SPORT – Cowbridge just lose out in close Cup encounter:
The delayed cup match for Cowbridge RFC against Aberdare took place on Saturday, 28th January and was another absorbing encounter as Aberdare ran out winners by 5-15 in a keenly-fought contest that was a credit to both teams
In the opening minutes, Cowbridge had two penalties that took play to Aberdare’s line but they gained no points for it. A scything run by Aberdare’s inside centre and a kick up field put the pressure on Cowbridge.
On the 25-minute mark, Cowbridge moved the ball to the right and then back to the left, where flanker Richie Howson straightened the line over before passing out to left wing Matt Oddy to run in a superb try. The conversion went just wide.
Just four minutes later from a scrum in Cowbridge’s 22, the ball was moved to the right and Aberdare’s full back made the extra man and went over in the corner for an unconverted try . Aberdare pressed in the final moments of the first half and their outside half put over a penalty to make it 5-8 at half time.
Into the second half and the game swung back and fore until 10 minutes in, Aberdare drove forward and, for hands in the ruck, Cowbridge centre James Jones was shown a yellow. From the resulting scrum penalty, Aberdare drove forward and their scrum half crashed over for a converted try.
In defending the drives, the always excellent prop George Thomas sustained a cut and Craig Boxall came on for him. Flanker Tom Evans replaced the all-action Howson. Cowbridge battered the Aberdare line on the 30-minute mark but with some arguably lenient refereeing – in an otherwise very good performance – Aberdare withstood the onslaught. Cowbridge rang the changes with Ryan Hall and Jack Forsyth coming into the pack and competed to the final whistle.
When under pressure, Aberdare’s inside centre managed to get them up field and their full back turned defence into attack on a number of occasions. But this was really about two good teams going at it for the full 80 minutes. We wish Aberdare the best of luck in future rounds.
The Youth had a great win, managing to overcome Pontyclun in a high-scoring match by 26 points to 19.
Cowbridge are next in league action on 18th February at home to Caerphilly and then away to Gilfach Goch on 4th March . Kick offs at 2.30pm. Come on Wales!
RV/RK
Follow us
Pencoed tangled up by ‘Seaweeds’
Primary school’s former deputy head is banned from teaching
I make no apologies for calling Plaid Cymru ‘separatists’
‘The importance of participation and continued learning’
Opposition leaders clash with First Minister over independence rally
How Kevin saved a stranger’s life
