that he covers:-
www.alfiepics.com

We now look forward to a Final encounter later in the season where Dunvant look to retain the Swansea & District plate that they won last season.