Rugby: Cowbridge play catch up as fixture congestion bites

Glamorgan Star news 09/05/2023

3 minutes read

COWBRIDGE RFC were again heading up the A470 on Saturday, 6th May , this time heading to league leaders Abercynon.

Cynon top the table with only one loss this season but in one of their best performances of the season, Cowbridge narrowly lost 16-7 .

Unfortunately, due to a small squad and absences, Cowbridge could not fulfil their fixture with Aberdare on 29th April but they were able to play Llantrisant at home on 3rd May. The first half was nip and tuck but Cowbridge had a fine second half, winning 38-6 after a half time score line of 14-6.

There were tries for Scrum half Adam Dix (two) No 8 Ryan Hall (two) Dai Griffiths and perhaps the pick of them from full back Evan Thomas. It was great to see wing Will Williams back in a Cowbridge shirt and a number of young players, Sam Alexander, Sam Harry and Lucas Reid take the field. .

The Abercynon game was even in the opening exchanges but it did take a great tackle by centre Ed Thomas on the nine-minute mark to stop Cynon’s left wing scoring. The Cowbridge pack were outstanding throughout but set out their stall in the opening minutes with George Thomas, Craig Boxall and Matt Greenwood holding a strong scrum. After 15 minutes, Cowbridge worked the ball to the right, scrum half Adam Dix switched play and captain Ross Gibbon made the extra man to release the outside backs – but wet hands couldn’t hold the final pass when a try seemed certain.

Cynon scored, moving the ball to the right and their left wing, now infield , went through a gap to score a try their inside centre converted. But just before half time from a loose pass in Cynon’s half, Cowbridge secured the ball, the excellent Dix moved the ball left, centre James Jones ran strongly to offload to No 8 Ryan Hall to break two tackles and score. Darren Lewis converted. As Cowbridge went for a chip ahead they were caught offside and Cynon took the lead. It was 10-7 at half time

Just two minutes into the second half Cynon were awarded a penalty and increased their lead to 13-7. But for most of the second half it was hard to say which of the teams was topping the league as Cowbridge pressed Abercynon, with flanker Dan Apsee, second rows Gibbon and Tom Penry -Ellis disrupting Cynon’s possession at the lineout and openside Tom Evans harrying the ball carriers.

Just before the mid-point a catch and drive by Cowbridge was perhaps harshly penalised. With just eight minutes left, Cynon’s centre put over his third penalty but Cowbridge continued to press and a wonderful 35-metre run from full back Evan Thomas into Cynon’s 22m nearly brought a score – but the final whistle blew for a score line of 16-7.

A great team effort by Cowbridge, in fairness, acknowledged afterwards by Abercynon , a fine team with a lot of good youngsters. Abercynon took each penalty chance as a kick and those kicks ultimately won the game.

Cowbridge are in action at home on the school field on 10th May against Taffs Well. KO 7pm approx. On 13th May, we are again home to Caerphilly and then away on 20th May to Abercwmboi. We are still trying to arrange our home game against Treharrs.

The Youth enjoyed their presentation evening on 5th May with guest and former player Cai Evans, recently included in Warren Gatland’s pre world cup squad. He was delighted to finally receive his youth cap having moved on before playing the requisite number of games.

The annual club presentation evening is to be held on 2nd June. Delayed due to the extended season. It should be a great night!

RV/RK

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