|
20th April 2008
Last sunday,Cowbridge
Under 10s made the short trip west for the Annual Bridgend Athletic
Tournament.
As last year,the
quality of opposition was of the highest order and the round robin
format ensured that every game would be a mini cup final.As ever,the
organisation of the tournament was superb and Cowbridge duly kicked
off proceedings against Newport HSOB on the stroke of 10.30 as
planned. Cowbridge were quickly into their stride and good approach
work by the forwards created space for centre Johnny harvey to
score in the left corner after 2 minutes.Further sustained pressure
by the pack forced Newport to concede a penalty close to their
own line from which George Thomas crashed over after a set move.On
the stroke of half time,Tom Evans was unlucky not to add a third
when the ball was dislodged in the tackel as he crossed the line.
A minute into the
second half ,from a penalty move ten metres out,Tom Lucas scampered
in for a try in the right corner. Despite virtually constant attack,the
scores remained the same until the last minute of the game when
a fine burst by wing Will Perkins brought him his first try of
the day.Straight from the restart,Cowbridge ran the ball back
at pace and some neat interplay between forwards and backs gave
fly half Matthew Harper the opportunity to add a fifth score to
finish the match.
Final Score Cowbridge
25 Newport HSOB 0
Next match up was
Cwmbran,a side Cowbridge have never met before at any level.Fielding
a huge pack of forwards,Cwmbran looked like they would present
stiff opposition.Undeterred,the Cowbridge lads just continued
to play with the same energy and enthusiasm as in the opening
match.After four minutes,another set move from a penalty yielded
a score for Matthew Harper.A minute later,a scintillating run
by wing Kristian Jones almost brought another try but the ball
went forward in contact. Just before the break,Tom Evans collected
the ball from a lineout 5metres out to crash over to give Cowbridge
a two try lead. Powerful drives by the forwards followed by quick
ruck ball gave the backs plenty of opportunities to run at the
Cwmbran defence which to their credit repelled attack after attack.On
nine minutes though,a typical bullocking run by lock Fraser McGhan
brought him a deserved try which he followed up later with a superb
try saving tackle on one of the larger Cwmbran forwards.Strong
defensive work by the rest of the side kept the scoresheet blank
to cap a solid display against tough opponents.
Final Score Cowbridge
15 Cwmbran 0
The third match
was against Ystradgynlais and having watched them play their opening
games it was clear they were a fine side who played a fast expansive
style of rugby.The blitz defence was going to be the only way
to contain their dangerous backs and the forwards needed to deny
them good ball at source.The Cowbridge boys implemented the game
plan to good effect in the first half and the scoresheet remained
blank at half time altough Ystrad certainly had the bulk of possesion
in the first half. The second half continued in much the same
vein with Ystrad spreading the ball wide at every opportunity
but valiant Cowbridge defence keeping them out.After a sustained
period of pressure though,a missed tackle let Ystrad in for a
try.Only four minutes of the match remained and Cowbridge knew
they had to get something from the game to progress in the tournament.The
boys battered the Ystrad line but were held up by brave defence.It
all came down to the last play with Cowbridge being awarded a
five metre scrum near the right corner.A pre-set move with scrum
half,Tom Lucas, picking up from the scrum and going blind was
well defended by Ystrad who forced Tom into touch and the final
whistle sounded.The result was tough on the lads who deserved
something form the game for their efforts,none more so than little
Hywel Williams who must have put in at least half a dozen superb
tackles during the match.
