Fixture

Cowbridge Hang on for Draw

The Doors' Riders on the Storm would have been an appropriate soundtrack as Cowbridge 1sts played their first game after five weeks of inaction,and what a game it was.At 10.00 the pitch was perfectly playable despite the overnight rain.Then after a deluge for a few hours it was doubtful that the game would be played.However,the referee inspected the pitch and concluded he was happy for the game to go ahead but would leave the final decision to the captains/coaches.With three games already outstanding and Gwernyfed travelling from beyond Brecon it was agreed to go ahead.Having won convincingly on a sunny day in September Cowbridge would have expected the same again but with the conditions and a much different visiting side the case.This report might be a bit short on detail as the rain continued to pour it became difficult to take notes as well as watch the game.Adding to the confusion was the fact that the visitors colours are almost the same as Cowbridge,who had to wear the alternative red shirts.

Anyway,Gwernyfed kicked off and were soon on the scoreboard with a penalty after two minutes.After further initial pressure from Gwernyfed a good break from centre Huw Lougher followed by a fine kick by N.10 Gareth Williams-Davies took Cowbridge into the 22 but the visit was short-lived as the ensuing scrum was lost.This panned out to be the pattern of the game as Cowbridge attacked with the ball in hand at every opportunity whilst the powerful visitors' pack dominated the scrums throughout much of the game.Still,after a period of pressure from Cowbridge resulted in a penalty,slotted over by full back Josh Thomas.The boys continued to attack and a powerful drive by Craig Boxall (Happy 21st) and Lewys Hopkins resulted in a penalty to the corner despite a great lineout take by captain Ross Gibbon Cowbridge were soon on the back foot as Gwernyfed drove forward.Then a superb rip by Hywel Williams and a clever kick by Josh Thomas took Cowbridge into the 22 for a scrum whcih was unfortunately lost.Gwernyfed were soon back on the attack and a penalty shot hit the post only for Cowbridge to storm back up the pitch and were unlucky not to take the lead on the half time whistle.

The second half very much mirrored the first with Cowbridge getting into good attacking areas but struggling in the scrum.Gernyfed took the lead after 14 minutes of the second half and Josh levelled after 30 minutes with a second penalty and then it was very much pressure from the visitors at the end but defending from the boys kept them out and much to the relief of everyone the final whistle went.

This was a match that Cowbridge could easily have lost against a much improved Gwernyfed side,particularly the pack with the conditions suiting them.It was to Cowbridge's great credit that they battled to the bitter end.

Cowbridge 2nds travelled to Llantwit Major and despite the appalling weather, to their credit, both sides looked to play running rugby in an entertaining game. Cowbridge opened the scoring when a good break through the middle took play deep into the home 22. The ball was recycled left and Geraint Thomas hit a good angle to beat a couple of defenders and cross for a try, neatly converted by Dewi Edwards. 

Cowbridge continued to attack at every opportunity and a long arcing run by Ollie Ladbrooke was thwarted 5m out with a fantastic cover tackle. Good work by the pack regained possession and the ball was moved swiftly along the back line for a try out wide for 12-0 at half time. 
The home side enjoyed some good possession in the 2nd half but with the weather deteriorating, and some excellent defensive work by Cowbridge led by Steve Birchenough and Paul Roblin, they could not convert this into points despite coming very close on a couple of occasions. The referee finally lost patience with some ruck infringements and James Bassett was shown a yellow card leaving Cowbridge a man down. A couple of injuries were sustained and Cowbridge were again stretched a few times but their defence held up and it was Cowbridge who almost scored again with another outstanding break by Ladbrooke taking play to within a few metres. However Llantwit again recovered crucial possession to clear their lines and there were no further scores with the match ending at 12-0 for Cowbridge, to record their first double of the season. Our thanks to Llantwit for the fixture, played again in excellent spirit, and for their superb hospitality after. 

And so that's until after Christmas when it's Pontyclun away on the 29th followed by Treharris at home on the 5th January.Despite the draw The 1sts are still on top of the league despite second place Fairwater winning.Long may it continue.

Finally a Happy Christmas and New Year to everyone and many thanks to The Gem for their continued support and coverage

RV/GT/RK