Fixture

At the second attempt Mid Wales side COBRA made the 3 hour trip to Parc Bedw today but went home with nothing as the home side ran out well deserved winners 29 –19

The first 10 minutes or so was all about jousting with neither side really gaining an advantage but the home side looking more resourceful than their opponents. Then after a period of pressure on the COBRA line the home lineout which was functioning well with Rob Green throwing and Ioan Jones catching a well marshalled drive gave returning back row player Tom Downing the games first try 5 – 0.

This seemed to be the catalyst for Birch to turn the screw and for a period there seemed to be only one side in the game with solid forward possession giving the backs plenty of scope to run riot Di’uilio, both Gibsons, Jarret and Ashley Evans all looking lively but mishandlings or indiscipline preventing good opportunities turning in to scores.

Pressure did eventually tell though and a sleight of hand Scott Gibson pass put busy winger Josh Jarrett over for the games second try converted by Herbert 12 – 0 and here we go !

Ooops !!! change of script, with all the enterprise, all the possession and virtually all the territory we somehow found ourselves going in at half time 12 – 13  down courtesy of a soft try and two converted penalties .

Second half , back on script ? No not yet ! another penalty conceded and the travellers must have thought Christmas has come early and they are 12 – 16 in front. Sanity would surely prevail and after good ground work from a solid pack with Green , Downing and Gorvett always looking to make ground the platform was in place for Di’uilio to spread to Scott Gibson who performed an offload and  ballerinic loop to  squeeze in for the home sides  third try , converted and drama over back where we should be in the lead 19- 16 and heading for the next round.

But no, let’s make it interesting , another penalty and the visitors are back in contention somehow and at 19 – 19 the talk is oh extra time  -how was this happening ? Well thankfully for the second time we manage to get back on track with some cool composure see the game out with effervescent Rob Green getting the touch down from a well-orchestrated try and a final minute penalty to seal the game and passage to the next round where we entertain Porth Harlequins.

Man of the Match Candidates :-

Tom Downing back from injury and looking like he had never been away.

The Gibson boys Scott and Steff bobbing and weaving their way through narrow passages only they can see

Rob Green full of energy, banter and enthusiasm.

The Award goes to the “Joker in the Pack” Rob Green for his all round game and additional entertainment value.

Next week home to Brynamman, see you there.