THREE Crickhowell players who joined the club as Under 8s made their first XV team debuts on Saturday when Beaufort provided the opposition in a much needed match.

Gareth Downey (flanker), Jamie Hunter (wing) and Joe williams (wing) all took the field and proved just how much the club's commitment to its young players has come to fruition.

On the field, the division five side gave the division six leaders an excellent workout and both teams were satisfied with the draw. The defences of both sides was immense, well marshalled and accurate and as a result try scoring opportunities in this friendly game were few and far between.

The Crickhowell pack' with Sean Buck, Alan Taylor and James Webb were quite outstanding and took the game to Beaufort.

Behind the forwards the Crickhowell centre partnership of Gareth Bowen and Adam Howells snuffed out any threats.

Crickhowell's try came from a Beaufort midfield mistake as one of the centres knocked on. Leon Rees grabbed the loose ball whilst it was still airbourne and sprinted 45 metres to score. Adam Howells added the conversion.

The second half was really a carbon copy of the first with neither side able to gain the ascendancy. Following a maul near the Crickhowell line the home side were adjudged to have pulled the maul down and the referee awarded Beaufort a penalty try which was converted. So in the end a fair result.

For Crickhowell as a club however this was a day of celebration.

Ten seasons ago the mini junior section of the club was set up at the instigation of former secretary  and past president Colin James. Since then with the drive and enthusiasm of chairman Tim Tuohig, Cathy Evans and Diane Downey, things have really moved things on.

Last season was the first time in 18 seasons that Crickhowell fielded a 'Youth XV' and on Saturday with three members of that team making their first XV debuts it was fitting that Geoff Bull and David Evans of Crickhowell Rotary Club and chairman Shaun Ellis of the Old Rectory Hotel, both sponsors of the mini junior section, were present to witness the event.

To see three of his players who started out as 'under 8s' make a successful transition from 'youth rugby' to the 'first XV' was particularly rewarding for Jim Aylett and his ten year commitment to the club.

Current club president Lawence Watts added, "It is a magnificent achievement by all those who provide the youngsters of Crickhowell the opportunity to play rugby union football and to progress in their expertise."