Fixture

This was an excellent game of rugby played in the spirit of the game by both teams, in very heavy conditions. Penygraig tended to want to play the game amongst their forwards whereas the visitors looked to utilise their back-line as much as possible. The home team had much the better of possession and territory in the first half but the Pentyrch defence was excellent and kept the home team from scoring until well into the second quarter of the game. Penygraig took the lead with a converted try but the visitors soon hit back with two tries in quick succession. Captain Barry-Topping Morris crossed first for an unconverted try, soon followed by a try in the corner by left wing Rhys Dickins, which was excellently converted by Will Hayward. With the very last move of the first half Penygraig crossed for their second converted try to make the interval score 14-12.

Pentyrch may have shaded possession and territory in the second half and marginally improved on winning their own line-out ball compared to a dismal effort in this area during the first half. That said, it was the home team who extended their lead by scoring an unconverted try. Pentyrch hit back with an unconverted try by Ethan Denty and began to take the initiative in the game. Silly errors, in good field positions, saw the visitors squander several good scoring chances. They ultimately paid the penalty when Penygraig scored a further unconverted try. In the dying moments of the game a slick backs move saw Will Hayward grubber kick through the defence to win the touchdown for the visitors fourth try. The conversion failed and the final score was 24-22. Pentyrch earned two bonus points, one for scoring four tries and another for loosing within seven points.

The 2nd XV kept their unbeaten record alive by beating Bedwas RFC 22-13. The Youth XV also played at home but were well beaten by Penarth RFC 0-48.

The 1st XV play away this coming Wednesday night at Llandaff North. Kick off is at 6:15. The team then play at home on Saturday against Taffs Well. Kick off is at 2:30pm. The 2nd XV also play at home on Saturday against Thornbury (Bristol) RFC whilst the youth visit Rhiwbina. Both games kick off at 2:30pm.

Please also note that the cancelled Reuion from January is also taking place, good rugby day for all.