Fixture

Birchgrove came out on top 10-5 in a tough battle with second placed Bridgend Sports at home today.

Birch took the field with a strong side hoping to emulate the cup victory already posted against the Sports earlier in the year. The early exchanges were pretty even but Bridgend were showing scrummage dominance allowing them to secure good field positions. After a 20 minute stalemate a short penalty to touch gave them the first chance of a score which they gratefully accepted. A line out win provided the opportunity for their pack to drive over and their Hooker was credited with the touch down 0-5.

This proved a bit of a wake up call for the home side who attacked from the kick out with Nathan Jones, Liam Garland and Adam Percival involved in a slick move which was brought to a halt with an unfortunate knock on. Birch though continued to press the line and were rewarded when lively flanker Kyle Evans e evaded the visiting cover defence to go over near the post for a try converted by Liam Garland 7 -5.

Although the visiting scrum remained on top, the home side remained confident as heroic work in the back row particularly from Josh Key was still allowing attacking options to develop. The probing of Nathan Jones and some hard running from backs Jordan Williams, Adam Percival and Wayne McFenton were causing some defensive problems for the Sports. It was a forward initiated move though that brought the next score as a drive led by “spring chickens” Darren Poland and Dai Cullen almost breached the line. Bridgend though had transgressed in desperate defence and Liam Garland slotted home the penalty to take the game to half time 10-5

The second half saw Bridgend again exerting forward pressure but perhaps overusing the kicking game to gain territory. But as in the Cup game earlier in the season the Birchgrove defence was well drilled and not in the mood to give up their slender lead. Time after time the Sports attack was thwarted with big hits from all quarters and the back row of Kyle Evans, Josh Key and Jack Perkins continuing to convert retreating ball into either a clearance or counter attacking opportunity.

As the game wore on you got the impression that although the home lead was only one score that this was a day when no quarter was to be given. With the fresh legs of Tom Downing. Steven George and Ricky Rosser joining the fray the home side protected their territory well and saw the game out with no second half score for an important victory which closes the gap on the leaders.

Next up is an away trip to Cwmgwrach next Saturday 16^th April.