MATCH DAY REPORTS

Welcome to the Birchgrove RFC Match Day Reports page – your home for all the latest updates fresh from the pitch.

NEATH ATHLETIC 80 v 26 BIRCHGROVE

Having suffered a 5–43 loss to the Athletic at home last week, we made the short trip to Cwrt Herbert for the penultimate game of the season, all with next week’s crunch match against Mumbles firmly in mind.

Well, what can I say. An early storm of black‑shirted energy soon had us two tries down, 14–0. The pain continued as their slick handling and speed of thought and foot kept stretching us, despite the customary resilience of the Birchgrove defence and our domination of the set scrum. But the tries kept coming: 21, 28, 35… and on it went until the scoreboard showed seven converted tries without reply. 49–0. It felt less like a contest and more like standing in the path of a side playing at a different tempo entirely.

Surely it couldn’t continue, and eventually something did shift. A spell of pressure and flashes of individual skill finally paid dividends as we crossed for a consolation try just before half‑time. 49–7. Another followed soon after, 49–14, giving us at least a foothold and a hint of momentum going into the break.

Could we turn it around? Could we sustain the recovery? Unfortunately not, as the black shirts crossed again for try number eight, stretching it to 56–14. But now the objective was clear. The game was long gone, but a four‑try bonus point would put us level on points with relegation rivals Mumbles and above them in the table on games won giving us us a crucial edge heading into next week.

And the faithful — and the optimists — were rewarded. Over we went again for our third try, 56–19, and suddenly the possibility of that bonus point felt real. But Neath Athletic were in no mood to ease off, adding tries 10, 11 and 12 to push the score to 75–19, a harsh reflection of their accuracy and our defensive fatigue.

Still, there was fight in the dog. A lineout win and swift movement along the backline put us in for the much‑needed fourth try, to the delight of the travelling supporters 75-26. They added another late score 80 -26, but our work was done. We had secured the bonus point, climbed above the Swansea West outfit, and now move into the final week with the advantage — small though it may be.

Next week it’s Mumbles. 2.30pm. Parc Bedw. Winner takes all relegation battle. In theory, an unlikely draw could be enough, but this feels like one of those days where only a win will settle the matter.

Let’s get behind the lads. Big crowd, big occasion, big game. I say “don’t miss it” — tongue firmly in cheek — as a scheduling hiccup means I’ll be following events from the warmth of the Canaries. Reporting from the Atlantic may be tricky, so may I take this opportunity to thank all my readers who have put up with my ramblings for another season. See you next year.

Try scorers: Harry Sadler, Oakley Roe, Kyle Evans, Chris Davies. All were candidates for Man of the Match, but the award goes to Chris Davies — a try scorer and the anchor of our once‑again dominant scrum.

BIRCHGROVE V NEATH ATHLETIC

BIRCHGROVE 5- 43 NEATH ATHLETIC

Well can I say firstly what a wonderful Sponsors Day in the Club today as all those with the Club at heart gathered to watch the game and enjoy some social interaction afterwards. Congratulations to all those involved in the organisation.

The game, we have to say, went much as expected. The Athletic are not at the top end of the table — and now promoted — for no reason. Their structured game and silky skills behind the pack, especially in the first half, brought them five tries and three conversions despite plenty of Birchgrove resistance, turning around at 0–31.

The second half, as has been the case in recent weeks, was a lot closer. Birchgrove, after concerted pressure, managed to get a try on the board to make it 5–31, and in all honesty could have had at least another two. Heavy pressure on the visitors’ line saw us held up, a knock‑on at the wrong moment, and a short‑range penalty move — one that has worked well in the past — just failing to come off.

It was the Athletic who finished the stronger, adding two further tries for a final score of 5–43. Promotion secured for them, and for us even more certainty that the Mumbles game at home on May 2nd will define our season and decide whether next year we play in Division 3 or live to fight another day.

Again, no criticism of the fight or effort from the boys today — they gave their all.

We now look forward to the final two games: Neath Athletic again at Cwrt Herbert next week, and then “Le Crunch” against our Swansea West rivals Mumbles the week after. See you there.

Man of the Match: Despite the score, no shortage of effort. The usual culprits — Kyle Evans and Tom Downing, put in a shift. Permit players Dylan Hills and Liam Tobias also stepped up. But an ex‑player helping us out today, Sam Berbillion, gets the nod. Congratulations to him.

DOMINANT SCRUM PAVES THE WAY TO A DESERVED POINT

BIRCHGROVE 21   PENCOED 28

After last week’s heavy defeat, Pencoed arrived at Parc Bedw for the reverse fixture surely expecting more of the same. Instead, they walked into a storm. A huge shift from the home side—powered by a dominant, relentless scrum and invention behind—turned the afternoon into a battle they hadn’t bargained for. By the final whistle they knew they’d been in a contest, and in truth were grateful to escape with the win. The Robins had to settle for a losing bonus point that could have been so much more.

Playing with the full force of a squally, howling high wind at their backs, the visitors had a serious advantage and soon turned pressure in to points crossing for the first try within minutes 0-7. A second was soon to follow 0-14 but not before the home side had declared their intent with a number of strong scrummaging efforts and sorties in to the opposition 22.