Final Score Cowbridge
0 Ystradgynlais 5
Having suffered
defeat in the previous game it was clear that nothing less than
victory over the hosts in the next fixture would get Cowbridge
into the final.The boys seemed up for the task in hand having
watched the "Ath" struggle to dispatch Dinas Powys in their opening
game.Unfortunately,the combination of the bruising encounter with
Ystrad in the previous game and lack of confidence against the
better sides meant that as soon as the Ath scored their first
try after a couple of minutes the result was never in doubt.Bridgend
added a further three scores before a darting run by James Davies
brought a consolation score for Cowbridge.Not to be outdone the
hosts added a further try in the last minute. Final Score Cowbridge
5 Bridgend Athletic 25 Going into the final game against old rivals
Dinas Powys,there was only an undefeated record against them at
any grade at stake.The lads picked themselves up from the disappointment
of the defeat in the previous game to put on a blistering display
of "total rugby" to run out comfortable winners.Tries came at
regular intervals throughout the first period started by Matthew
Harper after just two minutes,followed by James Davies,Tom Lucas,Jac
Davies and Fraser McGhan to finish the half.Pick of the tries
came early in the second period when off the top ball from a lineout
on the 22 was sweetly passed across the backline to put wing,Will
Perkins in at the opposite corner.Further scores by Tom Lucas
and George Thomas completed the rout.
Final Score Cowbridge
40 Dinas Powys 10
Overall,the performance
of the squad on the day was excellent and it was particularly
pleasing to see the hours of hard work put in by the boys on the
training ground start to bear fruit in terms of pre-set moves
leading to tries and defensive solidarity.Third place overall
in such a quality field is a great achievement and the challenge
now is to close that gap with the Ath.Roll on next season. Tournament
Squad;Owain Thomas-Jenkins,Tom Evans,George Thomas,Jac Davies,Fraser
McGhan,James Davies,Tom Lucas,Huw Bennett,Matthew Harper,Johnny
Harvey,Hywel Williams,Aled Evans,Adam Jones,Kristian Jones,Will
Perkins
13th April 2008
Cowbridge ventured
into the capital last sunday to play in an invitational tournament
hosted by Llanishen RFC that included several unknown quantities
in the form of a touring English squad from Dursley RFC and Gwent
side Risca.
Fresh from their
convincing win over Llantwit Major last week and the previous
weeks good showing at the Llanelli Wanderers festival,the boys
were in confident mood going into the first game against Dursley
Tigers and got off to a dream start with an early score by Tom
Evans.Altough at this age grade their English opponents were used
to competitive scrums and lineouts the Dursley forwards were unable
to cope with the physicality of the Cowbridge pack and tries came
at regular intervals through forwards Tom Evans (2),George Thomas
and Fraser McGhan.Pick of the tries was scored by centre,Adam
Jones, who took a great pass from scrum half Huw Bennett from
the base of the scrum to power over down the blindside despite
the attentions of two defenders. Final Score Cowbridge 5 Dursley
Tigers 0 Next up came Llanishen Reds against whom Cowbridge had
drawn a tight contest earlier in the season.As expected,the first
period was a tight affair in which Cowbridge had only a try by
Matthew Harper to show for their efforts.Handling errors at key
moments meant that the break was reached with the game finely
balanced.A few changes were made at half time to rest some players
and give squad members some game time and boy did they make an
impact.Within three minutes of the restart,"Super Sub" James Davies
had galloped in for two fine tries after siezing on loose ball
and outpacing the Llanishen defence.A further try by wing Will
Perkins put the seal on a fine second half performance which was
underpinned by stout defence by the whole side to ensure another
shutout.
Final Score Cowbridge
4 Llanishen Reds 0
By winning the group,Cowbridge
progressed to the semi-final of the Cup competition against the
runners up in the other group,Llanishen Lions.In a titanic struggle
between two evenly matched sides,no quarter was given by either
team and the result remained in the balance throughout.Cowbridge
got their noses in front midway through the first period when
Tom Evans powered over from five metres.Both teams grappled for
supremacy for the remainder of the first period but superb defence
looked likely to keep the score sheet blank until virtually the
last play of the half when the Llanishen scrum half was awarded
a try after a pile up behind the try line, altough it appeared
the ball was held up. The second half was a bruising encounter
with several stoppages for injuries which inevitably disrupted
the flow of the game.Neither side created a clear scoring opportunity
and when the ref brought a halt to proceedings with the scores
locked at one apiece everyone thought here we go again with extra
time and golden tries,etc,etc.But no,he immiediately marched towards
the posts and declared a "penalty shoot out" to decide the match
with each side taking five conversions from in front of the posts.Having
never taken part in this form of deciding a game,we had of course
not practiced(like the England Footie Team?)so it came down to
who was willing to take a kick.Cometh the hour,cometh the man
and up stepped Matthew,George,Will and Aled to take the first
four kicks.After four kicks each Cowbridge were leading by three
goals to two when up stepped Rob David.The referee confirmed that
if he got this kick Cowbridge were through.There was eerie silence
as Rob lined up the kick before cooly slotting the ball between
the uprights.In the midst of the celebrating players,there was
Rob with tears running down his face with the pain from his injured
knee which he'd aggravated in the act of kicking.What a hero,well
done Rob!
