Fixture

After securing our Division 1 status in midweek we hosted near neighbours Skewen at Parc Bedw today. With no threat of relegation, Birch put on a free-flowing and impressive performance, scoring 7 tries to secure a convincing 43-10 victory.

Skewen were first on the board with a penalty 0-3 but it was not long before the home side put in some impressive attacking phases with Scott Gibson, Josh Jarrett and flanker Tom Lewis showing up well. A Skewen clearance kick though was well collected by full back Steff Gibson who supported by brother Scott saw centre Josh Jarrett in for a powerful run and first try. Scott Gibson converted 7-3.

Birch continued the pressure. With the forwards looking solid, they had the confidence to elect a scrum from a penalty and with a further drive to the line Lewis Cox powered over with the help of Hanno Dirksen 12-3.

With our attacking force now gaining aggressive momentum from all areas it was no surprise as Lewis Cox and Griggs once again took the game to the opposition. Another penalty quickly taken and lively scrum half Aled Thomas is in for try number 3 and a 17- 3 lead.

Skewen refused to back down though, launching an assault on the try line, Scott Gibson’s crucial tackle preventing a certain score. Undeterred, Skewen managed to cross the line for their first try, narrowing the gap to 17-10 just before halftime.

As the second half kicked off, the visitors were determined to mount a comeback and narrowly missed a penalty opportunity to reduce the score gap.  But Birchgrove continued to display strength, with Rob John’s powerful run setting the stage. A well-timed offload to the marauding “Chubsy” gained ground, and then Steff Gibson sprinted an impressive 40 yards along the touch line to secure bonus point try number 4. Steff even had time to convert, extending the lead to 24-10.

The home side continued to impress, with solid ball supply from a well-drilled scrum anchored by Conrad Delfosse and Ben Jones. Tom Downing and Chris Gorvett stood out in the lineout. The orchestrated play of  Aled Thomas and Scott Gibson and the backs looked sharp, leaving you with the sense that more scoring opportunities were on the horizon. A foothold on the opposition line looked promising and with a huge forward drive Rob Green emerged with the ball and a smile to match having secured the 5th home try 29 – 10.

Now firmly in control, the home side relentlessly sought more points. An exchange between Rob Green and Griggs resulted in a loose ball, which the ever-alert Aled Thomas swiftly collected and glided in under the posts. The successful conversion made it 36-10, a truly impressive scoreline.

But there was still room for one more score to cap off this remarkable team display. Scott Gibson broke through and generously offered his brother Steff an opportunity. Steff needed no further encouragement as he crossed the line for his second try of the day, securing the home side’s 7^th .The subsequent conversion added to the spectacle and an imposing 43 -10 win.

A great team performance and a victory that left the home supporters well cheered and places us 7 points clear of relegated side Brynamman. A great home send off for Coach R J Di’iuilio

Man of the Match performances all over the field today and a difficult choice for the Independent Panel.

Candidates ;-

Steff Gibson

Josh Jarrett

Aled Thomas

Tom Downing

But for all round commitment, a try, a not so trademark 30-yard clearance and entertainment value Rob Green gets the award.

Last game of the Season next week at Glynneath. See you there.