Fixture

On a bright sunny but bitterly cold afternoon the Tyrchs played Gwernyfed on consecutive weekends-this time in the WRU Bowl Tournament.

Gwern kicked off and after a few minutes were awarded a penalty for offside which was knocked to touch to within 5 metres of the Tyrchs line.

Gwern won the resulting lineout but were penalised for an offence in doing so. Tom James put in a very good kick up to half way but the Tyrchs were deemed to have not thrown the ball in straight awarding Gwern a scrum. Gwern won the scrum ran the ball down the blind-side only to be called back for blocking. Tom James put in another good kick to touch and the Tyrchs won the following lineout. The Tyrchs ran the ball positively through the backline with George Harris looking likely to score only to be called back for a forward pass.

Gwern won the resulting scrum and ran the ball into midfield only to again being called back for an infringement. Both sides were looking to run the ball but the game was being broken up by frequent infringements and offences. The Tyrchs and Gwern then exchanged further penalties with neither side gaining any advantage. Gwern were certainly not intimidated by last week’s commanding win by the Tyrchs and were looking really positive. The Tyrchs were then awarded a free kick which was taken quickly and following a good run by Tom Marley were awarded a penalty.

Tom James put another good kick into the corner and following the lineout the ball was swiftly moved to Tom James who held the defence for a second creating a gap for Nick Gill to score under the posts. Tom successfully concerted the try making the score it Pentyrch 7 Gwernyfed 0.

Gwern restarted the game and following a good catch and kick into the Gwern half the Tyrchs were awarded a lineout some 8 metres from the Gwern line. The Tyrchs unfortunately lost the lineout and Gwern cleared their lines. The Tyrchs were now looking to run the ball positively and following the lineout surged back into Gwern territory but knocked the ball on in the tackle. Gwern won the resulting scrum and found a good touch on halfway. The throw was taken quickly and following an excellent sidestep by David Jones, Tom Marley scored near the Right hand corner flag. The conversion was very narrowly missed. Score Pentyrch 12 Gwern 0.

Gwern upped their game and following some good pressure after the restart were unfortunate to knock the ball on with the line begging. The referee blew for half time with the Tyrchs lucky not to concede a try.

Half time Score Pentyrch 12 Gwernyfed 0

The Tyrchs kicked off the second half and back came Gwern and they were soon camped near the Tyrchs line forcing the Tyrchs to concede a lineout which they easily won. Sensing that the Tyrchs defence had moved up very quickly the ball was chipped over it into space and gathered by Craig Parry who scored under the posts. The conversion was successful making the score deservedly Pentyrch 12 Gwernyfed 7.

Gwern were looking a different team from that which took the field the week before.

The game then went into a bit of a stalemate as both teams tried to avoid making critical mistakes. The bitterly cold wind was causing cold hands to knock the ball on.  Following a series of scrums Gwern were awarded a penalty for offside. At that point the referee overheard some adverse comment and gave Tom Marley a yellow card. Gwern sensed they could take advantage and increased pressure on the Tyrchs and were soon threatening the Tyrchs line. Strong defence kept Gwern at bay eventually causing Gwern to concede a penalty due to over eagerness. Tom James put in a monster kick into the Gwern 22 but the Tyrchs failed to take any advantage allowing Gwern to clear the ball upfield. The Tyrchs reorganised and were soon back on the attack. A good run by Tom James set up a series of mauls. The ball was released to the backs and following a good run by Tom Marley (back on the field after 10 minutes out)  the ball reached Tom James who sold three outrageous dummies and scored near the posts. The Conversion was unsuccessful making the score Pentyrch 17 Gwernyfed 7.

At the restart the Tyrchs ran the ball back up the left flank only to be tackled into touch near half way. The Tyrchs stole the ball at the lineout but Gwern regained it only to knock on. In the dying moments the Tyrchs were awarded a penalty. Tom James attempted converting it but it very narrowly missed.

Final Score Pentyrch 17 Gwernyfed 7

Next weeks match away at Tylerstown is postponed as Tylerstown cancelled also the match at home against Cowbridge is cancelled and the next match for the 1st xv is at Pontyclun on 1st Dec