Final Score Cowbridge
1 Llanishen Lions 1(Cowbridge win 4-2 on penalties)
The Dursley Lions
awaited Cowbridge in the final after a convincing victory in their
semi final and they certainly had a well drilled pack of forwards
who had perfected the driving maul and used it to good effect.With
this in mind,the coaches sent the team out with instructions to
play a rucking game and not get drawn into a wrestling match with
the bigger Dursley forwards.All credit must go to the lads who
to a man stepped up to the plate and played their hearts out.Playing
a fast pick and drive game,the Cowbridge forwards made inroads
into Dursley territory and sucked in defenders which allowed Fraser
McGhan to pick up and gallop over for the opening score.Cowbridge
dominated territory for most of the first half until Dursley managed
to turn over the ball and spin it wide to their pacey wing, who
finished well in the corner to leave the scores level at the break.
The second half was another rousing affair with both sides really
going for the win.Try scoring opportunities were at a premium
as the defensive play of both teams was superb but when a score
did come it was certainly worthy of winning any tournament.From
a ruck in midfield,outside half Matthew Harper drifted left and
floated a brilliant long pass over the supporting centres and
perfectly into the path of wing Kristian Jones.Taking the pass
at full tilt,Kristian showed a clean pair of heels to his opposite
number to score a breathtaking try in the corner. Having got their
noses in front,all the boys had to do was defend their line to
win but boy did Dursley make them work for it.Wave after wave
of attacks were repelled but within touching distance of the finishing
line it seemed that all the hard work would be for nought as the
flying Dursley winger found space on the outside and sprinted
for the corner.Somehow,Matthew managed to track back and made
a fantastic tackle only five metres from the line injuring himself
in the process.Whilst the referee allowed time for the injury
he also awarded Dursley a penalty for the next player arriving
at the tackle throwing the ball into touch.So this was it,last
play and Dursley have a penalty five metres out.Simple really,defend
this play and you win.Dursley gave it to their "big" man who was
stopped in his tracks by the Cowbridge boys,who fought valiantly
for the ball for what seemed an age.Finally,Tom Evans burst off
the back of the maul and ran jubilantly into touch to end the
game amidst wild celebrations.
Final Score Cowbridge
2 Dursley Lions 1
On a day when every
player in the squad contributed to the success it would be wrong
to single out individuals for special praise,however the Tournament
Organisers ran a Player of the Tournament competion voted for
by the referees which was awarded to skipper for the day, Matthew
Harper, for his all round contribution and two try saving
tackles in the final.Well done guys we're very proud of you.
Cowbridge Matchday
Squad; George Thomas,Owain Thomas-Jenkins,Tom Evans,Jac Davies,Fraser
McGhan,James Davies,Adam Jones,Matthew Harper,Aled Evans,Will
Perkins,Rian Thomas,Huw Bennett, Kristian Jones,Rob David
March 9th 2008
Llandaff North v Cowbridge
Despite the poor weather the previous day ,Cowbridge arrived in the capital with a large squad and use of an excellent playing surface.In order to maximise game time for both squads,an eleven a side match consisting of three fifteen minute periods was agreed.
