PREMIER DIVISION
NANTYFFYLLON SECONDS ....................... 5 BRIDGEND SPORTS SECONDS ....................... 7
NANTY were unable to take advantage of their superior squad numbers and found Bridgend Sports low on numbers but high in determination.
At half time The Sports had scored a converted try with Nanty still to get off the mark.
In the second half Nanty threw everything at their visitors and were rewarded when second row Chadd George touched down but the tricky conversion was missed.
In the final quarter Nanty worked well through the phases but each time their attacks were thwarted by last minute errors or resolute defence and The Sports held on to take the win. swooped on a loose ball to run in from 30 metres out.
Nant Conwy hit back when a series of Athletic handling errors led to counter attacks resulting in their lock forcing his way over the whitewash for a converted try.
With the match finely balanced both sets of supporters and coaches were on edge.
The Athletic apprehension was lifted when following good forward driving play Athletic scrum half Matthew Hobby released the backs.
Slick handling between Morgan Roberts, O’Sullivan and Caine Woolerton released flying wing Sam Palmer who raced over for a fantastic corner try to give the Athletic a narrow 17-14 halftime lead.
The half-time team talk centred on the Athletic striking early after the restart.
They duly responded with great hard-yard carries from Morgan Clemett, Rhys Durlucia and captain Joe Grabham producing quality ball for the potent backs.
Full back Harry Ridge having an excellent game broke clear and looked likely to score, but chose to throw a magnificent long pass to wing Sam Palmer who obliged with his second try of the match.
Hobby converted to put the Athletic 24-14 ahead.
The relaxed Athletic were now playing some of their best rugby of the
For Nanty, Chadd George had a great game in the less familiar position of second row and once again outside half Aandrew Maynard did everything he could to get his side the advantage.
The home team Man Of The Match award went to Brad Howells who played the first half in the back row and second at hooker and was a powerful force in both positions in both defence and attack. season.
Good team play saw Barraclough release O’Sullivan for his second try of the game.
The sixth and final Athletic try even drew applause from the home supporters.
From a position well inside their own half backs and forwards inter passed before centre Caine Woolerton finished off a breathtaking move.
With the game won, the Athletic were able to blood a few more first year youth youngsters with Jack Obbard, Dannie Osigarie and Josh Tidy joining the action.
Nant Conwy showed they still presented a danger with ball in hand and their wing crossed wide out for the final try of a thoroughly entertaining and hard-fought cup tie.
Athletic head coach Lee Grabham commented: “After a shaky start the front five worked hard while the back row of Joe Grabham, Will Barraclough and Tom Davies were superb all game.
“The back line looked extremely dangerous at times.
“While there is still room for improvement it was a magnificent effort from all the players after a long, tiring journey.
“The quarter-final on February 17 doesn’t get any easier with a long visit west to Scarlets Region and Pembrokeshire side Crymych who have won all their eight league games to date.”