Fixture

Storm Brian came to Birchgrove yesterday with a vengence but was swept aside along with the threat of Abercrave as Birch powered to another bonus point victory.

In the most difficult conditions of a swirling gale and driving rain Birchgrove put in a display which included at times some running rugby that would more closely be associated with the hard grounds of a Summer 7’s festival !

The opening exchanges as usual saw a bit of muscle flexing and the Abercrave pack flattered to deceive as they put a little pressure on the home eight. As the home side picked up their possession and territorial game though Nick Fisher was on hand to pop over the first score from a penalty 3 – 0.

Next a concentrated pattern of attacking play in the away 22 soon brought further reward as Scott Beard was credited with the first try from a combination of back and forward coordinated drives. Nick Fisher read the conditions perfectly to get the conversion 10 – 0.

The slippery ball was hampering most of the visitors attempts to get back in to the game but a penalty from Curtis Griffiths gained from an attempted speedy counter attack gave them some heart at 10 – 3. It was the home side though who looked in total control in all aspects of the game and more likely to continue the scoring as the first half was brought to a prompt end to stave off hyperthermia ! .

A quick turnaround quickly saw the home side take up where they left off and with the control of a solid tight 8 performance Leigh Di’iulio , Liam Garland and Nick Fisher were given ample opportunity to drive the team forward with a perfect blend  of high, grubber and box kicks which made light of the conditions. Having spent a lengthy period camped on the home line therefore it was no surprise that a gigantic forward rolling drive was to offer Josh Key the easiest of opportunities to touch down for the second try  which Fisher converted 17 – 3.

With Abercrave now relying almost totally upon counter attack to make any impression the home backs decided that running at their opponents, even with a bar of soap for a ball, was the way forward. Combination after combination seemed to be appearing as Captain Adam Percival, ably supported by his co centre Luke Beynon became the spring board for attack after attack. With Fisher and Lee Harris joining in the rain soaked party aided and abetted by loose forwards Downing, Green,Key and Beard it was only a matter of time before the third try appeared.

It came from an adventurous break out of defence from Nick Fisher which was carried on by the supporting Josh Key and Matt Harries before Fisher popped up again to move the ball on to Lee Harris the outside man of a two man overlap. Not one to pass up such an opportunity try No 3 was in the bag 22 -3.

The pattern was to continue as the weather improved but the fatigue of consistent enterprise and battling the elements started to set in allowing Abercrave to put in a belated attempt at seeking a consolation. The home defence was resolute though and Leigh Di’iulio was able to add the bonus point try in the dying minutes 27- 3.

A great win and we go to Aberavon Green Stars next week sitting proudly at the top of the Table 6 points ahead of Porthcawl, who have a game in hand having had their game postponed yesterday and Bryncoch.