Cowbridge fielded their most experienced XI for the first period and got off to a flying start when the pace of centre Will Perkins beat the cover defence for the opening try after barely a minutes play.Llandaff North came back into the game and scored an equalising try after 7 minutes.Cowbridge attacked strai ght from the restart and put the home side under considerable pressure.Stout defence forced Cowbridge back towards halfway where taking quick ball from a ruck,scrum half Huw Bennett fed flyhalf Matthew Harper down the blindside.Somehow,Matthew managed to dodge his way through a crowd of Llandaff North players and sprint 20 metres to the line for an excellent individual score.To their credit,the home side came back yet again and grabbed a second equaliser on the stroke of halftime.
First Interval Llandaff North 14 Cowbridge 14
The second period was dominated by the Cowbridge pack whose driving play and rucking were forcing the home side to defend deep in their own half.Altough the ball was being superbly presented at the breakdown,the referees disregard for any kind of offside rules meant that the Cowbridge backs were receiving the ball with a North defender breathing down their necks.After a few attempts at playing "total" rugby were repelled in this manner,the Cowbridge forwards played a more direct style to great effect.Picking and driving,rumbustuous runs from all the pack resulted in tries for Tom Evans after 20 minutes and front row colleague George Thomas five minutes later.
Second Interval Llandaff North 14 Cowbridge 28
Wholesale substitutions were made at the break in order to give the rest of the squad some game time and despite their relative inexperience they got off to a great start by scoring a try in the first minute of the third period after they pressurised a Llandaff North lineout near their line and Cai Thomas-Jenkins pounced on the loose ball which was cooly converted by Matthew Harper to make it five out of five kicks.The Cowbridge lads competed really well in all aspects of the game but showed their inexperience by turning their backs after conceding a penalty and allowing the North scrum half to take a quick tap and run to the line unopposed.Altough North managed another try with four minutes of the match remaining,the Cowbridge lads battled superbly right to the end to hold on for the well deserved victory.Once again,the whole squad contributed to a great team display.
Final Score:Llandaff North 28 Cowbridge 35
Cowbridge Matchday Squad; George Thomas,Owain Thomas-Jenkins,Tom Evans,Jac Davies,James Davies,Adam Jones,Matthew Harper,Hywel Williams,Aled Evans,Will Perkins,Rian Thomas,Angus York,Dylan Morgan,Lee Thomas,Cai Thomas-Jenkins,Huw Bennett, Tom Whitehouse,Liam Sloan,Ellis Andrews,Nathan Johnson,Matthew Crilly,Scott Palmer,Tom Roberts,Josh Brace,
--------------------------------
Match Report 24th February 2008:
Against undoubtably one of the strongest sides
in the area, Cowbridge played a full part in producing a fantastic
display of rugby played in a great spirit but also with great
intensity. The game started at a hectic pace with both sets of
forwards vying for superiority. It took until halfway through
the first half for the deadlock to be broken when the visitors
forwards drove over from close range. Cowbridge didn't let their
heads drop though and came storming back into the match through
strong running by the forwards with George Thomas and Tom Evans
prominent, and superb rucking by the whole pack providing a stream
of good ball for the backs to attack with. After another attack
was thwarted just short of the line,pressure from the Cowbridge
forwards forced the Ath to concede a five metre scrum for carrying
the ball into their in goal area. From the resultant scrum,half
backs Tom Lucas and Johnny Harvey worked a neat move down the
blindside for the latter to score a deserved equalising try which
he duly converted.The first half continued at the same frantic
pace with both sides attacking at every opportunity but being
denied by superb defence.As the half drew to a close,the visitors
speedy centre fielded a clearance kick in his own half and set
off on a blistering run to score a fine try which the same player
converted.
Half time Cowbridge 7 Bridgend Ath 14
After giving so much in the first period,it was
going to take a superhuman effort by the lads to overcome such
well organised opponents but they certainly gave it their best
shot. They competed well in all aspects of play but as the match
wore on the superior fitness of the visitors started to to tell
and the tackling that had been so secure for the first three quarters
of the game started to decline.The Bridgend forwards were able
to gain some momentum which resulted in two unanswered tries in
the last quarter.To their credit,Cowbridge attacked again and
were close to grabbing a score on a couple of occasions.
