Fixture

Cowbridge Top League with Hard Fought Victory at Ynysowen

Cowbridge travelled to Ynysowen last Saturday and with Treberbert's and Tylorstown's games postponed this was a great opportunity to move to the top of the league.Despite heavy rain overnight the pitch was in remarkably good condition.Cowbridge showed their intent from the kick off, and with the front row of Dani John,Craig Boxall and Jon Bater dominant from the start,attacked at every opportunity.Breaks by flanker Dan Holder and scrum half Hywel Williams drove into the Cowbridge into the home side's 22 and a penalty into touch 10 metres out.Despite the ball not straight at the lineout a great scrum resulted in another penalty and this time full back Ben Wright opted for the three points.A painful injury to centre Ash Tomas saw Tom Harrison move from wing to centre and Zac Summerhayes come on the wing.Mistakes from both sides began to creep into the game but it was Wright who kicked his second penalty after 25 minutes to give Cowbridge a 0-6 lead.Ynysowen started showing some resolve and with the big pack gaining the upper hand and their clever outside half starting to control the game and it was no surprise when they soon scored a converted try followed quickly by a penalty.Cowbridge began to settle down again but a promising break by outside half Tom James taken on by Bater broke down and from the ensuing scrum a break and kick ahead by the Ynysowen scrum half resulted in a second converted try.Cowbridge's woes were compounded by a yellow card just before half time but with seconds to go a Will Williams break resulted in a penalty on the 22 which Wright calmly converted.

Half-Time Ynysowen 17 Cowbridge 9 

If there was ever a time for Cowbridge to show their fighting spirit,this was it.From the kick off Cowbridge attacked with a series of rucks and drives by captain Richie Howson,Jack Anderson and Joe Davies taking us within 10 metres,a penalty and an Ynysowen yellow card.Cowbridge opted for the scrum and after two further penalties and scrums the ball went along the backs but the attack broke down.As the pack started to dominate and second roe Ross Gibbon supplying excellent line-out ball and it was from a line-out that James and Gibbon took the ball into the 22 and a incisive break by centre Alex Guard released Summerhayes who sliced through the defence to score a fine try with Wright adding the extras.17-16.Cowbridge were now playing with fire and conviction.Sam Richards replaced the outstanding Jack Anderson and Adam Dix came on for Tom James as Cowbridge kept driving for the line.With time running out Rhys Price and Fraser McGhan replaced Craig Boxall and Zac Summerhayes as Cowbridge looked for the winning score.With time running out another line-out take by Gibbo,a kick through by Alex Guard and good work by Adam Dix resulted in a Cowbridge penalty 30 metres out,calmly stroked over by Ben Wright to put Cowbridge in the lead.In the last few minutes Cowbridge did their best to increase the lead but with a minute to go Ynysowen kicked a penalty to touch,knocked on from the lineout and that was it.

Final Score Ynysowen 17 Cowbridge 19

Having been 17-6 down this was a sterling performance in the second half.The pack showed their stamina as the bigger home pack tired and the front row were outstanding.Coach Dan Williams was delighted with the character shown by the boys and we'll need to carry this through to the last three games of the season.There are still four teams fighting for the two promotion places so it could all go down to the wire. 

All three remaining games are home with Tonyrefail this Saturday,Wattstown on the 28th and finally (weather permitting) Canton on Wednesday 2nd May.Come and support the boys for an exciting end to the season.

RV/RK