Fixture

Birchgrove travelled to the leafy Stockbroker Suburb of Dinas Powys for today’s second round WRU Plate game and won an exhilarating game by the narrowest of margins 31.33.

Missing a few regulars most notably captain Scott Beard who became a father on Friday (Congratulations to him) Birchgrove set about progressing in the Plate competition having suffered two  previous league reversals.

The opening exchanges were direct and purposeful and gave the travelling fans some assurance that we were back on track. Dinas had the first opportunity to take the lead but their No 10 was unable to take advantage of a kickable penalty. Birch regrouped quickly and from a solid scrum made progress through Josh Key, Bobby Scrine, Adam Rowlands and Scrine again. Two phases of quickly delivered ball saw Adam Percival neatly hand on to Stephen Crane then Curtis Davies who powered over. The dependable Matthew Edwards added the conversion 0 – 7.

Dinas quickly bounced back though and showed some nice touches behind the scrum and making good use of their unusually wide pitch equalised with a well constructed try from wing Rhys Evans converted by 10 Callum Bricknell 7 -7..

It was the visitors who had the edge though at this stage and once more came knocking on the home line. A loose ball was snapped up by Edwards who put the home defence under some pressure with a kick ahead. With the Birchgrove backs following up somehow the ball landed back in Matthew Edwards’ hands and with a slight of hand that would not have been out of place in a Tommy Cooper routine (he was a magician for the benefit of our younger readers ! ) he completely bamboozled the home defence and went over for an unconverted try 7 -12.

The game was evening out in terms of territory and the Dinas side were looking quite sharp behind when given the opportunity to counterattack but it was the visitors who were next to strike again. A good take at the lineout where Aled Mogford was a significant presence set up a drive. Scrine got the line moving, Liam Richards provided the “oomph”, quick clear out, Scrine to Percival deft hands Adam Rowlands over (wow this was like the old days ) Edwards converted 7 -19

But just as we were thinking of getting carried away, reality set in. The home backs had showed their measure early on and it was becoming more and more obvious they knew this pitch very well and a sweeping counter attack  brought its reward, a try 12 -19. Another Edwards’ penalty restored the gap though and 12 – 22 half time was more than acceptable.

Looking to build on the 10 point lead Birchgrove started the second half with plenty of energy but a couple of indiscretions and some loose kicking were giving the home side some heart. Their controlling 10 Callum Bricknell was having a good day with the boot and  three successive penalties had the travelling support scratching their heads as a  10 point lead dissolved to only 1 and the game was now evenly poised at 21 -22.

Could we galvanise things and steal this game ? Well the answer was not long coming as an almost diminutive Leigh Di’lulio in comparison to his opposite numbers showed exceptional timing and bravery to claim a high  ball. A sweet offload to skipper for the day Josh Key saw him make the hard yards to the line and back on track 21 -27. A Matthew Edwards penalty followed and at 21 -30 it looked like the panic was over and next round here we come.

Well as we know nothing at this level comes easy and despite their indifferent league standing this Dinas side were not for rolling over and our defence was being tested as they strived to get back in to it. Despite our sterling resolve though a converted try and a penalty soon got them in to the unbelievable position of leading 31 - 30 as the game was rolling in to the final minutes.

Now this was a test of character and to their great credit the Birchgrove players pulled out all the stops. The pack hammered away tirelessly to win and retain possession with Stephen Crane putting in a good shift as stand in No. 8 and Props Callum Llewellyn and young Kyl Thompson having their first full 80 minutes of the season. The backs strained every sinew as they made their way to the home line in combative style and the situation was not helped as we were reduced to 14 men.

The just reward came though, a penalty 25/30 yards out maybe 10 yards in from the line, not easy. To add to the drama the ref had indicated this was the last kick of the match. The pressure was immense the ball was placed, the crowd to a man fell silent. There was one man on the stage and you couldn’t ask for a better man to have at your disposal in this situation. Matthew Edwards leaned back , a short run, perfect contact, plenty of height, did it have the legs ? did it have the direction? It seemed an age but the flags were up ! Elation for the visitors, disappointment for the hosts. 31 -33 and Birchgrove are in the next round.

An exciting game and a good advert for the game. Back to the league next week and high flying Kenfig Hill are the visitors but with yesterday’s belief and hard work we can hopefully take another top side scalp.