Fixture

Hirwaun RFC | 1st Team 16 - 27 Cowbridge RFC | 1st Team

Match Report
20 December 2017 / Team News

Hirwaun 16 Cowbridge 27.

 

Cowbridge Continue Winning Streak

  
Cowbridge RFC continued their winning start to the season with a well deserved victory at Hirwaun last Saturday.On a damp,gloomy,muddy afternoon Cowbridge started with a bang as from the Hirwaun kick-off failed to reach the 10 metre mark and from the ensuing scrum took the ball up to the home side's 22.A second scrum to Cowbridge resulted in a penalty which points machine Ben Wright converted with ease.With both teams struggling to come to terms with the referee's interpretation of the laws (new laws ?) at the breakdown there were frequent penalties throughout the game and Hirwaun were the next to benefit with a simple three points in front of the posts,followed by another five minutes later.As time wore on the Cowbridge scrum became increasingly dominant with the front row of Jonathan Bater,Craig Boxall and Dani John causing all sort of problems,backed up by the second row powerhouse of Sam Richards and Arron Bowman.Time and time again the Hirwaun pack were shoved off the ball,often resulting in a penalty.Unfortunately the lineout was not functioning so well.Despite the conditions Cowbridge attempted to run the ball at every opportunity and a lovely jinking run by scrum half Hywel Williams taken on by Bater almost broke the defence.Then a delicate kick from No. 10 Tom James into touch,a stolen ball from a quick lineout and excellent passing by Tom Harrison and Zac Summerhayes resulted in Freddie Harris showing the defence a clean pair of heels as he sprinted over for a fine try which Wright converted.Cowbridge were soon on the scoreboard again with the Cowbridge back row of captain Richie Howson,Dan Holder and Jack Anderson proving a handful throughout the game.Will Williams came close after great turnover ball by Bater followed by a Hirwaun yellow.Captain Howson rightly opted for the scrum and the pack shoved Hirwaun over the line for Dan Holder to touch down,Wright converting.A third penalty for Hirwaun completed the half.Half Time
 
Hirwaun 9 Cowbridge 17
 
The rain started at the start of the second half and despite the worsening conditions Cowbridge continued to go for tries but it was a second penalty from Wright that opened the scoring in the second half with a well taken penalty following two yellow cards - one for each side!Big hits from Holder,Richards and Boxall kept driving Hirwaun back along with the powerful scrum.With Rhys Price replacing Howson,Brad Langenhoeven coming on at prop and with just six minutes to go the ball was released to the backs.A clever kick by Summerhayes took Cowbridge within 10 metres of the try line as the ball was spun out again to Tom Harrison who charged through the Hirwaun defence for his third try of the season.Wright converted.Cowbridge tried desperately for the bonus point try but deep into added time it was Hirwaun who completed the scoring with a converted try in the dying seconds.
 
Full Time Hirwaun 16 Cowbridge 27.
 
 
The boys will have been disappointed not to have gained the bonus point but considering the conditions this was another solid win,confirming second place in the league just two points behind Treherbert.
This Saturday we travel to Pentyrch - currently 2nd in the league above us -  for the 2nd round of the prestigious WRU Bowl followed by Caerau Ely at home the following Saturday
 
Last Saturday the Youth travelled to Bridgend Athletic in the Cup and the wet conditions didn't help the Cowbridge running style but a number of good chances were created but not finished so it was a frustrating 17-16 scoreline to the home team that saw Cowbridge out of the National Cup.This Saturday they have a tough match away at Cardiff Mets and an opportunity to put last weeks disappointment behind them
 
RV/RK/GT  
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