THE result of this Admiral Division Two West Central match was in some doubt until the final minutes, the lowly league position of the visitors belying their contribution to this game.
Mumbles took the lead in the opening minutes with a penalty goal from outside half Matt Hughes. Pencoed opened their account following a Wil Hurley take at the line-out. The ball was swiftly moved through several pairs of hands for supporting flanker Jamie Burton to score, Gavin Henson converting.
The home side soon increased their lead, forwards and backs combining before centre Shane Izzat broke in midfield to put the Mumbles defence on the back foot and skipper Connor Jones capitalised to cross the try line, Henson converting for Pencoed to lead 14-3.
Any thoughts of a comfortable home victory were soon dispelled with the second quarter belonging to Mumbles on the scoreboard. A visitors’ counter-attack from their own half saw left wing Tom Affley race away at pace then collect his own kick ahead to score a fine try from 50 metres out, Hughes adding the extras. The interval saw Pencoed lead 14-10.
Mumbles cut the Pencoed lead early in the second half with a penalty from Hughes. Henson and Hughes exchanged penalties and at 17-16, with Pencoed having picked up a red card, it was anyone’s match with 15 minutes remaining. As the clock ran down, Pencoed pressed in the visitors’ 22 and Henson spotted the unguarded blindside to stride over wide out. Deep in injury time he calmed home supporters with a penalty goal to put the match beyond Mumbles’ reach.
For Pencoed, centre Izzat was chosen as their player of the match, his penetrative running constantly putting his side on the front foot. Mumbles were unfortunate not to have secured a league point for their efforts. Once again, when necessary the Pencoed defence had stood firm to edge matters.
On Saturday, Pencoed host Resolven, 2.30 pm k.o.
Pencoed Rams 12 v Beddau 62.
Pencoed went to great lengths to fulfill this WrU East Conference fixture against league leaders Beddau. The club would like to take this opportunity to thank all the players who came to the rescue on the day, in particular its older former players and the people whose time put the side together.
Congratulations to Aaron Songhurst, making his 200th appearance on the day and Ricky Evans on his 50th. Obviously Beddau ‘Chuckles’ as they are affectionately known were comprehensive winners.
The next scheduled fixture for the Rams is against Cambrian Welfare at home on 15th February.
Match reports: Club President Terry Rees.
Photos by club photographer Julie Hancock (https://juliehancock.org)
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