Fixture

I was unable to get to the game until the last twenty minutes today as a result of a “scouting mission “at the Ospreys where Birchgrove Junior sides gave a great account of themselves as flag wavers for the Ospreys versus Dragons Game.

It seems though that even joining the game at a late stage I was lucky enough to enjoy the large part of the Drama that unfolded in this hard fought 13- 10 victory over a high flying Kenfig Hill side.

The first half was a low scoring affair with the away side taking a 0 -3 lead through a Luke Griffiths penalty countered by a welcome try from wing Tristan James to send the home side in with a slender 5 – 3 lead.

The second half proved to be a hard fought encounter as both sides battled for a breakthrough which came in the form of a try for the visitors. Birch were making steady ground towards the opposition line when a dubious knock on was given in their favour . The advantage quickly turned to the opposition though as a field position kick was turned in to counter attack and the bemoaning away support quickly forgave what they saw as the referee’s blunder ! A loose ball chase resulted in a cross field ground hugging pass that Gareth Bale would have been proud of into the path of a prowling Tom Briggs who went over for the away try converted by Luke Griffiths and a 5 – 10 lead.

Birch though were not letting go as they continued to coordinate assaults on the away line with forward and backs combinations always prepared to take on the away defence. They could and should in fact have been back ahead but for some unusually loose off target penalty attempts which they were unable to convert in to points.

Patience was to prevail though as a powerful burst from defence by Corrie Green was carried on by spirited Ashley Evans and a kick ahead saw the effervescent shape of Scott Gibson outstrip the away defensive cover to touch down for a home try. The day’s kicking woes persisted as the conversion sailed wide of the posts but at 10 – 10 with the clock running down this was going to be a blood and guts finish.

And so it proved, Kenfig picked their game up to maintain possession and inch closer to the home line. Dogged home defence and a succession of self-inflicted line out failings frustrating them and preventing them from making progress.

As a result and through thoughtful application it was Birchgrove who were to edge ahead in this tight contest. Substitute Lee (Chopper) Healey who we all know has the silky skills to cause havoc at close quarters dodged his way past a couple of despairing defenders before falling foul to a frantic late tackle after he had administered what could have been a successful chip chase to the line.

Ryan Evans restored to kicking duties gingerly stepped up to take the kick and delivered when it mattered, perfectly dissecting the uprights to give Birch what should have been a match winning lead with only minutes left.

Kenfig though had other ideas and quickly mounted a massed assault on the home 22 yard line. To the anguish of the home support they were awarded a kickable penalty which would allow them to share the points or even an option to go for the corner and secure a hard fought victory. The fastidious referee however along with the Birch faithful had spotted an off the ball incident. After the penalty incident an away forward had insanely attempted to seek some sort of retribution for what he must have thought was an indiscretion against him or his team. He quickly discovered though that there is only one man on the pitch who can deliver such reprisal and his recklessness resulted in a red card admonishment and reversal of the penalty which gave the home side the platform to see out the game and register a welcome and deserved close victory 13 – 10.

A theatrical Drama to end what to the outsider might have appeared a relatively low scoring, uneventful day in the chequered life of a run of the mill Division 1 Rugby Match. It really is what the game is all about and long may it thrive.

Candidates for Man of the Match

Tristan James- great try

Jason Blackmore - Energy personified

Dean Davies- All round game

Scott Gibson- As busy as usual

Man of the Match - Scott Gibson and in his own words "about time too" :)

Next up a visit to Bridgend Athletic next Saturday 1^st of April. See you there.