Second half surge takes Pencoed clear:
SPORT | Rugby:
Bridgend Sports 10, Pencoed 37
Despite the final scoreline, this Division Two West Central match was still up for grabs until midway through the second half.
Pencoed started well, skipper Dano Howells prominent with a couple of penetrative runs at the heart of the Sports defence. A high speculative kick from Pencoed outside half Harry Hopkins brought about the opening score, as the ball broke for his side and chasing No8 Ashley Bissett gathered the loose ball before shrugging off an attempted tackle to run in from 30 metres, Rhys Clarke adding the conversion.
The Sports soon hit back, Jack Thomas charging down a clearance kick to score, outside half Scott Callicott converting. Clarke and Callicot penalties took the match score to 10 – 10 before a further Clarke penalty put his side ahead at 10 – 13 and that is how it stayed until the interval. As the half time score would suggest there was very little between the sides.
Early in the second half, with the set piece fairly even, Pencoed generated a huge scrum to lift their team-mates and the Pencoed supporters, no doubt giving front row forwards Kieron Moore, Zac Taylor, and Josh Richards great satisfaction.
Pencoed then scored two converted tries in as many minutes to stretch their lead. For the first of these, good combined play saw full back Jac Picton enter the line to feed left wing Sam Hayman, who evaded his opposite number before sprinting clear from 60 metres . Pencoed then put the match beyond the home side. This time it was the turn of right wing Sion Clarke who, with a typical mazy run, left the final defender grasping thin air. Rhys Clarke added both conversions to make the score 10 – 27. Clarke added a fine 40-metre penalty before leaving the field having made a valuable match contribution of 15 points.
Pencoed finished the match strongly, replacement Connor Jones sensing his opportunity some 20 metres out to evade several defenders for a fine bonus point try. Hopkins took over kicking duties to convert for a final score of 10 – 37, especially pleasing for this young side to bounce back from the previous weeks defeat. Up front Callum Duckett did well alongside his skipper Howells in the ‘engine house’ with scrum half Rhys Clarke taking the Pencoed man of the match honours.
On Saturday Pencoed are at home to Morriston, 2.30pm ko.
Match Report – TR
Photos by Julie Hancock. www.juliehancock.org
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