Fixture

A large crowd gathered at Parc Bedw today and were treated to an enthralling battle between what are now the two big boys of East Side Rugby. The visitors unfortunately ran out 16 – 18 winners but not before they were given a testing time by the home 15 and Bony went home knowing that they had been in a tough game.

It was the home side who took the lead after the early exchanges as Steff Castle stepped up to perform what is now becoming his “party piece” slotting over a low trajectory penalty from the half way line  3 – 0.

Bonymaen looked to hit back though showing that they had brought their big forward game with them as they attempted to bully the home pack in to submission with their driving maul. It was Birch though who were to strike again. For all the forward dominance being exhibited when the ball was released the home aggressive defence was awesome and it was a crunching tackle from Tom Downing on the opposing back line that led to the ball becoming dislodged and available. A little forward scurrying and it was Leigh Di’ulio who emerged ball in hand  to undertake a lung bursting 30 yard run to the line for the games first try. Steff Castle converted from the touchline 10 -0.

The pattern continued ,Bonymaen pressing with forward power being met by crunching tackle after tackle repelling them at every call with backs Adam Percival leading the resistance in indomitable fashion and full back Adam Rowlands safe under the high ball and sure in the tackle. The forward effort was no less impressive with hooker Liam Richards to the fore aided and abetted by the energy and power of the back row of Cox, Green and skipper Josh Key.

. The Dam however was bound to yield at some stage to the mounting pressure as the Bony set up yet another drive to the home line. The first wave was again bravely halted but from the resultant recycle they made the line for their first try. The conversion from Richard Cunnife rattling the Robin at the top of the posts before bouncing safely back in field. 10 – 5.

Birchgrove again bounced back though as the Bony defence fumbled the restart and the resultant loose mêlée leading to a home penalty which Steff Castle again assuredly slotted over 13 -5 before the visitors replied with a penalty of their own to bring the first half pulsating proceedings to a close finely balanced at 13 – 8

The second half was to start with some controversy as the referee adjudged an away clear out tackle to be dangerous and a yellow card temporarily reduced the visitors to 14. Unfortunately though it was the away side who were to increase their score during this period with a second penalty 13 -11

With no let up in incident or pace next it was Birchgrove who were to draw the wrath of the referee with what possibly turned out to be a defining moment in the game. With the visitors on the attack the home defence once again showed their mettle to earn what would have been a relieving penalty. Some “afters” however was adjudged to be the fault of the home side and not only were we reduced to 14 temporarily the penalty decision was reversed.

With the scent of the line fresh in the nostrils of the Bonymaen forwards a kick to touch brought a line out and the inevitable drive for the line and their second try, a conversion and the lead for the first time in the game 13 – 18

The battle was now on with Birch eager to restore their lead and the Bony looking to close the game out. At times the structure of the game went off plan and some almost Carnival Rugby was on show as both sides tested each other and the sight of Birch hooker Liam Richards steaming back 30 yards to gather a rolling ball and launch a  “slightly less than accurate “ clearing kick brought delight to  the packed crowd but typified  the determination of every player on the field.

Birchgrove were the team to bring some order back to the game though and optimism to the home supporters as Steff Castle was again successful with a penalty reducing the gap to only 2 points at 16 – 18.

A grandstand finish was on the cards and neither side was going to capitulate. The home fans breathed a sigh of relief as a Bony penalty was pulled wide but with the clock running down it was the visitors who took the spoils 16 – 18.

A thoroughly entertaining game and a credit to all involved and although we are still waiting for our first victory in this competition we are showing that we can live with the big hitters and it must surely only be a matter of time before we savour a victory.

Next up at home next Saturday Glynneath ko 2.30     Don’t miss it !