Cowbridge RFC pull clear after strong second half show:
LLANISHEN RFC were the visitors to the Athletic Ground on 24th September and, as they say, in a game of two halves Cowbridge came alive in the second half to run out winners.
The opening exchanges were all Llanishen and it took a great tackle by wing Will Williams to prevent his opposite number from scoring after nine minutes. Just before the 30-minute mark, Llanishen had put over three penalties from their outside half as Cowbridge incurred the displeasure of the referee.
Indeed, penalties were few and far between for Cowbridge until outside-half Rhidian Morris took full advantage of a rare one to get Cowbridge on the score board. Wing Koffi Jones took a knock and Liam Phillips replaced him. Captain Ross Gibbon was winning a stream of possession from the lineout and just before half time, his initial take was driven over the try line by outstanding hooker Craig Boxall but the score was disallowed by the referee.
Half time score: Cowbridge 3, Llanishen 9.
Five minutes Into the second half, Gibbon again secured the lineout ball, the pack drove infield and then scrum half Euan Bartle spun the ball left, putting wing Phillips over in the corner. Morris’ conversion fell inches short.
Morris put Cowbridge ahead shortly after that with a further penalty. Centre Adam Dix, who had another fine game, came to the sidelines and Elisedd Greenwood raced on. The referee was very hot on back chat – sending a player from each side to the touchlines. Morris added his third penalty, followed three minutes later by one for Llanishen. The score was now 14-12 to Cowbridge.
Alert play by Morris produced a crossfield kick that bounced up for full back Evan Thomas to run onto and score. Morris added the extras. Further great try-saving defence by Morris and centre Dai Harris prevented another Llanishen score. Morris capped an excellent display with his fourth penalty to make a final score of 24-12.
Hats off to some of the new boys, prop Louis Ingamells, scrum half Bartle, centre Harris and full back Thomas all made impressive contributions.
The Youth won well, 53 – 5 against Llanharan, giving a good all-round performance to secure victory.
RV/RK
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