Fixture

Cowbridge travelled into the Cynon Valley last Saturday to take on 2nd placed Aberdare. With a new school and sports stadium the surrounding facilities had been extended and improved from our last meeting some 15 years or so ago. Despite prevouus rain it was dry at kick off 

Aberdare were out of the blocks quicker and within minutes a looped move put their right wing clear to score, their outside half slotting the conversion. On the 10 minute mark their centre intercepted a backs move to break away. Wing Rhydian Williams raced back to prevent a certain try. But minutes later a skewed clearance kick was gathered by centre Tom Hannah who chipped over the first line of defence, their wing and full back got in each others way and alert Hannah grabbed a superb poachers try which unfortunately couldn't be converted. Just past the mid point great drives by Hannah and second row Aaron Bowman produced a penalty that Hannah popped over. Only a minute later Aberdare's outside half  restored their lead with a penalty. Cowbridge then had another penalty chance which went wide. With 8 minutes to half time a charge up the left wing by Aberdare needed superb defending from wing Adam Dix and full back  Alex Guard to halt. If they weren't putting bodies on the line the back row of Ellis Reed, Dan Holder and captain Ross Gibbon were driving forward. Hooker Tom Evans was Lydiate style tackling any opponent coming forward. Aberdare missed their own penalty just on half time. The half time score of 10 - 8 just about reflected the balance of play. 

Aberdare put their lights on in the second half. The battle continued until 8 minutes in talented forward Sam Richards carrying an injury into the game came to the sidelines the redoutable Chris Morris took over the reins in the combative front row. Minutes later hard working second row Jamie Bennett also came to the sidelines but sub Richie Howson, taken unawares, was examining the local flora 40 metres away, though he made a very significant impact when he got on. The game swung back and fore until a number of penalties taken as scrums, although well held, saw Aberdare drive play to the right where their wing crashed over for his second, though unconverted try. Score now 15 - 8.

Gibbon exhorted his troops to a huge final 12 minutes and what a response. Half backs Hywel Williams and Gareth Williams-Davies brought forwards and backs onto the ball forcing Aberdare back. A worrying sight saw hooker Evans off with a nasty looking shoulder injury, to add to those on the injured list. Jordan Robbins raced on. Into the last minutes and a penalty was kicked to touch, Gibbons secured the ball  Cowbridge drove forward. Howson made the all important gain of 4 metres,  Craig Boxall, his gran Anne will be delighted to know, capped an excellent display by picking up and driving through to the line. A conversion would tie the scores but agonisingly it drifted wide. Play restarted and ended with more Cowbridge attacks. Final score 15 - 13

Again against bigger opponents the players had given a great account of themselves that   deserved a draw. Still a losing bonus point. So many played well but Aaron Bowman was superb in the loose and tight play. Centre James Bennett is in great form and he and Hannah punched holes in midfield. A better start is needed and to bring  our dangerous back three more into the game. 

A week off now to lick wounds due to the Baa Baas game. Next game will be  Abercwmboi, who had a good win on Saturday, at home on 7th December. If any one wants to join a great group of boys you would be very welcome. 

Many thanks to Wyn Davies, Chris Rees and of course Liz Thomas for a very enjoyable Beajolais Noveau evening on 21st.

RK/RV