Fixture

Birchgrove made the short journey to rivals Bonymaen today in the WRU  Division  1 Cup buoyed by the pulsating wafer thin 35 – 31 December defeat and the welcome return from long term injury to the starting line up of Talisman forwards Lewis (Chubsy) Cox and Josh Key

Early exchanges were what you would expect of a local Derby and no quarter was given as the opposing packs sounded out each other’s resolve and you detected that this was once again going to be a battle to behold.

It was Bony though who were edging the territorial battle and after 10 minutes were to turn that superiority in to points as a loose scrum ball was pounced upon and a swift back movement provided their 12 with an opportunity to go over for the  games first converted try 7 – 0.

Birchgrove continued to battle with a positive scrum and lineout but were unable to capitalise when opportunities came their way and Bonymaen were able to extend their lead with  a penalty from a disputed infringement and yellow card incident 10 – 0.

Bony now looking to take advantage of the visitor’s 14 men almost increased their lead but touchline flag  decision denied them a score before their forward power eventually told and a massive drive put them over for the second try, unconverted   15 – 0.

With half time approaching the Birchgrove support was willing their side to get on the score sheet and they were not disappointed as the determined visitors rose to the occasion. A succession of forward drives and probing back runs culminated in a scrum near the opposition line. A defensive indiscretion saw Bony now reduced to 14 and the rare sight of the Bonymaen pack conceding a humbling scrum penalty try was a huge boost to the visitors as the half closed 15 – 7.

The second half started with the same degree of urgency that had been the hallmark of the first and although Bony were able to increase their lead through a penalty 18 – 7 you sensed that the visiting opposition threat was alive and well. Play was moving from end to end now with Birchgrove showing a greater enterprise and energy than had been seen in the first half and this was rewarded with an excellent team try from wing Tristan James and a massive touch line conversion from Ryan Evans to narrow the gap to 18 – 14.

The wounded home side with vocal and fresh bench support were not going to lay down though and from an active four phase forward assault on the visiting line, despite courageous defence, were able to create a four on three advantage for them to go over for a converted try 25 – 14.

Birch though were not done and once again they galvanised themselves and orchestrated an offensive position near the home line. Was that elusive win still a possibility? Well the players thought so and as soon as Josh Jarret eluded a desperate defence and muscled his way over for an unconverted try 25 – 19 so did the supporters !!

So with the scene set for a Grandstand Finish could it be our day at last ! !

Well, not quite, as time ran out but what a game and another close call which shows just how much the Club has moved on when we have now in two successive games been able to give our illustrious neighbours a real scare . Well done to all involved and it must only be a matter of time before that scalp is ours. In the meantime good luck to the Bony in the next round as they host North Wales visitors Nant Conwy.

For us ,back to league action next and Ammanford visit Parc Bedw in an evening game next Friday 3^rd Feb kick off 7.15.

Candidates for Man of the Match from the Panel which this week also included an opposition supporter :-

Ben Jones

Josh Key

Chris Gorvett

Josh Jarrett

The Man of the Match goes to Chris Gorvett