Fixture

Birchgrove RFC | 1st Team 34 - 13 Tondu RFC | 1st Team
Ashley Evans
Try 1
Sam Evans
Conversion 4
Penalty 2
Scott Scott.gibson259@gmail.com Gibson
Try 2
Chris Gorvett
Try 1

Match Report
07 January 2023 / Team News

BONUS POINT WIN TO START THE NEW YEAR

Birchgrove entertained Tondu today at Parc Bedw and kicked off in to driving rain and a swirling wind which may have suggested the start of an “Up your Jumper” forward orientated game.

Far from it as four tries later Birchgrove celebrated an entertaining 34 – 13 victory over a solid Tondu side.

Birch were first on the score sheet as an expansive back move developed leading to a short kick ahead which the ever alert Captain for the day Scott Gibson soon latched on to and with a bit of nifty footwork dribbled over the line to claim try number one. Sam Evans who had also played an integral part in the build up added the conversion 7 – 0.

Tondu were soon back in the fray though and their big front row were causing one or two problems in the tight ably, assisted by the referee and a penalty shot eventually allowed them to cut the deficit to 7 -3.

It was Birchgrove who were showing most enterprise though despite the sodden conditions and a regular supply of ball from the loose work of Liam Richards, Tom Downing and Tom Wright was allowing Gibson to get the back line moving at will. It was no surprise therefore that try number two was recorded as a neat little chip from Sam Evans hung invitingly above the Crossbar before being grasped by the determined hands of Ashley Evans going over for the score. Sam Evans again from the tee 14 – 3

Tondu again did their best to get back in the game claiming a bit of territorial advantage and a further penalty made it 14 – 6 . Birch not to be outdone were soon hitting back with Sam Evans again succeeding with the boot after Chris Gorvett had stolen the visitors defensive line out and a darting Gibson was too much for the away defence to cope with 17 – 6.

A further penalty before half time put the home side in a comfortable lead of 20 – 6 as the half drew to a close.

Tondu started the second half with plenty of resolve and for a time capitalised on territory testing the home defence which responded superbly giving no quarter against the storming  Howitzer runs of the visiting forwards.

Having weathered this storm it was Birch who then created the move of the match with an end to end try which made a complete mockery of the heavy conditions. The back line combined to move the ball swiftly and accurately breaking out from near their own line gliding over the slippery surface with some aplomb and Gibson  was on hand once more to trot in for the score, the sure boot of Evans adding the extras 27 – 6

But to their credit back the visiting side came and they were rewarded with a try that their commitment and forward durability deserved and at 27 -13 was there a chance that this might go to the wire.

Not really ! The home side scenting a win, a good one at that, still had time to capitalise on a defensive indiscretion and with a 4 try bonus point on offer, a quick tap and go allowed Chris Gorvett to go in near the posts ensuring that Evans could maintain his 100% kicking record for the day (second game on the trot) and a 34 – 13 victory.

An excellent game bearing in mind the deplorable weather and a credit to both sides.

The Independent panel had plenty to think about for the Man of the Match. Candidates were

 2 Try Scott Gibson

Tom Downing and Tom Wright for their dogged work in the loose.

Liam Richards for his usual all action close quarters work.

 

But the award goes to Sam Evans for his assured creativity on a difficult day and 14 points from the boot.

 

Well done Sam, same again next week if you don’t mind as we entertain Waunarlwydd at home.- Don’t miss it !

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