Fixture

Cowbridge Slip Up in the Mud.

Cowbridge RFC travelled to table toppers Fairwater last Saturday looking to reclaim the number one position.What started as a damp grey afternoon slowly descended into a downpour and by the end the ground looked more like a paddy field than a rugby pitch.To their credit both sides put a tremendous game of rugby that went right down to the wire.Cowbridge kicked of and showed their intentions from the start with some ferocious tackling driving the home side into their half.With Craig Boxall,Dan Holder and Ross Gibbon punching holes in the defence Cowbridge looked the more impressive side.Unfortunately full back Josh Thomas picked up an injury after 15 minutes with Rhydian Williams moving to full back and young Harrison Ashby taking hos place on the wing.It was now Fairwater's turn to apply the pressure and were soon on the scoreboard with a penalty,cancelled out five minutes later by a Rhydian Williams penalty.Despite the deteriorating pitch the match was being played at a furious pace and the rampaging pack forced a penalty which Williams calmly stroked over.

Half time Fairwater 3 Cowbridge 6

The ref would have been justified abandoning the game at this point as it was almost impossible to distinguish which team was which.However ,the teams persevered and as the pitch became almost unplayable it was Fairwater who benefited from a harsh refereeing decision.The home side were awarded a scrum on the muddiest part of the pitch which collapsed as they drove and without any hesitation the ref. awarded a penalty try,causing much head scratching by many supporters.Despite both sides continuing to go hammer and tongs mistakes started to creep into the game.The outstanding Dan Holder picked up an injury but Cowbridge did not give up and with minutes to go Jack Anderson burst out of the 22 up to the half way but the move broke down and much to the relief of everyone the final whistle went.

Full Time Fairwater 10 Cowbridge 6

Both sides gave their all and despite the conditions put on a tremendously entertaining game of rugby.Well done to both teams.Yet again the Cowbridge support was magnificent - it's great to see so many travelling to the away games,and thanks to Fairwater for their welcome - a lot of fun in the clubhouse afterwards,despite the cold showers!

And now the 6 Nations and the rugby club is the place to watch the games.As Wales are playing on Friday evening,the 1sts have Cefn Coed at home on Saturday followed by Ireland v England at 16.45.No game the following week but come and watch Italy v Wales at the club.We then have Old Illtydians away on 16th Feb.

Finally a reminder that the will be club bus going to the England and Ireland games.To secure a seat add you name to the listings on the club noticeboard.

RV/RK