Cowbridge lose out to high-flying Abercynon

Glamorgan Star news 27/02/2023

1 minute read

Sport – Cowbridge lose out to high-flying Abercynon:

WITH cancelled fixtures piling up, Cowbridge RFC took the opportunity to catch up a little with a rearranged match under floodlights at Cardiff Met University on the evening of 24th February.

Abercynon showed why teams in the Cynon Valley are riding high in the league with a 7-33 victory. They started well, keeping the ball alive and supporting the ball carrier. Cowbridge came back into it after the opening minutes with strong runs from No 8 Ryan Hall, flanker and captain Richie Howson and wing James Jones.

After 20 minutes, a kick by Abercynon was made safe behind Cowbridge’s try line. That led to a five-metre scrum from which Abercynon’s inside centre ran a good angle to go over for a try which their outside half converted. Ten minutes later from a clearing kick, Abercynon’s full back went to the right and their their right wing crossed under the posts for a second converted try.

Cowbridge brought Craig Boxall into the front row and Tom Evans took Boxall’s place at flanker. Abercynon got their third converted try just before half time when their No 6 found a gap, making it 0-21 at half time.

Cowbridge started the second half strongly and within five minutes, driving play by hooker Max Lucas, taken on by the excellent Hall, was finished by Cowbridge’s outstanding player on the night , Richie Howson. Outside half Robbie Brown added the extras and soon after, Rhys Davies came on for Lucas.

Each team lost a player to the sin bin. Abercynon continued to impress with their running game, adding a try by their second row. Cowbridge brought on full back Elisedd Greenwood and back row Dan Anstey but Abercynon had the last word with a second try for their inside centre for a final score of 7-33.

Abercynon had some wily customers at 9 and 10 but Cowbridge’s young players stuck to it and can only learn from the experience.

Cowbridge take on Gilfach Goch away on 4 March in what is now a crucially important fixture. On 25th March we entertain Llantrisant at home followed, on 1st April by Abercwmboi, again at home. All support would be most welcome.

RV/RK