CHARITY MATCH
PONTYCYMMER OVER 35S ..................... 24 BLAENGARW OVER 35S ..................... 12
A HUGE crowd of over 750 people gathered at a sunbaked Lawrence Park for this charity match in aid of Prostate Cancer Cymru.
Both sides played their part in this thrilling encounter. South Sea island style rugby was the order of the day with the two evenly matched teams running the ball from deep.
The first half was a game of cat and mouse between the Garw Valley neighbours with both sides testing the water. Huge first half displays for Blaengarw came from evergreen lock Tony Evans and scrum half Rhys Morgan while big games for the home side came from hooker Steve Edwards and centre Gerwyn Wilcox.
When the two sides stopped for their well deserved slice of orange, it remained dead-locked at 0-0.
Straight after the restart the ball fell into hands of Pontycymer captain and No 8 Garwyn Bevan who galloped over for the opening try. Minutes later the home side were at it again with second row Steve Lacey touching down in the famous “Tubb’s Corner.” Replacement lock Darren Williams was the next name on the score sheet, grabbing a try under the posts. Outside half Steve Gillet added the extras.
This was just the wake up call Blaengarw needed as they went through the gears playing some eye catching rugby. After a well worked move, the ball reached speed merchant Tim Durston who scored a fantastic 45 metre solo try. Winger Phil Hope slotted the conversion. With 10 minutes left, home scrum half Daryl Ridge crossed for Pontycymer’s fourth try. Pivot Gillet kicked the conversion.
The visitors had saved the best till last. After an outstanding passage of play, pacy winger Phil Parsons scored to round off an great afternoon enjoyed by everybody.
The Rage Fitness Gym man of the match award went to prop Deri Lloyd.
Pontycymer Rugby Club chairman Dai Lacey said: “It was great to see so many people turn up on the day, to support such a worthy cause, with £6,800 raised. There was a carnival atmosphere all afternoon at Lawrence Park with people of all ages enjoying themselves. A huge thank you must go to everybody who helped to make the day such a success especially the Valley Ravens junior section and Gilfach Goch junior section, who played an entertaining curtain raiser.
“Now the wheels are in motion, it is hoped that this could become an annual event, and next year, play at the Recreation Ground, for a charity of Blaengarw Rugby Clubs choice.”