News

A much sterner test faced Birch today as they took on established Division 2 West side Carmarthen Athletic  in the second friendly of the season.

Carmarthen were the first to get on the scoreboard after an evenly contested game made more difficult by an annoying drizzle resulting in a slippery surface and ball. A speculative kick to the wing presented new back’s coach Kris Weightman with a difficult ball to control and an unfortunate bounce presented the away chasers with an opportunity to  take the lead  0- 5.

With no further scoring opportunities in the first half Birchgrove started the second with renewed energy and were in the ascendancy in territorial terms in the early exchanges. Their pressure was soon turned to points with a well worked try from a lineout just inside the opposition half. An astute inside pass from Adam Percival  was carried on by Luke Beynon  who offloaded to Josh Key to make hard yards and slip the ball to supporting centre Nathaniel Llewellyn to go over for a try converted by No 10 Adam Rowlands 7 -5.

Birch continued in the same vein and despite forceful opposition were able to continue to play the bulk of the game in the opposition half. A second try was to come from a  similar move to the first. Having secured good position the lineout delivered once more backed up by aggressive loose forward play  and Percival this time had No 10 Adam Rowlands on hand to go over for try number two also converted by him 14 – 5.

The Athletic, with the luxury of fresh legs to add to the fray, stretched every sinew to get back in to the game and with the benefit of improved forward supremacy they were able to pull one try back  to end the game 14 – 10.

A good test against a reputable outfit will have left the Birchgrove team and supporters with a degree of confidence for the coming season which kicks of away against Nantymoel  Saturday Sept 1^st.

Well done to all involved.