Fixture

If ever a game wrote it’s own headline this was it!!  With seconds to go Birchgrove’s determination shone through as they “pinched” the game 17-18.

In atrocious conditions so wet, windy and cold even the hardiest supporters watched the game from the Club House Bar (doubling up as the Press Box). The players on both sides who braved the elements though are to be congratulated for providing an evenly fought and exciting contest.

The home side were the first on the scoresheet after ten minutes of aquaplaning allowed them to develop a foothold near the visitor’s line. A simple passing movement despite the soapy ball and water underfoot gave their No.5 a relatively easy run in for the first converted try. 7-0

Birchgrove’s kick off was fielded and eventually returned with interest but with the ball landing dead in the mud Ritchie Beynon’s collection was delayed just long enough for the pursuing No 10 to charge down the clearance kick and help himself to the second try which he also converted 14 -0.

Not to be outdone Birchgrove now set up their own pressure period with Liam Richards, Dai Cullen and Josh Key making inroads in to the home midfield defence. A ruck ball gave Nathan Jones an opportunity to move the ball on to Liam Garland then on to Luke Beynon who handed on to Lee Jones who was over in the corner 14 – 5

With Banwen claiming a territorial advantage and playing the conditions slightly better than the visitors Birch were happy to be the next on the score sheet with a Liam Garland penalty to take the game to half time and a welcome dressing room respite from the cold and rain 14 – 8.

With more of the same in the second half, Banwen’s kicking game was giving them territory whilst the visitor’s determination to try and play rugby was easier on the eye but inevitably, in the conditions, bringing more prospect for error. Banwen were first to get the board clicking in the second half as they secured and converted a penalty 17 – 8.

Birch’s enterprise though was soon to pay off as a backs/forward combo of Garland, Adam Percival, Luke Beynon and Liam Richards gave the redoubtable Dai Cullen the opportunity to slide in for an -unconverted try 17 -13.

With the conditions continuing to take its toll on the accuracy of both side’s endeavours the remainder of the second half will be most memorable for the final 5 minutes or so of the action. Birchgrove, looking for the win, made a number of aggressive assaults on the home line. Banwen intent on securing their lead offered stout defence and on each occasion conjured up a turn over or an opportunity to clear their lines. Each clearance was greeted with despair by the Birchgrove followers as it seemed the clock was going to beat us.

Not to be though,  as with what must have been close to  the last play of the day Josh Key and Liam Richards drove Dai Cullen over the line only to be disappointed as the Referee indicated the Banwen defence had held him up. The resignation of defeat was to be reversed however when the referee indicated that there was time for the resultant attacking scrum.

Not believing in “lightening striking twice” following the smash and grab raid at Porthcawl the supporters were not “holding their breath” but the exceptional fortitude of the player’s was not to be underestimated and quick ball fed out to Luke Beynon on the wing allowed him to squeeze in for the winning try to the exhilaration of the Players and Officials and the disbelief and abject disappointment of the home side!

What a week !!!!!! . This is what grass roots Rugby is all about  !!!!! Well done to both sides.

Next scheduled game is home to Rhigos next week sat 2nd April.