As the game entered injury time,the visitors pressurized
the Cowbridge line out and their impressive lock charged down
the attempted clearance kick to grab a final score which did not
reflect the pattern of the game. The performance of the lads was
very encouraging and showed that if they can play with intensity
for the full thirty minutes they are capable of living with the
best sides in the area.
Full time Cowbridge 7 Bridgend Ath 35
After a few minutes rest a second game was arranged
featuring the less experienced squad members against a Bridgend
side still including four of their strongest players. Despite
this ,Cowbridge got off to a flying start when pacey winger,Kristian
Jones,sped the length of the pitch only to mistake the 15m line
for the try line and touch the ball down too early.However,within
a minute he had another chance to repeat the exercise but this
time made no mistake to open the scoring.Conceding this early
score stirred the visitors into action and they hit back almost
immiediately to equalise.The rest of the first half was a fairly
even affair with both sides testing each others defences but being
unable to break them down.A minute or so before the break Bridgend
managed to unlock the Cowbridge defence to claim the lead.
Half time Cowbridge 5 Bridgend Ath 14
Once again,the huge physical effort the boys
put into the first half took its toll and the second period was
pretty much one way traffic as the Bridgend forwards monopolised
possesion and released their dangerous backs at will.A feature
of the play was that Bridgend attacked in groups of two or three
players which meant the ball carrier always had support on his
shoulder which invariably lead to a score as the defenders simply
ran out of numbers.An impressive second half display by the visitors
was matched by a gutsy display by the Cowbridge lads who will
hopefully learn a lot from this fixture about the teamwork and
physicality that is required to compete at this level.
Full time Cowbridge 5 Bridgend Ath 56
Our thanks to Gwyn the Ath coach for continuing
to promote the fixture betwen the clubs which is always played
in the best spirit and we look forward to the Ath Tournament in
April.
Cowbridge Matchday Squad; George Thomas,Owain
Thomas-Jenkins,Tom Evans,Jac Davies,James Davies,Tom Lucas,Johnny
Harvey,Adam Jones,Aled Evans,Will Perkins,Rian Thomas,Angus York,Dylan
Morgan,Lee Thomas,Cai Thomas-Jenkins,Huw Bennett, Tom Whitehouse,Liam
Sloan,Ellis Andrews,Kristian Jones,Aaron Morgan,James Gaskin,Jo
Sullivan
Next Fixture: Cowbridge welcome Glamorgan Wanderers
to the Police Field on Sunday 2nd March
--------------------------------------------
Match Report 17/02/08
Barry 3 Cowbridge 5
Cowbridge Under 10s travelled to meet their counterparts
from Barry RFC and despite the freezing weather were delighted
to find the conditions underfoot were good.
Although minus a few regulars,Cowbridge took a
good sized squad which enabled the coaches to effectively field
two completely different line ups for each half.Winning the toss,Cowbridge
elected to play up the Snowdonesque slope in the first period.Fielding
their most experienced players in the first period,Cowbridge dominated
from the start and good driving play by the forwards took them
deep into the Barry 22.After only two minutes,a powerful drive
by Jac Davies ended with him dragging a couple of defenders over
their line for the first score of the afternoon. Unusually,the
home side elected to banish all kicking from the game therefore
their were no drop outs,clearances from the 22 or conversions.
A minute or so later,promising newcomer Johhny Harvey was only
denied the try his run deserved when the referee adjudged he had
made a double movement in the tackle. Undeterred,Cowbridge kept
up the pressure and the driving play and rucking of forwards Tom
Evans,George Thomas,Owain Thomas-Jenkins,Fraser McGhan and Jac
Davies sucked in the home defenders and created gaps out wide.
