Fixture

Cowbridge Pipped in the Gloom

Last Saturday Cowbridge headed up the A470 to Abercynon.An important game for both sides as Abercynon were two places above Cowbridge with just three points separating the sides.Cowbridge kicked off into the wind on a wet,slippery pitch and with sheets of rain drifting across the home side were soon in the lead as Cowbridge were penalised in front of the posts for holding.Despite the conditions both sides were prepared to run the ball.After 15 minutes a great lineout take by Aaron Bowman was driven on by the pack and flanker Ellis Reed crashed over the line with Tom Hannah adding the extras.It was pretty much stalemate for the next 20 minutes although Cowbridge seemed to have the upper hand with the back row of Richie Howson,Dan Holder and Reed making inroads and the front row of Craig Boxall,Tom Higgins and young Jarad Williams (who had an outstanding game) more than holding their own.However,an Abercynon penalty,with 3 minutes normal time left brought them within one point.Then what seemed like endless extra time Abercynon ran from a scrum 15 metres outand their No.12 ghosted over under the post for a converted try.

Half time Abercynon 13 Cowbridge 7

As the wind calmed down Cowbridge started the second half well with scrum half Hywel Williams and Holder combining to take play into the opposition half. A clever kick from No 10 Gaz Williams-Davies and a great chase by wing Adam Dix resulted in a Cowbridge penalty but the boys were unable to capitalise.On came Sam Richards to replace the impressive Jarad Williams but despite Cowbridge dominance it was the home side who were next on the scoreboard with a well taken penalty.Not to be outdone within 3 minutes a penalty 40 metres out was expertly stroked the ball over the posts by Sam Richards.From the kick off breaks from Tom James, Rhydian Williams and Alex Guard followed by a penalty gave Cowbridge a lineout in the 22 and from a great take by captain Ross Gibbon,Howson drove to the line only to be held up a metre out.In a frantic final few minutes Cowbridge brought on Jamie Bennet,Zac Summerhayes and Jordan Robbins but despite great pressure were unable to cross the whitewash for victory

Final Score Abercynon 16 Cowbridge 10

Great credit to both sides for playing such an open,exciting game in such conditions.Abercynon's speedy backs posed quite a threat but the Cowbridge defence was solid and there were plenty of opportunities which we couldn't quite take.So,a losing bonus point.

Next week it's Gilfach Goch at home followed by Cilfynydd away on the 25th.There's a break of two weeks for the Italy and Ireland games before we're at home against Llantwit Fardre on February 15th

RV/RK