DIVISION THREE EAST CENTRAL A
PONTYCLUN ............... 18 GWERNYFED ................ 8
PERSISTENT morning rain resulted in a tacky playing surface that somewhat restricted the possibility of witnessing any exciting running rugby.
Pontyclun once again were forced to make several changes following injuries picked up at Abercwmboi, with Gavin Pascoe, Adam Lewis, Tom Green, Rhys Morgan and Gareth Hooke drafted into the starting line-up.
The sides exchanged penalty kicks early on to make it 3-3 and despite an odd line break, one by Nicky Theaker and another from Gavin Pascoe, there was little action to report.
Both sides struggled to build up any momentum, although Pontyclun did enjoy the majority of both possession and territory.
Approaching half-time, Theaker struck over his second penalty to send the home side into the break with a 6-3 advantage.
The second period was much of the same until a 10-minute spell of pressure from Pontyclun yielded two tries.
The first was an Adam Lewis score as he streaked over on the right following good work by Green and Morgan to create an overlap.
The second was a vintage Lloyd Rose effort as he suddenly burst from a set play some 20 metres out and brushed off several challengers to score under the posts.
Theaker missed the conversion following the Lewis try but slotted over the second effort and Pontyclun looked in control at 18-3.
However, Gwernyfed very nearly replied immediately and but for a lastditch tackle from that man Rose, carrying out his normal No 8 defensive duties, they would have scored when sporting an overlap on the right.
The visitors however did manage a try from their skipper Andrew Hill when they broke through the Pontyclun defence wide out on left touchline.
That brought the score to 18-8 and that was about it for the afternoon.
Pontyclun made a few changes during the half with Dan Meredith, Matthew Bartlett, Josh Cowles, Rhys Williams and Rhys’s younger brother Kieran (making his first team debut) being given run-outs.
Elsewhere in the division, Abercwmboi travelled to previously unbeaten Pentyrch and emerged victorious whilst Penygraig overcame Taffs Well, also previously unbeaten.
These results have bunched a number of sides in close contention at the top of the division and the Badgers’ next league encounter is away at Taffs Well on Saturday, October 14.
Meanwhile, they return to cup action this coming Saturday (October 7) with a trip to face an unknown factor in Cardiff University. The Uni side do not play Swalec league rugby and are therefore difficult to assess, ability wise. The match will take place at the university playing fields, Mendip Road (off Ball Road) Llanrumney, Cardiff CF3 4JN.