From another well presented ruck ball,scrum half Huw Bennett fed
the ball left and the smooth transfer of the ball through centres
Rob David and Hwyel Williams put wing Adam Jones into space to
cooly step inside a tackler and score the second try. On ten minutes,after
peeling off the side of a maul,another powerful break by Fraser
McGhan brought a third score. Cowbridge were totally dominant
in all aspects of the match by this point,but a lapse in concentration
allowed the livewire Barry scrumhalf to burst down the blindside
for a fine individual score. This only stirred the Cowbridge lads
to up the tempo even more and they finished the half with a fine
try by Johnny Harvey after an outside break following another
superb drive by the pack. half time Barry 1 Cowbridge 4
All change for the second half then as the rest
of the squad were given a chance to show what they could do and
they certainly didn't disappoint.Straight from the restart they
tore into the opposition and altough slightly smaller than their
opposite numbers the boys competed superbly throughout. After
a couple of fine runs by James Davies and Josh Brace were thwarted
by desperate tackles,another fine move saw centre Liam Sloan embark
on a mazy run which ended with a superb try. The home side came
back strongly and the extra bulk of their forwards started to
make inroads into the valiant Cowbridge defence,in which all the
lads contributed.As the half wore on,some tired tackling allowed
the home side to grab a couple of consolation scores which were
harsh on the lads after a battling performance. In what was very
much a team effort,it is impossible to single out any performances
but it is encouraging going into the business end of the season
that the strength in depth of the squad is really improving and
there are a number of players pushing hard for starting spots.
Final score Barry 3 Cowbridge 5 Cowbridge
Matchday Squad; George Thomas,Owain Thomas-Jenkins,Tom
Evans,Jac Davies,Fraser McGhan,Huw Bennett,Johnny Harvey,Hywel
Williams,Rob David,Adam Jones,Aled Evans,,James Davies,Rian Thomas,Angus
York,Nathan Johnson,Josh Brace,Dylan Morgan,Lee Thomas,Cai Thomas-Jenkins,
,Liam Sloan
Next Fixture: Cowbridge welcome top side Bridgend
Athletic to the Police Field on Sunday 24th February
Match Report: St Peters (h)
3rd February 2008
The forecast monsoon did not arrive
so this fixture went ahead as scheduled..St.Peters arrived with
a decent sized squad and agreed to play two matches of twelve-a-side
to ensure the bumper Cowbridge squad all got some game time.
Electing to play with the strong
wind in the first half,St.Peters used their bulky forwards to
drive the ball deep into the Cowbridge 22 but brave defence by
the home side resulted in turnover ball.Slick passing by the backs
put wing,Adam Jones,into space on the halfway line but with still
a lot to do.A blistering run down the touchline saw Adam outpace
three defenders to score a great try in the corner which was converted
by Matthew Harper.
Using their muscular pack,St.Peters
came storming back and grabbed an equalising try on seven minutes,which
went unconverted.From the kick off,Cowbridge pressurised the St.Peters
forwards and forced them back into their 22.After a series of
drives by the forwards,George Thomas exploded from a maul near
the line to get the touchdown which was again converted by Matthew
Harper.Back came the visitors again to grab a second try which
was not converted.
Half time Cowbridge 14 St.Peters
10 The second half continued at the same hectic pace,with the
forward pack competing well with their much heavier counterparts.After
Jac Davies was hauled down a metre short of the line,hands in
the ruck prevented quick release of the ball.From the resultant
penalty quick thinking by Tom Lucas saw him take a quick tap and
slip the ball to Matthew Harper to run in for an easy score,which
went unconverted. Just when it seemed the home side were in the
driving seat,St.Peters came back at them yet again.After a sustained
period of pressure near the home try line,St.Peters grabbed a
try which was converted to set up a tense finish to the game.Resolute
defence by both sides prevented any further score and Cowbridge
held on for a deserved victory in what was generally recognised
as one of the best matches played this season.
Final Score Cowbridge 19 St.Peters
17
The development squad took to the
field against a changed St.Peters side that still featured some
very muscular forwards.Undeterred,the Cowbridge boys played with
plenty of spirit and no little skill.However,the superior upper
body strength of the St.Peters forwards began to tell as the half
went on and the visitors muscled their way over the line for two
unanswered scores.
The second half was a more even
affair and Cowbridge came close to scoring on a couple of occasions,firstly
when Angus York was hauled down only two metres from the line
after a typical bullocking run,and secondly when Josh Brace was
forced into touch a metre short.Despite an improved performance,especially
in the forwards where Rian Thomas and Tom Whitehouse were prominent
in the mauls ripping the ball to great effect,the visitors created
another couple of scores to run out comfortable winner in the
end. The development squad are improving steadily with each game
and competition for places is rising week on week.
