Fixture

Last Saturday Cowbridge travelled the short distance to Llantrisant where a battle royal unfolded after Llantrisant declared their pitch playable folllowing the heavy rain. 

There were warm words of welcome in the programme particularly for Huw Lougher who played two seasons for Llantrisant in the late noughties. It was clear he was held in high regard as he always will be in Cowbridge. 

3 minutes in and the first score went to the home team from a penalty for their full back. 6 minutes later with a scrum on Llantrisant's 5 metre line the clearing  kick was charged down by lively scrum half Hywel Williams, it skewed to the left, hit the tryline flag post, stayed in play and alert outside half Alex Guard dabbed it down. Prop Sam Richards put over a superb conversion from the touchline. 

Cowbridge were forced into periods of defending, when they broke out hooker Tom Higgins, flanker Dan Holder and Williams led the way.  Cowbridge scored their 2nd try 10 minutes before half time. Captain Ross Gibbon tremendous in the lineout all afternoon took the catch Higgins then Gibbon again drove on with fellow second row Jamie Bennett crashing over. Richards again added the extras. With minutes to half time Llantrisant had scrum after scrum which Cowbridge defended valiantly untill the referee awarded a penalty try. Just on half time a terrific double tackle by Higgins and Chris Morris, on for Richards , stopped their centre inches short of a try. Half time 10 - 14

James Holder had the bit between his teeth early in the second half with a number of syrong drives. Richards came back on for Morris and minutes later another Gibbon lineout take saw tighthead prop Craig Boxall drive infield and dive over. Richards again added the extras. Just before the midpoint Llantrisant profited from a scrum when the ball came back on Cowbridge try line and their quick thinking No 6 came around - not offside in these circumstances - and touched down for a converted try. Then in a dust up Llantrisant's hooker and James Holder got 10 minutes on the touchline. The light was going and temperature. Fortunately Llantrisant had lights . Jack Anderson at No 8 had a number of drives in what was now a frantic last 10 minutes, both teams going for the win. With just 4 minutes left Llantrisant took a penalty as a scrum in Cowbridge's 22. Cowbridge were under pressure but the referee saw an infringement and they were able to clear their lines. The game ended with both teams battling away in the middle. Final score  17  - 21.

The centre battle came out even, Tom James and James Bennett not allowing their opposite numbers through. Alex Guard was composed at outside half, the wingers would have liked to seen more of the ball, but the backs are sure to doff their hats to a superb forward effort. Craig ' Mr Cowbridge'  Boxall outstanding at prop when  normally he's an all action hooker. 

This Saturday we entertain league leaders Treharris then on 23rd we travel to second place Aberdare. Two massive games where all available players are needed and more of the same support please. 

Bonfire night was fortunately clear and dry and there was a great turn out from the town. Thanks to all those who attended, we hope you enjoyed the display and thanks to all those who made it happen 

RV/RK