LOCAL RUGBY ROUNDUP
number of home attempts as Nathan Ace pre-empted several throws, plus the inaccuracy of the hosts’ hooker.
Quins’ counter rucking too was not to Pontypool’s liking and they did very well in this area.
The greatest regret was the visiting inability to register a score. Having to play from deep was a problem. Only Tadgh McGuckin and Geraint Evans managed to make a handful of halfbreaks between them.
Worse of all was the manner in which the Quins gave away territory through pure petulance or irritably and needlessly mouthing-off when well and truly on the attack.
In a fortnight Quins entertain another club with promotion desires – Bedwas. With the same defensive effort as the second half in this match, home advantage and more patience, it could make for an excellent encounter.
ON Friday night, the eve of the Wales v Barbarians autumn international, Pontycymmer Rugby Club are holding a gentleman’s evening at the function suite in their clubhouse on Oxford Street.
The two guest speakers on the night are former British Lions, Wales Rugby Union, Great Britain Rugby League and Wales Rugby League centres Allan Bateman and John Devereux.
It is sure going to be a fun filled night, which will also include a question and answer session.
Tickets are priced at £10 each and can be purchased from the club or pay on the door. All welcome.
GIVEN the recent heavy rain, the Dulais valley pitch had held up well.
Pencoed opened the scoring from a well struck 42 metre penalty from Rhys Clarke.
The home side replied almost immediately with a penalty of their own from their No 15.
With Pencoed’s forward resources stretched to the limit, the very young front row trio of Rhys Davies, Jack Walker and tighthead Dylan Bishop, were more than holding their own.
In fact, Jack Walker managed to plunder several ‘strikes against the head’ throughout the game.
The next score came from Pencoed. Following a well-judged grubber kick from Alex King and sustained pressure from the forwards, Jack Thompson was able to force his way over. The conversion failed.
The home side No15 then kicked his second penalty.
Pencoed then enjoyed a long period of pressure in the home 22.
Two or three try scoring opportunities were created but none taken.
In fact, as half time approached, the home No 15 kicked a third penalty.
Despite being the better side, Pencoed found themselves 9-8 behind at half time.
Their cause would not be helped in the second half when, following a mass flare up, the match official decided the home side were totally blameless and awarded a red and yellow card against Pencoed.
Rhys Clarke put Pencoed back in the lead with another penalty.
The home side then got the all-important next score, a converted push over try.
Pencoed did finish strongly. However, through a combination of poor handling and poor decision making, they could not add to their score, leaving the home side winners 16-11.
The losing bonus point was scant reward for the efforts of the young forward pack where Jack Walker and Ashley Bissett were particularly prominent.
PHOENIX had all their Welsh International league players back. Phoenix striking first with Welsh League capped player Leanne Burnell scoring a try and converting.
Port did strike back with a try but Phoenix were in no mood and had targeted this game for a win.
At times they produced flowing, running rugby and the difference of the internationals coming into play.
Intelligent play from Phoenix kept them in the lead and ahead.
Even when Port came with within 10 points Phoenix still dug deep to control game.
All players from Phoenix should have some credit and worked as joint unit. Players like Eleri Harris Thomas, Rhiannon Thomas, Jade Thomas front row, Laura Keeble, Lauren Aitkins to name a few. The tackle count from Linzi Morgan and Millie Wilson must have been off scale.