Final score Cowbridge 0 St.Peters
24
Cowbridge Matchday Squad; George
Thomas,Owain Thomas-Jenkins,Tom Evans,Jac Davies,Fraser McGhan,Rian
Thomas,Tom Lucas,Matthew Harper,Hywel Williams,Rob David,Adam
Jones,Aled Evans,Huw Bennett,James Davies,Angus York,Nathan Johnson,Tom
Whitehouse,Scott Palmer,,Jo Sullivan,Josh Brace,Dylan Morgan,Lee
Thomas,Matthew Crilly,Aaron Jones,James Gaskin,Cai Thomas-Jenkins,Will
Perkins
Match Report : Llanishen/Pentyrch(a)
27th January 2008
After a weather enforced six week
mid season break,it was a welcome relief when Llanishen kindly
invited Cowbridge Under 10's for a fixture last sunday.
To our surprise,and that of our
hosts,Pentrych had also made the trip into Cardiff and so a full
morning of rugby was on the cards.
First up,Cowbridge faced Llanishen
and having won the toss chose to play down the considerable slope
in the first half.The tactic appeared to be a sound one when Tom
Lucas scored the opening try in the first minute of the game after
a lightning blindside break.However,the home side had other ideas
and came storming back up the slope to grab an equalising try
after four minutes.Cowbridge exerted some pressure and determined
runs from the forwards with Tom Evans,Jac Davies and Fraser McGhan
to the fore were only repelled by some robust tackling by the
home side.The endeavour of the Cowbridge boys was rewarded on
the stroke of half time when Tom Lucas grabbed his second try
of the game when he grounded the ball after the forwards had driven
over from a five metre tap penalty awarded for in at the side
of the ruck.
The second half was another evenly
contested affair with both sides intent on attacking at every
opportunity only to be denied scores by resolute defence and handling
errors at crucial stages. The home side equalised for a second
time three minutes into the period and deservedly held on to secure
the draw.
Final score: Llanishen 2 Cowbridge
2
Second game of the day saw the
development squads of the respective sides pitched against each
other in what turned out to be an equally hard fought and exciting
match.After an even opening quarter,a well placed clearance kick
from the Llanishen scrum half allowed their speedy winger to gather
the ball and dive over to score.Cowbridge came storming back,and
playing with the aid of the slope.camped in the Llanishen 22 for
the rest of the half.The pressure eventually told and Tom Evans
emerged from a pile of bodies to claim the try after another close
range penalty was driven over the line by the pack.
Half time arrived with honours
even and everything to play for. The home side got the second
period off to a flying start when their pacey scrum half broke
from a scrum 20m out and evaded the despairing tackles of the
Cowbridge boys to regain the lead.Playing up the slope,the Cowbridge
boys had to dig deep and were rewarded for their efforts when
Angus York picked up from a ruck 10m out and outpaced the defence
to score in the corner with five minutes remaining. Llanishen
pressed for the winner and only some heroic defence by Huw Bennett,James
Davies and Christian Jones kept the scoresheet blank.Special mention
to for debutant Johnny Harvey who caught the eye at flyhalf with
some great breaks,well timed tackles and excellent clearance kicks.The
game ended honours even which was once again the right result
for another well contested match.
