Sport – Pencoed clinch Cup win with late try

Maesteg Celtic 10, Pencoed 24

Glamorgan Star news 03/11/2024

1 minute read

THIS Division Two WRU Cup match was evenly contested throughout, with Pencoed ensuring their place in the next round deep into the second half.

Gavin Henson scored a penalty in the early minutes for Pencoed. Patient work through the phases won a second penalty for Pencoed, Henson adding another three points before soon after adding another.

**| Gavin Henson makes a break for Pencoed.** *Photo: Julie Hancock*

‘Celtic’ hit back, pressing in the Pencoed 22 and a driving maul saw hooker Morgan Reeves go over for Callum Power to convert. Power then put the home side into the lead at 10-9. A fourth penalty from Henson restored the Pencoed lead.

Approaching the interval, Pencoed scored their opening try, combined handling from forwards and backs exhausting home defensive numbers for wing Aaron Burroughs to race over unopposed. Pencoed led 10-17 at half time.

The early second half exchanges were centred around midfield with neither side able to impose any authority despite their best efforts. Pencoed held on to that seven-point lead with the match still up for grabs midway through the half before getting a crucial score. Sustained pressure in the home 22 saw the ball worked to Will Hurley in the left wing position, the flanker doing extremely well to squeeze in at the corner flag, with Jack Bevan adding a fine conversion for Pencoed to run out 10-24 winners.

For Pencoed, Rhys Bargery took the player of the match award, his forceful carrying constantly engaging several defenders. For Celtic, George Richards caught the eye, controlling and probing from the No 10 position.