2^nd team match report: Saturday 22^nd September

For the second week running the village enjoyed a well earned victory over their close rivals Gowerton, this time due to an excellent performance from our second fifteen.

Both teams started the game with an expansive approach, the ball being spread wide along the backlines whenever possible. Gowerton were unlucky not to open the scoring during the early phases of play, however, after ten minutes or so the Penclawdd pack began to dominate the scrums and open play, powerfully driving Gowerton off the ball on many occasions. This disruption forced Gowerton into conceding a penalty for Ceri Jones, an early replacement for stand off Paul Wilcox, to slot over after 13 minutes. After 22 minutes Penclawdd orchestrated a well worked miss move along the backs, Dewi James feeding Gary Humphries and then onto Chris Isaac on the left wing who sprinted in from 15 yards to just touch down in the corner. Ceri missed the difficult conversion from the touchline, making the score 8-nil up until half-time.

Another penalty from Ceri Jones five minutes into the second half saw the lead extend to a comfortable 11-nil. Gowerton did not fold, however, and on 56 minutes kicked from deep towards the Penclawdd corner flag. The ball bounced awkwardly for our defence and Gowerton sneaked an unconverted try, 11-5. This stirred the Penclawdd pack into action once more, Kevin Hughes showing good support play to get onto the shoulder of Dewi James, who had made a break from deep in the Penclawdd half on 75 minutes after an outrageous dummy left a Gowerton winger for dead. Indiscipline at the ruck which followed in front of the Gowerton posts offered Ceri the chance of another 3 points. Shortly later, a crunching tackle from "Gonk" Swistun brought the loudest cheer of the day. Finally one more penalty sealed the victory 17-5.

A well deserved win for the seconds who are playing well as a unit and developing a strong rapport as a squad. It was difficult for the management to select one individual as man of the match since so many had contributed. Eventually Dewi James got the nod and to prove it was his lucky day he went on to win the raffle too !!

Thanks to everyone who helped on Saturday, especially "Dyno-rod" Jenkins for clearing the sewage pipe – a task beyond the call of duty !!

Bonjour to our friends in a cyber café somewhere in the South of France. We are managing well without you !