Fixture

Cowbridge Rugby Finish Season on a High

Finally,the end of the season for Cowbridge RFC last Wednesday as we took on Canton at the Athletic Field.Already promoted the boys were looking to finish with a flourish,and certainly achieved that with a seven try victory against a lively Canton fifteen.Cowbridge showed great enterprise from the start and a break from full back Ben Wright released No. 8 Jack Anderson to sprint over from 20 metres.Despite Cowbridge's superiority it was Canton who scored next after 20 minutes driving over from a lineout.With the Cowbridge scrum becoming increasingly dominant with front row Jon Bater,Craig Boxall and Dani John creating havoc,the referee awarded a penalty try as the scrum collapsed for the fourth time.Cowbridge were soon back on the scoreboard as Hywel Williams,Alex Guard and Will Williams combined superbly season to put Joe Davies over for his fifteenth try of the season,converted by Wright.  

The last five minutes of the first was all Canton but were unable to score

Half Time Cowbridge 19 Canton 5

Cowbridge started the second half in style with scrum half Hywel Williams breaking from the kick off,Wright taking the ball infield,out to No.10 Tom James and out to second row Sam Richards who floated a beautiful pass to wing Will Williams to go over in the corner.Canton responded immediately and despite some determined Cowbridge defence managed to squeeze over for their second try.It didn't take long for Cowbridge to get back into their stride.From another powerful scrum a Jack Anderson drive resulted in a penalty,quickly taken by captain fantastic Richie Howson to stroll over the line.From the kick off  Sam Richards charged up the middle and although the ball was lost Cowbridge drove the Canton scrum back and with Anderson and Dani John  driving forward,Howson scored his second try.Cowbridge made a few changes with Rhys Price and Fraser McGhan coming on.From the kick off the evergreen Kieren David took the ball up to the half-way.A quick penalty and centre Tom Harrison drove on but Canton were soon up to the Cowbridge 22 and an unfortunate Cowbridge yellow card gave Canton the incentive to play a more expansive game and with some dangerous runners in their backs conjured up two tries,one converted,to take the score to 34-22 with eight minutes left.However,back up to fifteen Cowbridge were soon back on top.A couple of weaving runs from wing Harri Thomas put Cowbridge on the front foot and a couple of powerful scrums into the 22 followed by powerful drives from hooker Boxall released impressive centre James Bennett for Cowbridge's seventh try and the final whistle.

Final Score Cowbridge 39 Canton 22

With promotion already secured this was a great way to finish the season with both teams contributing to an exciting game of rugby.The boys have scored over 280 points in the last six games,playing some thrilling rugby and today's match was the 17th unbeaten at home stretching back to the beginning of 2017.

A big thankyou to everybody who has contributed to this season's success - players,coaches,physio Kristian,linesmen (especially Chris Morris),supporters and all those in the background who keep the club going.Also many thanks to the Gem for their support - especially accommodating the way past deadline alterations.

As if that wasn't enough,the Youth had a fantastic victory in the Blues South Cup Final at Cardiff Arms Park.Against the much fancied Rumney the boys put in a tremendous performance.Both sides attacked at every opportunity and with the final whistle approaching Cowbridge led 23-20.Then what seemed like an endless period of injury time Rumney turned down a couple of penalty kicks to run the ball but the Cowbridge defence held out superbly.Well done boys.

The Club Dinner will be held on Friday 18th May at the Clubhouse.Full details next week    

RV/RK