Final score: Llanishen 2 Cowbridge
2
Next up Cowbridge faced Pentrych,a
side against whom we had an excellent record in earlier meetings.Unfortunately,the
energy sapping contests against Llanishen took their toll on the
boys and Cowbridge were second best in most facets of play against
a powerful Pentrych side.The physicality of the Pentrych pack
combined with some intelligent running by the backs produced some
excellent tries and Pentrych ran out comfortable winners by eight
tries to nil. The development squad took to the field against
their Pentrych counterparts for the last game of the day probably
fearing the worst but to their credit,produced a battling display
which ended in a narrow defeat by three tries to two.Scorers for
Cowbridge were Matthew Harper and Johnny Harvey. Cowbridge Matchday
Squad;Tom Evans,Owain Thomas-Jenkins,Jac Davies,Fraser McGhan,Tom
Lucas,Matthew Harper,Hywel Williams,Rob David,Adam Jones,Huw Bennett,James
Davies,Angus York,Nathan Johnson,Jo Sullivan,Lee Thomas,Cai Thomas-Jenkins,Christian
Jones,Johnny Harvey,
Cowbridge RFC U10's v Bridgend
Sports u10's
There was a special air of
anticipation when Cowbridge entertained Bridgend Sports on sunday,as
the boys were eager to avenge the narrow defeat suffered against
the same opponents a couple of weeks ago,and also the news that
Santa had been spotted feeding his reindeer behind the police
station.The festivities certainly brought the crowds out and the
turn out from the boys was exceptional.The visitors sportingly
agreed to play two full matches of 12 a side despite their numbers
being below par due to sickness and birthday parties.
The first game saw the home
side field their most experienced set of players together for
the first time in a few weeks.In a physical encounter,both sets
of forwards rucked and mauled with great intensity and no little
technical ability.The home forwards cleared out so effectively
at the breakdowns that the "pick and drive" became a potent weapon
which meant that Cowbridge played on the front foot for most of
the half and put their opponents under pressure for long periods.From
one sustained attack ,a desperate clearance kick by the visitors
was well fielded by Aled Evans who ran in from 20 metres for the
opening try.Wave after wave of attacks were only thwarted by brave
defence from the visitors but eventually the line was breached
after a powerful burst by Fraser McGhan was stopped just short
of the line,the forwards cleared out and scrum half Tom Lucas
dived over to score from two metres.
Half time came too early
for the home side and the visitors came out all guns blazing for
the second period,no doubt enlivened by a stern talking to by
their coaches during the break.In a much more evenly contested
half,Bridgend competed well in all aspects of the game and were
only deprived an early score by some steadfast defence from the
Cowbridge boys.Midway through the second half the visitors got
the score their efforts deserved and it was game on.The home side
needed to up their game and to their credit they did .Storming
runs by Tom Evans and George Thomas were only stopped by last
gasp tackles but eventually the pressure told and Jac Davies powered
over the line from five metres for what proved to be the final
score of the game. A great advert for mini rugby was played in
a good spirit by both teams and generous applause from the spectators
was well deserved.
Final Score Cowbridge 15
Bridgend Sports 5
After a short break,the visitors
took to the field against a side made up of the less experienced
players from Cowbridge who were by now chomping at the bit for
some action.Whilst they all competed bravely,the greater physicality
and technique of the Bridgend forwards meant that Cowbridge were
constantly under pressure and struggling to get decent ball.Altough
the boys were ultimately overpowered by a determined and well
drilled side,their were some stand out performances from the lads
particularly Angus York ,who tackled anything that moved and mauled
like a tiger,Matthew Crilly who made the tackle of the day on
the biggest Bridgend forward ,and a herculian effort by Jo Sullivan
playing in an unaccustomed role at fly half who seemed to everywhere
in attack and defence. Plenty to work on then for the boys but
importantly every player was able to play at least one half of
rugby which is essential for their development as players and
as a team.
Special thanks to J.B.Builders
who kindly allowed the use of their yard for our hot dog stall
which was a great success on the day and provided some much needed
fundraising for the end of season tour.
Cowbridge Matchday Squad;
George Thomas,Tom Evans,Owain Thomas-Jenkins,Jac Davies,Luke John,Hwyel
Williams,Fraser McGhan,Joshua Brace,Rob David,Aled Evans,Tom Whitehouse,James
Davies,Ellis Andrews,Nathan Johnson,Jo Sullivan,Cai Thomas-Jenkins,Rian
Thomas,Angus York,James Davies,Huw Bennett,Jack Smith,Tom Roberts,Liam
Sloan,Lee Thomas,Matthew Crilly,Scott Palmer,Oliver Ebenezer,
|
