Fixture

Cowbridge welcomed Abercwmboi to the Athletic Ground on Saturday 1st April with Cowbridge playing only their 4th league fixture this year due to internationals, weather and teams crying off. Abercwmboi proved the stronger team in an entertaining match that was in the balance until the second half.

Abercwmboi fielding a big team in both backs and forwards started strongly and were two converted scores up in the opening 10 minutes , through their left wing and centre . Cowbridge responded with a penalty from full back Liam Phillips . Cowbridge steadied things with excellent defence from flankers Tom Evans and Craig Boxall . A late and high hit on outside half Evan Thomas resulted in Abercwmboi centre being red carded on the 30 minute mark. Cowbridge forwards prevented a try from a driving maul but a penalty moments later from their influential outside half made it 3-17 . Just before half time Cowbridge attacked down the left with a charge by Boxall and moved play infield to Thomas who chipped ahead gathered it and passed inside to centre Carwyn Harris to run in near the posts for a try Thomas converted . So half time 13-17 .

Hopes that Cowbridge could capitalise on their nimble backs evaporated when Abercwmboi went over for 2 more tries in the first 10  minutes their outside half setting up one for their scrum half and scoring another himself . Cowbridge battled away with No 8 Tom Penry-Ellis and prop George Thomas in the thick of things, Changes saw James Anstee coming into the second row and later Euan Bartle to scrum half . With 10 minutes left Abercwmboi had scored two more tries through their right wing . But a flourish and more individual  brilliance from Thomas as he intercepted a pass in Aber's half and quickly turned to kick over to the right where scrum half Adam Dix fielded it and passed to centre James Jones to crash over. The conversion went wide . Full time score 18-41. 

Abercwmboi were worthy winners , more so because they played with 14 men for over half of the game. Their outside half controlled things particularly well in the second half and the rally after half time from Cowbridge never came. The forwards did however give a great account of themselves. 

The Youth had a fine win away to Rhydfelin by 12-27 . Well done lads.

Cowbridge , in an effort to catch up with their outstanding games play Llantwit Fardre away on 5th April and then home on 22nd April. Cilfynydd at home on 8th April and Treharris away on 15th April. 

Many thanks RV/RK