A depleted Dunvant Youth side show great courage

In the most extraordinary circumstances and against all the odds, Dunvant Youth were able to begin their league programme with a game against old rivals Morriston. Before the encounter the home dressing room had a most surreal atmosphere with players being introduced to each other. Thanks to the recent recruitment drive, no fewer than eight new players would make their debut, even then there were players playing out of position, and two having their first taste of youth rugby. Thus expectations were not high, but we were to witness a magnificent display by this patched up side, superbly led by skipper Alun Rees, only for them to fall short of victory due to a couple of controversial decisions by the referee. After Alun Rees had opened Dunvant’s scoring with a typical bullocking run, the referee must have been the only person on the ground not to see the pack drive over for a score that would have given us a two score lead. However, with Morriston able to use a full complement of substitutes and Dunvant having to play with fourteen players for most of the second half, the numerical advantage took it’s toll and Morriston ran out winners. Despite the defeat, the coach and Committee would have taken out a lot of positives from this display, especially the set piece which was dominant throughout. A League of Nations back division, who didn’t know each other before the game played with plenty of promise, well marshalled by Adam Williams who also kicked two long range penalty goals, plus Aled White who was a rock at full back. On occasions, sport can be so cruel with Dunvant already struggling with numbers, they finished the game with only thirteen players with two concussed and debut making centre Lloyd Ihenacho taken to hospital with a serious leg injury, this already small squad is going to be further depleted. One can only hope that after such a gutsy display more new players can be found so that we are able to carry on.
Gerald Roberts-Team Manager & Fixture Secretary