Fixture

Birchgrove travelled for their final to game to Briton Ferry without a number of key regulars but confident that they could achieve the required eight try bonus win to take them ahead of Swansea Uplands in the final league table.

The Ferry though were the first to register a score with an early penalty 3 – 0. Birch though then quickly set about their task as centre Adam Percival set up an attacking move only to be thwarted by an offside Briton ferry player. A quick penalty put Scott Beard in for the first try 3 -5.

On the hard ground Birchgrove looked as if they had the speed and enterprise behind the scrum to go looking for the tries with Jordan Williams and Lee Harris in particular looking to take on the opposition in open field play. After a bit of home pressure, well weathered, it was no surprise that a well-constructed backs movement saw Ritchie Beynon squeeze in for the tightest of touch downs in the corner and try number 2 on the board 3 -10.

It was at this stage of the game though that Plan A almost came off the rails as Briton Ferry’s pack started to dominate the set piece to such an extent that the visitors were living off scraps and unable to get any fluidity in to their running attacks. Josh Key as usual was a pillar at the back of a retreating scrum and it was still quite encouraging that even with the lion’s share of ball the home side were showing little in the way of attacking enterprise choosing mainly to have their bulky No 8 continuously run the same channel in an attempt to open up the Birch defence. They didn’t seem to appreciate that an uncompromising Adam Percival had made it his mission to close that particular avenue so with no quarter given 3 – 10 was the half time score.

With Wes Pretorious suffering an injury and the visitors with no acceptable Prop Cover the second half was only minutes old before with Kris Williams on as substitute the game reverted to passive scrums. Birchgrove immediately benefitted and Jordan Williams made a scorching break to feed to Lee Harris for try No 3 which he quickly converted 3-17.

Birchgrove were now gaining in confidence and a raking kick from on permit No. 10 Jamie Moore which looked to be over cooked actually hit the crossbar and bounced back in to play with Birchgrove in hot pursuit. A couple of flicked passes and Rob John went in for the bonus try with a celebration to match. L Harris converted and you got the impression, well maybe it was going to be our day. 3- 24

Minutes later you’d say that was confirmed as Lee Harris treated the home cover defence with some degree of contempt as he dummied, sidestepped and pirouetted his way from half way to the line for try number 5 another quick conversion and the score was 3- 31 . Game over but job not done.

Briton Ferry made a belated attempt to get back in to the game but moving their No. 8 to centre to try a different crash ball angle brought the same response from the resolute Percival backed up by his minders Tom Downing and R J D’iulio. Birch were therefore soon back on the front foot but were repelled with a succession of high tackles before a deft Ricky Rosser reverse pass put Josh Key in for the try which he quickly converted  3-38.

Six down and two to go seemed the opportune time to introduce forwards coach Chris Grimes for what would be his last game for the club. He replaced Scott Beard who with second row partner Captain Luke Williams and hooker Conor Gallivan, having what I think may be one of his best games for the Club, deserve great credit for their imperious day at the lineout .

Try number 7 came along shortly after as on loan Jamie Moore strode over. Ricky Rosser converted 7- 45. One to go to secure the elusive third place and it was almost a fairy tale end for Grimsey as he followed up on the shirt tails of a Jordan Williams, Lee Harris break to touch down and start the celebration of celebrations only to have the wind taken out of his sails by the ref adjudging the penultimate pass from Williams to Harris to have been forward.

But no matter it was only a matter of minutes before the job was done Tom Downing picking up a loose ball to barge over for try number 8 and a well-deserved 6-50 victory and the coveted third league placing.

A great victory to sign off a great season full of endeavour, skill and enterprise. A couple of notable lapses probably cost us promotion particularly the slip up at Abercrave and the second half performance at Nantyfyllon. To lose to Taibach and Swansea Uplands, two very good teams ,was no disgrace and to beat the eventual champions Nanty at home and second placed Taibach on their own patch as well as hold the Uplands to a draw on “Millionaire’s Row” just shows the strides this team has made.

So that’s all from me for this season but I would like to sign off by offering on behalf of myself and the supporters,  forwards coach Chris Grimes all the very best in his new challenge at Skewen Youth.

Grimsey can be well satisfied with his stay at the club which included three promotions and a third place. He has also been an encouraging influence on the pitch and a pillar of sociability in the Bar. Good Luck Chris.

Only one more date for the diary now Presentation night will be at the Club. Saturday the 20^th March. Glan Brayley is now taking nominations for “Supporters Player of the Year”, there are plenty of contenders so get your nominations to Glan as soon as possible.

Mine is in so no silver need cross my palm !!

 A great Season lads, Well Done , see you next year same place…………………………………………