A trip to Cowbridge was always going to be a stern test — but this one was always going to be particularly tough before a ball was kicked. The lurgy had taken hold of several players during the week, with others already unavailable, and the Warriors rocked up with just 16 — some of them carrying knocks. To cap it all, only about four players were in anything resembling their usual position, which meant a degree of organised chaos from the off.

The sun was out on a wet pitch, and to their credit Whitchurch started well — spending the first five minutes camped around the Cowbridge 22. But they couldn't capitalise, and Cowbridge's backs were sharp and well-organised. The moment the ball was turned over they punished it immediately, and from that first try it was an uphill battle all afternoon.

Losing two players to injury mid-game turned a hill into a mountain, but the boys kept competing right to the final whistle. Cowbridge were well-drilled — their back line in particular did all the little things right — and on the day they were simply too good. But the scoreline doesn't tell the full story of the effort the Warriors put in with the squad they had.

Loads to work on in training to reach that next level — but really proud of every one of them for not giving up the fight. They'd earned a well-deserved rest by the time the final whistle went. 🖤🤍