First half blitz takes Pencoed RFC clear
Sport
Pencoed RFC 36 Bridgend Sports 19
This match was definitely the proverbial game of two halves, the home side scoring all their points during the first half and the ‘Sports’ responding likewise during the second period.
Play swept to the Sports’ line from the kick-off, Morgan Jones going close and recycled ball and swift hands saw Sam Hayman in the outside centre position check his opposite number before angling outside to score wide out.
The Sports were having the better of the early scrums with Pencoed exposed once again from a dearth of experienced prop forwards. Territorially the Sports were doing well into the wind, but it was Pencoed who stretched their lead with a Rhys Clarke penalty goal.
Clarke was soon again in the picture, collecting a loose Sports clearance before evading a number of defenders to feed Brandon Mullen out wide. The stop start nature of Mullen’s run checked the cross field cover of the visitors and he crossed wide out, with Clarke adding the extras.
This signalled a purple patch for Pencoed, adding three converted tries before the interval. For the first of these Pencoed stole a lineout and Rhys Bargery powered through several tackles. Tom Geere in support was brought down just short but quick possession saw Jones time his short pass to Jack Walker on the angle to score under the posts.
Jones was again the provider of the next scoring opportunity with a short stab kick for Hayman to capitalise on, hacking through with his pace doing the rest to score at the posts.
Approaching the interval, Sion Clarke broke in loose play and the confident home side moved the ball across field to Hayman who, spotting space on the outside, raced over for an impressive try hat-trick, Clarke converting all three for Pencoed to lead 36-0 at the interval.
The Sports, now with the elements in their favour, immediately went on the offensive and were camped in and around the home 22 for the opening 15 minutes but Pencoed were still showing a determined defence to deny the visitors.
Pencoed then picked up a second yellow card. A visitors’ score seemed inevitable and, following constant pressure, the Sports got a deserved opening score, flanker Dewi Rees scoring at the posts following a quick tap penalty. Ben Rich converted. Keith David soon added a second and more Sports pressure saw replacement Dan Maiden stretch over, A Rich conversion then brought the match to a close and despite the second half efforts of the visitors, the home side ran out comfortable winners.
Pencoed Youth 21 Vardre Youth 14
Two tries from wing Llewellyn Gibbon and one from front row forward Finn Stevens gave Pencoed victory in this close encounter at the Recreation Ground.
Owen Davey kicked all three conversions. Man of Match Zac Morris.
Youth travel to llantwit major on 11th December.
Coach Lyndon Griffiths commented the team did well to maintain a competitive edge for a much-needed win, having been reduced to 11 players through indiscipline.
Match Report – TR
Photos by club photographer Julie Hancock (http://juliehancock.org)
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