Fixture

Treharris Defence Thwarts Cowbridge

On a dry Saturday afternoon and a remarkably firm pitch Cowbridge took on top of the league Treharris at the Athletic Field.The visitors started like a runaway train.Big but mobile up front they were over the line in the first few minutes but the ref. had spotted an infringement.The pressure continued bur great defence by the back row of James Holder,Ellis Read and James Bennett held out until Tre crashed over from a lineout for a converted try.Treharris were soon back on the attack,the pack proving a real handful linking impressively with their backs.However,Cowbridge slowly got into the game with Bennett and Holder driving into the 22.Cowbridge almost scored from a lineout as captain Ross Gibbon tried to force his way over from a lineout but was held up.Cowbridge continued to press with wing Adam Dix and full back Zac Summerhayes combining well deep into the Tre 22.Then in a flash the visitors were in the Cowbridge 22,their backs and forwards combining to great effect,only for Cowbridge to intercept as Bennett took the ball up to half-way.A penalty into the 22 for a high tackle put the pressure back on Tre. but they claimed the lineout and again swept up the pitch,were awarded a penalty and from the ensuing lineout drove for a second try,unconverted.Cowbridge were awarded a penalty from the kick off and another powerful drive from the pack with the impressive Craig Boxall and Holder taking the ball on a try seemed inevitable but again the Treharris defence held as the half time whistle went.

Half Time Cowbridge 0 Treharris 12.

Cowbridge just needed to retain possession to pressurise Treharris and a great break by wing Rhydian Williams from the kick took Cowbridge over the half-way and continued Cowbridge pressure with Boxall,Reed and the tireless Aaron Bowman battering the defence.The result was a yellow for Treharris and Summerhayes slotted the penalty.Cowbridge were soon back in the 22 but again lost possession.Back on the attack,a lovely weighted kick by Alex Guard forced a knock on but Tre regained possession only to kick straight into touch and Cowbridge stormed backup the field but the ball went astray.Chris Morris replaced Dave Breed at prop with Jamie Bennett on for Arron Bowman as Cowbridge continued to try and break down the visitors defence.Scrum half Hywel Williams and Guard combined to great effect as Cowbridge threatened yet again and sub. Rian Thomasmade a couple of lovely breaks.Cowbridge gave their everything tosecurea bonus point and were tantalisingly close but it wasn't to be.

Final Score Cowbridge 3 Teharris12.

After the first 5 minutes Cowbridge would have been thinking this is going to be a long afternoon but the boys stuck at it and there were opportunities to even win against a big mobile Treharris team.The front row of Craig Boxall,young Tom Evans and Dave Breed (sub Chris Morris) deserve special mention for their tireless performance throughout the game,but the whole team gave their everything.

We travel to Aberdare this Saturday,a day off the following Saturday (Wales v Barbarians) then two home games before Christmas,Abercwmboi on 7th December and Caerphilly on the 14th.

RV/RK