Fixture

 Pontyclun RFC v Pentyrch RFC – 9 December 2017

Having lost 5 weeks to postponed games and the autumn internationals Pentyrch travelled to near neighbours Pontyclun, with both teams riding high in the league. Despite a heavy and muddy pitch Pentyrch controlled most of the first half. The visitor’s backs were by far the more dangerous and inventive and broke through the home defence on several occasions. It was only errors by Pentyrch that deprived them of scoring several tries in the first period. The lineouts and scrums were evenly contested despite the hosts having the bigger pack. At half time the score was 6-6, all penalty goals, with Morgan Hayward converting those for Pentyrch.

Although the second half was more even in relation to possession and territory it was Pentyrch who began the half on the front foot. Within 10 minutes of the restart captain Barry Topping-Morris broke through the home defence but was tackled just short of the line. The ball was spread quickly from the resultant ruck and Nathan Williams crossed for a great try under the posts, which Morgan Hayward converted.

Pontyclun reduced the deficit with a penalty goal and stout defence kept the hosts attack away from the try line. Pentyrch again pressurised the hosts who were forced to play rugby from their 22 meter line. It was one such move that saw Nathan Williams focus on an interception which he executed superbly to score his second try under the posts, which again was converted by Morgan Hayward. Pontyclun scored a converted try towards the end of the game but a further penalty by Morgan Hayward completed the scoring. A 16-23 win for Pentyrch in superb fashion.

The 2^nd XV cup match was postponed due to the weather. The Youth XV lost narrowly at Rhiwbina RFC 22-17.

Next Saturday, 16 December, the 1^st XV is away at Llandaff RFC whilst the 2^nd XV is home to Canton RFC in a double header league and cup game. The Youth XV play at Risca RFC in the WRU Youth Cup. All matches kick off at 2:30 pm but the cup games may kick off at 2:00pm. Check with the club on the day for the up to date position.