The Lambs succumbed to an agonizing 5 – 20 defeat to the Boys Club of Wales U19s in traitorous conditions in South Wales on Sunday.

Just over one hour before kick off the game was moved from Portcawl RFC up the road to the Rest Bay pitch, based next to the sea. The venue was much smaller and heavier with gusty swirling winds in addition, conditions more suited to the Welsh than the Lambs ‘Fast and Free’ approach. Nevertheless, the Lambs showed ambition from start to finish, but the opportunities didn’t seem to stick.

The Boys Club of Wales started the first half with the conditions in their favour, in what was refereed to by the locals as a ’two try’ advantage in terms of slope and wind conditions. They took advantage of this with three unconverted tries, all from pick and go or one out rugby following spells of pressure in the Lambs half. The Lambs were not without opportunities in attack, but the last pass or offload didn’t want to stick. Their intent was made ever harder by repeated infringements from the BCoW, who eventually saw their tight-head sent to the sin-bin at the end of the half, an advantage the Lambs couldn’t capitalize on.

The second half saw a double blow for the Lambs within the first two minutes. Issac Rayworth (Plymouth) was forced off with an injury and the Welsh scored a turnover try in the corner to take the score to 0 – 20. A tough second period was in the pipeline. The Lambs however, true to form, continued to play to their ‘Fast and Free’ approach. Man of the Match Mike Galsworthy (Felsted) and No. 8 Reece McCarthy (Trinity) gave them some front foot ball whilst Will Vaughan (Pangbourne) continued to make half breaks across the park. Eventually they were rewarded with a try from Harry Pryer (Uppingham) to take the score to 5 – 20 midway through the half.

The final twenty minutes showed endeavor from the Lambs as they continued with some attacking intent, but the Welsh managed the game well, running the clock down when they had the ball to eventually seal a 5 – 20 victory.

After the game LAMBS National Director, Alex Laybourne, said:

“It was a tough game today and the conditions certainly suited the Boys Club of Wales; the fixture was nearly called off yesterday due to the weather so we were pleased to keep it on.”

“We knew what we would come up against today and I thought we played most of the rugby, maintaining our ambition throughout. Certainly the Lambs boys have learnt a lot today as to how they can implement the philosophy when faced with different challenges, and that will hold them in good stead moving into the next two games and tour.”

Full Time: ISRFC Lambs 5-20 Boys Club of Wales