Fixture

Pontyclun RFC | 1st Team 11 - 20 Cowbridge RFC | 1st Team

Match Report
31 March 2019 / Team News

The double in the derby

Last Saturday’s match between Cowbridge  and Pontyclun was never going to be a repeat of the earlier result in September , with a change of tactics, a heavier pitch and local , vocal support it was a tough encounter.  A large crowd was entertainedto a  local derby with no quarter given by either side.

 

The drizzle of the morning cleared and the pitch was in pretty good nick considering. Both teams were rusty having not played for some time , in Pontyclun’s case since October. A young looking referee got things started but Cowbridge didn’t field the kick off well and found themselves under immediate pressure resulting some 3 minutes later with an unconverted try to the left of the posts as centre and captain Luke Rose found a hole in the defence . Minutes later Cowbridge worked their way up field with hooker Craig Boxall and flanker for the day Ian Overton taking the ball up and a penalty gave full back Josh Thomas his first 3 points. Pontyclun responded with a penalty kick of their own through scrum half Nicky Theaker.   11 minutes in and a darting run by scrum half Hywel Williams taken on by captain Ross Gibbon resulted in a second penalty for Thomas for a high tackle  . 2 penalty misses by Pontyclun ,  one following a thumping tackle in midfield on centre Ash Thomas that left him seeing stars  for some time ,  meant Cowbridge were still in it. A tactical swap brought on Dai  ‘the legend ‘ Breed and within minutes he made a bustling 5 metre run that ended with an ankle tap.   Ed Cousins at second row took a crucial defensive lineout to relieve pressure as Pontyclun pressed near Cowbridge line.   Thomas missed a penalty for the visitors before with 5 minutes to half time a defining moment as after an Overton drive there was dust up amongst the forwards that saw Overton receiving a yellow card but Pontyclun’s no 4 a red for attempted gouging.  2 minutes later Thomas put over his third kick to give Cowbridge the lead for the first time.   Half time 8 – 9

 

Into the second half and a Thomas  penalty went under the posts . Then more woes for Pontyclun as Cowbridge attacked down the left through outside half Gareth Williams –Davies and wing Rhydian Williams , Theaker was given a yellow for illegal play. Thomas put his penalty over from 30 metres.  Just 15 mins in and centre Huw Lougher replaced Tom James . Even with 13 men Pontyclun pressured Cowbridge with  their outside half bringing players onto the ball at pace.  Cowbridge were struggling to get their game going. At the mid point Prop George Thomas resumed his position as Breed came to the side lines.  Then at the mid point a yellow against Cowbridge for a high tackle by Williams -Davies and Theaker  , restored to the field ,  put over to make the score 11-12. In the final 15 minutes Pontyclun continued to attack but Cowbridge’s defence held firm and now relieving kicks from wings Adam Dix and Rhydian Williams were finding distance. Indeed with 5 minutes remaining Williams’ kicked ahead and then was interfered with as he chased it and the penalty from where the ball landed gave Thomas his 5th successful penalty. Cowbridge pressed now with Williams - Davies making himself available as the extra man and with the last play of the game lively scrum half Hywel Williams with a show and go crashed over in almost the same place as Rose had in the opening minutes for an unconverted try.  Final score 11-20

 

It was tough on Pontyclun that they didn’t get a bonus point for their efforts but Cowbridge will take the very important win and points.  Cowbridge led by Ross Gibbon stuck at it and got the result .

 

We now have very tough month with Treharris , who beat us in September and had very good win against Tylorstown last Saturday , the visitors to the Athletic Field this Saturday. Kick of 14:30 .   On 12th we are away at Penarth, on 19th round 3 of the fixtures with Penygraig,  this time at home and then on 26th the all important trip away to Fairwater.  All support is both welcome and much needed

 

The club sends it condolences to Clive Pryce ‘ Zats ‘ to one and all and family following the death of his dear wife Glenys .  On a brighter note we are delighted to hear that Phil Francis  came through his major operation and we wish him and Anita all the best in his recovery.

 

RK/RV

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