Rugby starlets from Tenby’s Greenhill School recently enjoyed an experience of a lifetime playing at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff when they took on a St Johns Aberdare and Mountain Ash combined school side in the Under 18s WRSU Vase Final played.

Despite losing narrowly to a late try with the tie finely poised at 12-12, it was a fantastic effort from all players and coaching staff, along with the huge travelling support!

It was an historic day for Greenhill, as it was the first time the school has reached the final of the competition and everyone involved should be very proud of themselves and the school!

St Johns/Mountain Ash 19 pts.

Greenhill 12

Both teams cancelled each other out for the first 30 minutes with game remaining scoreless.

Captain Max Brindley made a 40 metre break but was tackled 5m from the try line. An rruption of noise echoed round the stadium with the 600 plus traveling support spurring the team on!

Shortly before half-time Lewis Catt crossed the try line before play was brought back after the final pass was deemed forward.

Greenhill were on top in the final few minutes leading up to the interval but against the run of play the opposition broke free on the half-way line before crossing in the corner to make the score 5-0 at the break.

Greenhill came out firing for the second half and at this stage were very much on top.

The break through came after outside-half Harri Williams put in a cross-field kick that was collected by winger Dan Machin who raced clear to score, with Williams adding the conversion.

Greenhill continued to dominate the first 20 minutes of the second half with standout performances from captain Brindley, centre Tom Harding-Jones and Will Swales in the back row.

The second try came with five minutes remaining when vice-captain Ben Pugh burst through the defence on the half-way line before rounding the winger and full-back to score a fantastic 50m individual try.

Williams narrowly missed the conversion but Greenhill were very much on top with the final whistle in sight.

Sadly the fairytale ending wasn’t to be as St. John’s/Mountain Ash scored two quick converted tries to seal a 19-12 win.

This never less didn’t spoil a fantastic day out in the sun for the Greenhill community with lifelong memories created. The highlight for coaches Jonathan Evans and Justin Richards was the fact that they were able to include all 25 players in the match and provide the opportunity to step onto the hallowed ground in Cardiff - a feat not matched by any other side on finals day.

Greenhill scorers: Tries - Dan Machin and Ben Pugh. Conversation - Harri Williams.

Greenhill squad: (Forwards) - Jay Brace, Max Brindley (captain), Matthew Busby, Lewis Catt, Joe Cole, Evan Day, Ben Eastwood, Fletcher Elms, Owen Evans, Rhys Grigg, Jake Roberts, Zac Rowell and Will Swales; (Backs) - Joe Andrews, Fin Bowie, Cam Broadhurst, Morgan Grieve, Tom Harding-Jones, Iori Hicks, Dylan Johns, Harvey Johns, Henry Lees, Daniel Machin, Oakley Milton, Ben Pugh (vice-captain), Dylan Scotcher, Carl Thomas, Oli Wheeler and Harri Williams.

Coaching staff – Jonathan Evans, Justin Richards and Phil Williams. Mascot – Iwan Williams.

Sponsor – Lewis Lewis & Co. Solicitors

Thanks go to – Taf Valley Coaches for providing 10 buses with 48 hours notice, Tee’s R Us for providing playing kit for the squad, and Tenby Swifts for their donation of water bottles and first aid kit.

Message from head of Greenhill School, Ray McGovern

“Well done and congratulations to Captain Max Brindley, the 1st XV rugby team, Mr. Evans and Mr. Richards as coaches on their achievement in the Welsh Senior Schools and College Rugby Union Vase competition and being confirmed runners up in the final, played at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff on Wednesday, April 18.

“The team performed exceptionally well and the match was finally balanced with Greenhill in the lead on two occasions. It could have gone either way.

“The players were a real credit to the school and to themselves, and it was a real privilege to be there, in the stands, to witness this memorable fixture and be part of such a great event.

“I am sure this is an occasion that none of the players will ever, or should ever, forget.

“I would also like to congratulate all the pupils who travelled to the stadium to spectate and support our team. They did so energetically, in full voice and with respect. The positive and community atmosphere were exceptional and behaviour was excellent throughout.

“My thanks particularly to Mr. Davies (Deputy Head), Mr. Williams (Head of PE) .and Mr Richards (Finance Officer) for all their hard work planning and organising everything that made it possible for more than 500 pupils and staff to travel to and enjoy the match, and to return safely to Tenby.

“Well done and thank you to all the staff, those on the trip and those remaining in school, for their support in making the whole day such a success.

“Wednesday (the day of the final) was an historic day for Greenhill. It was the first time we have reached the final of the competition and everyone involved should be very proud of themselves and their school.

“The difference between winning and success is that winning is coming first, success is giving one’s best.

“Without doubt or hesitation, in every way, the boys in our rugby team have been successful. They are outstanding role models and ambassadors for the school. Well done and diolch!”