OSPREYS OA LEAGUE
KENFIG HILL YOUTH . 13 BRIDGEND ATHLETIC YOUTH ......................... 34
UNBEATEN Bridgend Athletic Youth top Div OA of the Ospreys league with four bonus points wins in each fixture to date this season, as they look to defend their Ospreys OA champions title.
In a slightly flattering 34-13 scoreline they defeated determined op- ponents Kenfig Hill – the superior Athletic back division and more clinical finishing allied to solid Athletic defence deciding the outcome.
The Mules pack were wound up for the game and launched themselves at the Athletic eight from the off. A last-ditch tackle and steal by Athletic captain and flanker Joe Grabham preventing the home side crossing under the sticks.
The Athletic set piece was strong with solid scrummaging from front row forwards Chris Crumpton, Thomas Zielinski and Morgan Clemett, while Will Barraclough ruled the lineout. From a set piece the ball was moved along the backline where Dan O’Sullivan timed a pass to perfection to release fellow centre Joe Patterson. Patterson showed great determination and pace to outflank the covering defence to cross wide out. Scrum half Matthew Hobby converted from the touchline and then added a well struck penalty to give the Athlet- ic a 10 –0 advantage.
Although evenly matched possession wise and territorially the quality of the Athletic backs started to shine through. Patterson again showed his class with a virtual carbon copy of his first try to give the Athletic a 15-0 half-time lead. Both sides finished the half with 14 players as the game boiled over into a mass brawl and a forward from each side was dismissed.
In the second half the game opened with both sides giving the ball more air. Penalties were exchanged before aggressive straight running from the home side paid dividends with their first try to reduce their deficit to 8-18.
The Athletic’s response was two quick tries. The first from a midfield break saw stand in scrum half Cameron Lewis break blind and feed full back Levi Hallett who sidestepped his way past many defenders to cross the whitewash. Then some forward drives saw Barraclough when halted just short of the try line of- fload to Tom Zielinski to crash over.
With a 28-8 cushion the Athletic started playing more relaxed rugby. Deep inside their own half good carries by Grabham and Clemett set up the opportunity for Hobby to release the backs. Good passing saw the ball reach the dangerous centre Patterson who galloped over from 40 metres for his well-deserved try hat trick.
From the last play strong running around the sides of a ruck saw the home side cross to make the final score Kenfig Hill 13 Bridgend Athletic 34.
Athletic head coach Lee Grabham said: “It was a hard-earned victory despite the final scoreline.
“It would be great if Athletic supporters could turn out this Saturday at 1pm at Newbridge Fields to encourage the boys against fellow undefeated side Pontardulais.
“This could be a vital game in determining the Ospreys A league champions this season.”
Back stormed the Windmillers – a Lee Jones header reducing arrears – before Landsdown made two remarkable saves, one involving the ball being held up by the wind and rain.
Numbers were evened up when Levi Jones of Aberdare was sent off – but Rob Jones hit a post with the ensuing penalty.
However, Llantwit then went down to nine men with the dismissal on a second yellow card of Shaun Barney-Williams.
But they responded with a goal from Lee Jones that just crept over the goal-line; soon after Connor Goldsworthy was felled in the box, and this time Rob Jones obliged from the spot.
That sent the Windmillers into an unlikely 4-3 lead, but there was still more drama to come.
Darren Robinson conceded a penalty that Landsdown saved only for Richard Ingram to tuck away the rebound for 4-4.
Lee Jones then looked to have won it for Llantwit - after a Goldsworthy shot was blocked - but an off side flag went up.
This Saturday Llantwit Major visit AFC Porth in the league – it surely can’t be as exciting as this Aberdare blockbuster. buck up their ideas.
The introduction of Cefn Cribwr BC starlet Ioan Clatworthy had the biggest impact, as it was from his corner that Josh Jones (Llantwit Major) headed Bont back into contention.
And with just 10 minutes to go, a superb Clatworthy free kick from 25 metres sailed home to gain Bont a point.
During the closing stages neither side went close to walking off with all three points and a draw was considered a fair result.
Penybont are ninth in a 14-strong division having played seven matches, winning two with three drawn.