Having waited nearly 18 months through the terrible events of the pandemic, Cowbridge RFC got back into action on Saturday with a warm up game against Bridgend Athletic.
We have had a good relationship with’ The Ath’ for a number of years. Like most clubs, there were worries that players may have moved on or away but thankfully there were two big squads available to play in four quarters.
Cowbridge showed up well in the first quarter, playing with a high tempo and just past the mid-point a break in mid field and a slick pass to left wing Rhydian Williams saw him burst down the wing and squeeze in at the corner, despite two cover tackles. Outside half Gareth Williams-Davies was just wide with the conversion.
In the second period, flanker James Holder broke through several tackles and was stopped 10 metres from the try line. Quick hands from scrum half Tom James gave Cowbridge the chance to break through in midfield for another unconverted try. It was a tonic to see players back in action. Prop Ben Worrell was back after some years away and the Holder brothers were playing as if they had been caged, not locked down. They were involved in everything, along with Craig Boxall. Indeed, all the players contributed.
Mention should be made of Jared Williams at prop and Jack Forsyth in the second row, fresh from the youth team, who gave nothing away in physicality. The defence was excellent too and when ‘The Ath’s’ right wing broke clear, a try seemed certain until Rhydian and the cover defence got back. At half time it was 10 – 0.
In the third quarter, Cowbridge attacked and defended in equal measure to keep the score the same. In the final quarter, both teams threw the ball about and in one attack Cowbridge broke from their 22m into the opposition 22m with great hands.
The final score was a cracker. Adam Dix, now on the wing, was involved twice, taking play upfield then passing inside to hooker Max Lucas who, with a flip out of the back door, returned it Dix to speed into the 22m. The ball was moved infield to the late arriving Richie Howson to float a pass to James Holder to run under the posts for a superb 65m try. Williams-Davies made no mistake to bring a final score of 17-0.
It was a good workout for both teams. It was also a joy to see the under-18s and under-19s returning to play in July against Pontyclun, to whom we are grateful, and credit to coach Gerwyn Jones and his support team for getting the party started.
This Saturday we take on Taffs Well away in the WRU District Plate competition with kick off at 2.30pm. On 21st August, we travel to Barry. All support would be most welcome. Of course the third and final Lions Test this Saturday, with Covid secure precautions, will be on at the club . Come on Lions.
Although every community suffered through the pandemic, at the Athletic Club we lost three stalwarts. Phil Francis succumbed to cancer in May 2020. It was a delight to be in Phil’s company, a great raconteur, tour organiser and no mean player. Jon Smart, a talented player himself and part of a cricketing family that has been a mainstay at Cowbridge was taken for us suddenly in June last year. And finally and most recently, we lost Keith Paynter, a former player, linesman and keen supporter of the club over many years.
We are the richer for knowing each of you gentlemen.
RV/RK
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