Islwyn Schools U15’s have won the Lawrence Miller Bowl competition, beating Cardiff Schools 5-0 in a very closely contested final at Parc Y Scarlets.
Islwyn Schools have never won this completion and were major underdogs going into the game – but their determination and aggressive tackling could not be matched by Cardiff.
The game was very even in the first half, with both sides playing great open rugby, but Islwyn were the stronger side in the second half.
Having the majority of both possession and territory they were rewarded with a lovely try after some great combined passes to make a break through in the opposition’s defence for Iwan Burgwin to touch down.
Cardiff responded well with a five minute spell of pressure late in the game, but Islwyn’s defence remained solid and impenetrable.
The final score was Islwyn 5 – Cardiff 0, and proud Islwyn captain Nathan Evans lifted the cup.
This year’s completion is the first season that the Welsh Schools have had the benefit of having the WRU Regional District Coaches embedded into the schools system. Islwyn Coach Jake Thomas and his assistants have done a magnificent job with this set of players.
Islwyn beat a number of very strong sides to get to the final, including South Powys, Swansea Valley and Blaenau Gwent.
Next up for Islwyn is a trip to Poland to participate in the annual tournament in Silesian along with other Welsh District teams.