Fixture

With no senior rugby games being played as a mark of respect to the passing of the Queen, the Youth entertained Blackwood on Duffryn Pennar Park. A two minute mark of silence was perfectly observed by players, coaches and the large crowd before kick-off.

Mount started the game on the front foot and for the first 20 minutes were camped deep inside the Blackwood half with good interplay between forwards and backs, but a combination of good Blackwood defence and a few handling errors on the try line led to no try being scored. Blackwood conceded several penalties in this period and Mount decided to take 3 points, kicked by Jayden Pugh.

Midway through the half Blackwood counter attacked and a great last ditch tackle by winger Rhys Day saved a certain try. Mount cleared and the remainder of the 1^st half saw Mount dominating but unable to cross for that elusive try.

Half time score, Mount 3 - 0 Blackwood.

The second half saw Blackwood on top for 10 minutes with some good forward play and then a very controversial decision saw a Mount forward red carded. This led to further pressure in the Mount 22 but brilliant defence kept Blackwood at bay.

With 10 minutes remaining a good attack from Mount led to another penalty from wide out that was well kicked by outside half Jayden Pugh to give his side a 6-0 lead with time running out.

Blackwood again went on the attack, and after a succession of pens near the Mount try-line they finally went over for a converted try to go 7-6 up.

Mount, trailing by a point, went back on the attack but Blackwood again counter attacked and scored a converted try with only 5 minutes remaining.

Mount did not give in and again were camped inside the Blackwood 22, but for all the pressure, and two yellow cards to Blackwood, they still could not get over for a try. Blackwood won a penalty and duly kicked the ball out to end the game.

Ultimately, Mount will rue the missed opportunities in the first half but it was still a good performance with the boys putting in some huge shifts in a very entertaining and physical game.

Ful Time Score: Mountain Ash Youth 6 Blackwood Youth 14

Penalties: Jayden Pugh 2.