Fixture

The final match of 2014 saw Pentyrch host Abercynon RFC. In the league, only a point separated both teams prior to kick off so a closely contested match was expected, and that’s the way it turned out. The pitch was heavy and churned up as the match progressed but both teams tried to play rugby. 

The hosts took the lead within five minutes when Morgan Hayward slotted a penalty goal. Abercynon RFC responded within ten minutes with a converted try under the posts. Following this score Pentyrch took control of the game. Morgan Hayward slotted another penalty goal before Nick Jones capped a good move with a try, which Morgan Hayward converted. Pentyrch continued to press and a long kick and chase by Mike Farnham saw the ball cross the try line, with the Pentyrch player taken out without the ball. A support player following up clearly touched the ball down but the referee inexplicably did not award what was a perfect try, or even a penalty try for the original offence. Just before the interval Morgan Hayward slotted a further penalty goal, as did the visitors. The hosts subsequently received a yellow card for offside. Abercynon kicked for touch and drove over from the resulting line-out for an unconverted try. At half time the score was 16-15 to Pentyrch RFC.

Abercynon had the better of the early exchanges in the second half. Their pressure resulted in a converted try under the posts. The referee, however, missed the knock on, at the bottom of the scrum, at the start of the move which led to the try. Now trailing by six points Pentyrch raised their game again. Following a ruck near the touchline Pentyrch moved the ball quickly which resulted in Morgan Hayward crossing under the posts, and he also slotted the conversion. With fifteen minutes left Pentyrch managed to protect their slight advantage and ended up worthy winners by 23-22.

Neither the Development Team or the Youth XV played.

Next Saturday, 3 January, the 1^st XV visit St.Peters RFC whilst the Youth XV are away at Cowbridge RFC. The Development Team does not have a game.