Sports find Banwen a tough nut to crack
BRIDGEND SPORTS ... 13 BANWEN ........................ 7
FOR the first 30 minutes the Sports hammered forward but the visitors’ defence was totally up to it.
Josh Davies for the Sports had two chances with difficult penalty shots but could not find the target.
Banwen were only occasionally in the Sports half. With just minutes to go to half-time, Banwen got their best field position with a five metre scrum followed by an equally as close lineout and their heavier forwards looked to drive for a try against the run of play.
This time it was the Sports who showed the resolve to stop the attack as scrum-half Scott Callicott cleared the line and the half ended 0-0.
The first points came quickly in the second half as Banwen illegally stopped a driving maul and full back Josh Davies converted the penalty.
Holes started to appear in the Banwen defence as first Callicott and then Lee Roderick made fine individual breaks.
He made 20 metres, beat five defenders before being tackled.
From the drive on, Banwen began a series of errors which after repeated warnings, the referee had to yellow card two players in short order.
This allowed the Sports to extend their lead through full back Davies.
From one such penalty, the Sports opted for field position with a lineout just 10 metres from the Banwen line.
Initially the Sports looked to drive but when scrum half Callicott got touched the ball. Sublime skills from the diminutive Adam Lloyd at full back led to continuity of movement, while winger Ian Williams looked an all-round finisher when brought into play.
Cefn led 31-5 at half time with excellent tries from fly half Gareth Lewis (2), Ian Williams (2), and Adam Lloyd. Fall Bay did have the final say of the first half with a driving try. In the opening minutes of the second half, with another driving score from the home side that spurred Cefn into action again.
Man of the match Gareth Lewis scorched a full 60 metres following quick possession, he fed Lee Roderick on the blind side and the winger scored in the corner.
With less than 10 minutes left and conditions and ball really heavy, the kick from the touchline by Josh Davies was superb and the Sports looked comfortable at 13-0. his timely interception to score in the far corner, and even though the Cefn backs absolutely shone throughout, they can be grateful of some huge performances up front, none more so than the impressive Gavin Reffel at prop. His immense scrummaging and all round work in the loose set the standard for other forwards as did co-prop Steve Potts. Hooker Karl Davies made some telling runs and grafted throughout, while replacement hooker Richard Hicks made an immediate impact when entering the fray. The resulting attack saw the Cefn scrummage power tell with a penalty try.
There was time for a bit of individual magic from Banwen, when scrum half Rhodri Morris chipped over the advancing Sports three-quarters and a neat bit of dribbling saw him score a try that Mike Smith easily converted.
Most spectators would agree that it was only right that Banwen salvaged a losing bonus point on the day for their exceptional effort especially when they were players short for some periods.
Next week the Sports have another tough game away to Crynant who are just one below them in the league. over a penalty and conversion.
The home side were awarded a very dubious penalty try that was one of the main talking points in the clubhouse after the game.
Also outstanding pivot Ieuan Evans made a mouth watering break that produced one of the best try-saving tackles ever seen at Parc Bedw.
Big games in defeat for Pontycymer came from No 8 Richard Harris, livewire hooker Scott Forester and winger Dylan Phillips.
This Saturday, the Green and Ambers welcome Briton Ferry to Lawrence Park.