Fixture

Cowbridge travelled to  Pentrych in the second round of the WRU Bowl Competition last Saturday and in a top draw contest lost by just 14-11.

It was over cast and as always windy and both teams tested each other with early high kicks. Cowbridge were fortunate a clear  knock on wasn't given from which a penalty chance gave full back Ben Wright his first points. Pentyrch responded with an attack and got their reward on 12 minutes with a penalty of their own. Wright nudged Cowbridgeahead 4 minutes later. Cowbridge showed some great skills, prop Danny John with excellent hands flanker Joe Davies covering the pitch and winger Will Williams excellent in defence, indeed a Williams tackle on his opposite number on 24 mins dislodged the ball, centre Tom Harrison kicked on and was just beaten to the ball by their full back. Co centre  James Bennett was making his mark with some huge hits of his own .  The referee seemed to be mainly penalising Cowbridge and then to loud complaints from the side line Davies was yellow carded just before half time for what seemed  an excellent turnover and Pentrych brought the scores level.

Into the second half Bennet put in another great tackle in midfield , their no 13 having showed glimpsed of his danger if he got the ball. Davies came back on and was straight back into action but another decision against Cowbridge as offside led to Pentrych's outside half kicking them ahead to  9-6.   On 12 mins war horse Kieran Reed came to the touchline Aaron Bowman came on and within minutes took a great line out and a drive by John was taken on by impressive  Jack Anderson  to crash over. Wright's conversion missed by inches. Score now  9-11. 5 minutes later a break by their replacement scrum half lead to the ball spun wide and no 13 crossing for an unconverted try.  Young flanker James Holder , who with his brother Dan had fought for every ball wearily came to the side line and Rhys Price raced on. A kick to half way was gathered and run back by wing Frazer McGhan and then taken further on by Wright and at last a Cowbridge penalty. A dilemma , a kick to the corner or go for the points , a draw would win the game. Wright as instructed went for the points judged the wind beautifully, this writer turned  way to celebrate the kick only to see the flags kept down. The kick had shaved the woodwork but not over. The last 10 were frantic from both teams , the scrum half running at every opportunity but great defence from the team with outside half Tom James complementing his attacking skills with numerous tackles , Rhys Price with two crucial tackles , one on their scrum half . But it  was Cowbridge finishing on the attack as the whistle went.  Final score 14- 11 but Pentrych couldn't have argued if Cowbridge had won.  Strong in the scrum, superb defence and attacking at every opportunity the team showed they could complete with a team lying second in a division above and this without three key players.

The Youth found Cardiff Mets too strong for them with some of their players 3 years older and bigger.  But as always gave their all and now take on a team they have had many exciting battles with next Saturday , Rumney , at home kick off 14:30 

The 1st XV have a tough fixture of their own away at Caeraun Ely also kick off at 14:30 . Both teams would welcome all support in these fixtures

Many thanks RV/ RK

The 1st XV