South Wales Jets and Wales Students fought out an exciting 38-all draw in Penallta on a warm sunny Saturday afternoon.
Both sides are preparing for their summer campaigns and the match will give the respective head coaches, Ben Flower and Clive Griffiths, a lot to talk about.
Yes, Clive Griffiths. The former Wales men’s side head coach is back with Wales Students for a third spell having begun his coaching career there from 1988-92 and then again from 2008-2013, leading them to three World Cup semi-finals, two Four Nations wins and three European Championship wins in the process.
He wasn’t happy in the opening stages of the game after Ross Price and Lewis Hughes scored early tries with Laurence Pritchard converting both to put Jets 12-0 up.
But by half-time, the Students held the upper hand. Tries from Jacob Purcell, Jack Hunter, Lewis Ingram and Lewis Howells, coupled with two goals from Thomas Moore gave them a 20-12 lead.
Jets started the second half well as Hughes completed his hat-trick with two tries, both of which Pritchard improved. The Students briefly led after a Howells try converted by Mason Apsee, before Jets flew into a 34-26 lead with 10 minutes remaining thanks to Shane Lee and Aaron Harrison tries, the first improved by Pritchard.
From kick-off, the Students regained the ball and didn’t waste it. A Moore try and goal bringing the score back to 34-32.
With three minutes to go, Jets extended their lead. The 40-year old Dafydd Hellard showed that there’s life the old dog yet as he scored what could have been the winning try. However Pritchard’s kick from the sideline going wide gave the Students hope.
And with the last play of the game, Howells raced 50-metres for his hat-trick try giving Moore an easy kick in front of the sticks to share the spoils.
“Today brought some back some really good memories,” Griffiths said. “The boys fronted up was indicative of how Wales Students have played over the years and against much more fancied opposition.
“We were up against a big outfit today, aggressive who could play and they showed today why they’ve been Grand finalists and winners of our community game.
“So we only had three training sessions together and I saw enough there to to show that we can upset a few people this season.”
