WEST CENTRAL
BRYNAMMAN ............. 32 PENCOED .................... 15
PENCOED made the trip up the Amman valley hoping to put an end to a run of loses.
Alas, it was not to be, due in no small part to their own errors.
Brynamman’s preferred tactic of choice, pick and drive, became apparent early on. However it was a member of their backline who opened the scoring. Following a missed tackle, on 16 mins, they scored a try under the sticks. Conversion was successful. Pencoed were next on the score sheet. Following good pressure on the Brynamman midfield, Lloyd Bargery was able to scoop on the loose ball to race over on 32 mins. Conversion failed. The last word of the half belonged to Brynamman who scored another 7 pointer, on 38 mins to leave a half time score of 14-5. Brynamman started the second half strongly, scoring an unconverted try with barely 2 mins on the clock. Pencoed again dragged themselves back into the game on 54 mins. Following concerted pressure on the home line Liam Callaghan was able to force his way over wide out. Conversion was missed leaving a score line of 21-10 going into the last quarter. Brynamman eased the pressure foot when an intending attacking chip and chase was charged down by the Baglan centre to find no one at home in defence and scramble over under the posts. The Baglan fly half missed the conversion to the amazement of both sets of fans. Cefn persevered with their tactic of trying to ‘out muscle’ their opposition and it did pay dividends for a while with diminutive and talented fly half Joe Gallafant striking three superb penalties to give a 9- 5 half time lead.
Things looked promising for the visitors after another well struck penalty by Gallafant gave Cefn what looked like a reasonable 12 -5 cushion early on in the second half. Then, things started to go wrong for the visitors. Suddenly Cefn lost both props in a ‘one off’ freak incident, and consequently scrums had to go passive. Bizarrely after the incident, Baglan spurned a kick right in front of the posts, instead lobbing a long forward pass to let Cefn off the hook. A second penalty attempt by Baglan from 40 metres out this time failed to go over, leaving the Baglan supporters totally bemused. The home side eventually Cahll then drove over following sustained driving play from the home pack. Phoenix soon increased their lead, scrum half Sarah Payne crossing from a quick tap penalty. On the stroke of half-time Abergele got their second try through twin sister Sophie Edwards and Phoenix led 17-12 at the interval.
The home side restarted well and Cahill got her second try. Sustained Phoenix pressure was soon rewarded, hooker Rose Lubin getting her first Phoenix try much on themselves by kicking a successful penalty on 66 mins. Showing typical grit Pencoed came back. After gaining a foothold in the opposition 22, on 72 mins, Rhys Bargery showed typical strength to force his way over. Unfortunately the conversion again missed. Brynamman weren’t going to be denied. They scored their bonus point try on 77 mins, which was unconverted and the game finished with the Brynamman fullback, who had a fine game kicking off the floor, slotting a second successful penalty with the last kick of the match to leave a final score of 32-15. Next week Pencoed entertain Cwmgors at Felindre road. found a drive that led to a try wide out, leaving Cefn 12-10 ahead with 15 minutes to go.
Still, the visitors worked tirelessly to gain territory up field and a superb clearance by winger Tom Carpenter put Cefn into a good attacking position in spite of the slope. Cefn failed to take their chances, and with less than a minute to go decided to kick a penalty at goal from some 40 metres, that failed to have the legs.
Baglan immediately seized on the ball, and went the length of the field to snatch last gasp victory, much to the surprise of both sets of supporters.
Not a classic, but a tremendously exciting match that will live long in the memories of both Clubs. Matt Dyer worked hard in the powerhouse for Cefn, with back rowers Jeff Jones, Gareth Downs and Laney Brockwell putting in some hard hits.
Lewis Allen pulled off some miraculous steals for the visitors whilst substitute Luke Donne made an immediate impact when he entered the fray. Centre Ryan Lovett proved to be pick of the Cefn backline, whilst Adam Lloyd always posed a threat at full back. to her obvious delight. Burnell added a fine conversion. Abergele stayed in touch with a try from Emma Parry.
The home side then appeared to have settled matters with a sixth try from relatively young back row forward Amy Morgan to lead 34-17 going into the final five minutes. However the North Walian side had other ideas and finished the match strongly, Lucy Edwards completing her hattrick with two further tries and with Beth Roe adding