With a strong representation of Breconshire schoolboys selected, the Welsh Academicals U18s rugby team travelled to Millfield School, Somerset for their final fixture of the season.

Adding his name to the list of players having represented the Accies was Iwan Havard from Sennybridge, nominated via Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalafera. Ben Griffin (Llangors) also of Y G Ystalefera, Geraint Powell (Clyro) representing Neath Port Talbot Collage and Christ Collage duo Charlie East and Archie Trevethan were all recalled and formed part of the travelling squad.

Millfield School is generally regarded as the premier sports pubilc school in the country with the likes of Gareth Edwards, Chris Robshaw and Mako Vunipola amongst many international rugby players listed as Old Millfieldians.

Taking centre stage on the campus is the Gareth Edwards rugby pitch – an immaculate playing area that would rank amongst the best in the country and taking to the pitch as a player was in itself an honour.

In perfect playing conditions, Millfield showed their pedigree and dominated possession and territory and the inevitable try came 15 minutes into the game with the conversion falling short of the posts. The Accies defended relentlessly for most of the half but gained the upper hand in the set piece, particularly the lineout, giving the visitors respite as Geraint Powell and Archie Trevethan retained and stole line out ball on numerous occasions. This perseverance paid off as an initial break from Charlie East, in his own half, gave momentum to the forwards to drive through the centre of the pitch allowing second row Callan Davies to force through the final few yards and fully stretch to place the ball over the try line, drawing the teams level as half time approached.

The second half commenced and Millfield continued to dominate.

However, this half they converted the territory into points with three well worked tries taking the home team into a commanding lead. Not to be outdone, the Accies showed true grit and replied with a drive-over try.

For the first time during the match, Millfield looked unsettled. Iwan Havard making his mark in the loose, disrupting and slowing the ball, much to the frustration of the home team. Indiscipline ensued, culminating with a double yellow card. Down to 13 men, the home team were at full stretch defensively, Charlie East taking a fine opportunity to nip through a small gap to scrape over the try line, drawing the visitors to within one score.

With just a few minutes remaining, The Accies were on the offensive again and, with the travelling supporters in fine voice, they found themselves on the five-metre line. After a largely quiet game, Ben Griffin entered centre stage and delivered a finely judged pick and go to score the final try to draw the teams level on points.

The conversion marked final play of the game. After hitting the uprights on two previous conversion attempts, the Accies again succumbed to the woodwork. Despite the disappointment of not converting, a draw of 24 points each was a fair result and a memorable experience for all players.