Fixture

Birchgrove avenged their surprise end of last season defeat by visitors Brynamman running out 16-6 winners and moving off the bottom of the Table.

Playing with the wind on a heavy pitch Birch started in a lively fashion soon putting pressure on the away line with Tom Wright and Aled Thomas combining. With a greasy ball making handling difficult the home pack were sustaining the pressure and Rhys Herbert was able to open the scoring from a penalty.3 – 0

With Brynamman offering little in the way of attack and with consistent yardage coming from breaks led by Lewis Cox, Tom Wright, Liam Richards and Chris Gorvett a further penalty from Herbert doubled the lead 6 – 0.

A pattern was now emerging and with relentless pressure on the Brynamman line which could not even be saved by the silky defensive skills of ex Championship full back Leigh Evans it was only a matter of time before the line was breached. A succession of penalties and away handling difficulties put Birch in a good attacking position and even though the scrum was not perfect Lewis Cox in usual marauding style picked up and punched a hole in the visiting defence. A supporting Gorvett was on hand to capitalize and go over for the first try, a good conversion and Birch were up 13 – 0 a score that surprisingly was not improved upon leading to half time.

With the wind now at their backs Brynamman were soon on the score board at the start of the second half with a penalty from Joseff Davies 13 – 3. As much as they tried though Brynamman were unable to secure a consistent attacking foothold and it was another forward drive from Gorvett and I think I actually saw a sidestep from Liam Richards which brought a penalty option. Herbert was up to the task again and at 16 – 3 the game was looking settled and a Birchgrove win plainly on the cards.

Well it was to be but with the remainder of the second half developing in to a forward orientated arm wrestle which bearing in mind the conditions quite understandably did not suit the fleet of foot approach from the two Gibsons and Josh Jarrett seen in the previous game against COBRA.

The game offered only one further score, a penalty to Brynamman, before the contest ended in a thoroughly deserved second league win for the home side 16 -6 and a cameo appearance from Coach R J Di'uilio. Well done to all involved.

Man of the Match Contenders this week not surprisingly mostly forwards were :-

Liam Richards

Chris Gorvett

Lewis Cox

Scott Gibson

The award goes to Chris Gorvett for his all round game and consistency which has been a hallmark of his game so far this year.

Next week is our bye week in the league so no game. We restart at home on Saturday 2^nd of December with our next Cup round Porth Harlequins