Vardre vs Penclawdd – second XV match report 27^th October

Once again, 2^nd team selection was hampered by injuries and the requirements of the first fifteen, however, it is encouraging to note the ability of the team which took the field against Vardre and the open style of rugby they continue to adopt. A depleted front row, in particular, was ably shored up by Richard Phillips and Richard Guy, plus after only 10 minutes an injury to Paul Wilcox enforced an early reorganisation at fly-half with Chris Isaac moving from centre to the pivotal role.

Penclawdd had started the game in determined mood, from the outset the forwards were winning good ball at the lineout and scrum. Scrum half Steve Hamm was able to feed his backline with plenty of possession, taking the ball away from the strength of the Vardre pack. One such move, originating near the half way line after only 5 minutes, lead to the first try of the game for Stuart Barrow, positioned out wide and able to punch through the Vardre defence. Mark Broom converted to make the score 7-nil in our favour.

Vardre managed to close the gap on 25 minutes through an unconverted try which resulted from some poor tacking in the Penclawdd backline, leaving Vardre with men lining up out wide to run in close to the touchline. With no further scores the teams turned around at Vardre 5 – Penclawdd 7.

The game remained tight during the second half but as time went on the ageing Vardre pack began to creek. Penclawdd narrowly failed to score a second deserved try from a series of scrums close to the Vardre line. However, the increasing pressure eventually flared up 15 minutes into the half leading to 2 Vardre players being awarded a yellow and red card respectively. With the extra man to our advantage, Penclawdd gradually extended their lead and secured the game through 2 penalties kicked by Mark Broom on 60 and 75 minutes to give the team a second victory in so many weeks.

The only down side on the day were the relatively serious injuries sustained by Paul Wilcox, James Banks, Stuart Barrow and Kevin Hughes. The decision on "man of the match" was again close, with Chris Isaac, Kevin Hughes and James Foote all in close contention, however, Steve Isaac eventually got the nod for his all round performance at number 8.

The Player of the Month for October was Kevin Hughes.