Fixture

In a game that was inevitably going to be affected by a swirling wind it was Kenfig Hill who were first to benefit. A wind affected home kick put them on the attack and despite brave defence from Birch the powerful visiting pack were able to drive over for the game’s first converted try 0 – 7

Birch though were looking to bounce back and a Scott Gibson chip and chase almost brought an equaliser save for a try saving stop near the line. But Birch with the bit between their teeth maintained the pressure and Rob Green went over for a try converted by Steff Gibson 7 – 7.

Despite the wind disadvantage it was the home side who were next on the score sheet, a drop out from Kenfig was caught in the wind and a surprised Conrad Delfosse was presented with an unexpected gift of the ball. With a deft offload to the marauding Lewis Cox who somehow managed to evade the touchline and aggressive defensive cover, centre Hanno Dirkson was on hand to offer support and power over for a second converted try 14 – 7.

The Mules were quick to respond and their powerful pack were soon threatening the home line but with a combination of stubborn defence and away mishandling the home support were happy to turn around with an unexpected but deserved lead.

With the wind now in their favour Kenfig were first on the attack but an overkick gave the home side possession. The Gibson brothers were able to make ground in a neat exchange before Tom Lewis and Lewis Cox were able to carry on the attack and the industrious Josh Jarrett was over for the home side’s third converted try 21- 7.

We could have been looking at a shock victory here thought the home faithful but the powerful visiting forwards had other ideas. A well-executed catch and drive brought a converted try  21-14 followed by another forward orientated try to bring the scores level at 21 -21.

Would we fold? well to be fair from there on in we looked the more enterprising side and Kenfig were troubled enough to opt for a kick at the posts from a penalty to edge in front 21-24 and even then scorned the chance of a kick to touch and possible bonus point try in favour of another kick to put them in the driving seat 21 – 27.

With the priority now looking to preserve the losing bonus point it was still the home side that ended the game in attacking mode and a well-deserved point towards safety.

Well done lads and we go again next Saturday against local rivals Morriston having moved ahead of Bridgend Athletic in the league and still 4 points ahead of bottom side Brynamman who also gained a losing bonus at Builth.

Man of the Match candidates :-

Tom Downing

Scott Gibson

Rob Green

Josh Jarrett 

The award goes to Rob Green