Birch were to get the reward their pressure deserved though when John Neto powered over for their first score of the afternoon, pulling the game back to 7–14 and setting up a finely balanced contest as half‑time loomed. With the Birchgrove scrum now in full command—marching the opposition backwards and racking up penalties—the momentum felt firmly with the home side. But the visitors aren’t sitting near the top of the league by accident. Having weathered the forward onslaught, they struck with a ruthless last‑play try, sending Birch in at the break 7-21 down.

With the wind now at their backs, Birch shook off the sting of that last‑minute first‑half try and went straight back to work. Sustained pressure from forwards and backs alike pinned the visitors deep, and once a foothold was established near the line there was only ever going to be one outcome. A concerted surge from the pack delivered just reward as Kyle Evans crashed over for the second home try of the afternoon, Cam Banford adding the extras again to haul the score back to 14–21 and reignite the contest.

A third was not long in coming, more pressure from a raking Banford kick and this time lady luck lent a hand a bouncing ball from a defensive line out bobbled about before falling in to the grateful hands of Chris Davies who some would say flopped over whilst others of a more adventurous spirit would say outrageously sidestepped a spirited defensive effort with guile and enterprise to dot down. Banford converting to level the score at 21 -21. Game on.

With the home side scenting an unexpected victory and a wounded Pencoed looking to save face the game entered an exciting and competitive end to end phase which was a credit to both sides. It was the visitors though who were to break the deadlock sneaking a fourth and bonus point try to edge in front 21-28 and despite the herculean efforts of the brave home side were to salvage their pride as they saw out the game and take the spoils.

A tremendous effort from the lads today and a welcome and deserved losing bonus point which could so easily have been a victory. We go again now over the next two weeks home and away against Neath Athletic another high-flying promotion seeking side to pick up points before what could be the crunch game against Mumbles for survival on 2^nd of May. But it is still in our hands.

Today’s Man of the Match contenders included Cam Banford for his composed, controlling display, Kyle Evans and Tom Downing for their trademark all‑action performances, and Chris Davies for anchoring the set‑piece with authority. The award goes to Chris Davies, though he’d be the first to say that his performance was built on the work of those around him, and that today’s real foundation came from a forward unit that never took a backward step.

BIRCH SUFFER AT PENCOED

PENCOED 52 BIRCHGROVE 7

As the season edges towards its climax, and with our main concern—avoiding relegation—still very much in our own hands, we travelled to Pencoed today for the first of a double‑header against the Bridgend side, who we also host next week.

The home side, missing their talisman Gavin Henson, wasted no time getting the scoreboard moving. After an early Birchgrove attack showed some promise, Pencoed countered sharply to claim the opening try, 7–0. Unfortunately, that pattern became the story of the afternoon. Despite Birchgrove battling hard, carrying well, and threatening the home line on several occasions, a mix of strong Pencoed defence and their ability to strike quickly on the counter saw the try count build steadily. By half‑time the hosts held a comfortable 26–0 lead.

The second half followed a similar script. To their credit, the Birchgrove boys never dropped their heads and kept working for each other, eventually earning a well‑deserved consolation try midway through the half. But the home side continued to capitalise on their momentum, finishing with a 52–7 result.

In the wider picture, this is of course a tough one to take—but the real focus remains the crunch fixture against Mumbles on May 2nd, a game that will define our season. Any points we can pick up in the return match against Pencoed next week, followed by two challenging encounters with Neath Athletic, would be a huge bonus.

What must be said is that none of these results reflect a lack of effort or commitment from the players who turn out week after week. Their attitude, resilience, and willingness to graft for the Club has been exemplary, even when the scoreboard hasn’t rewarded them.

Today several players once again put their hands up for Man of the Match, but the award goes to veteran Keiron Kirkhouse, whose commitment, work rate, and determination to stay involved from first whistle to last stood out on a difficult afternoon.

Next week Pencoed at home and maybe an appearance from “Gav”

See you there.

GUTSY BONUS POINT FOR BIRCH FROM SECOND HALF FIGHTBACK

ABERAVON QUINS 47 BIRCHGROVE 24

Having lost to a 10‑try, 62–0 salvo in the home fixture last time out, Birchgrove went to Quins HQ today knowing they would have a fight on their hands to make any dent in the home side’s imposing “played 11, won 11” record.

After five minutes the first try had been conceded, quickly followed by another, then another, and then three more. At 33–0 after half an hour, the travelling support feared the worst. Even in adversity, though, the visitors showed flashes of form and a definite belligerence, with the pack holding firm and the backs—led by the fierce tackling of Hano Dirksen and the sniping runs of Aled Thomas—all putting in a shift.

So when a classic short‑tap penalty try from David Griggs brought the half‑time score to 33–5, there was at least a glimmer of hope that the juggernaut might be slowed.

Birch started the second half brightly, putting the home line under pressure only to be held up over it. They stood tall again as bad luck and an interception pushed the score to 40–5, followed by another try for 47–5. You would have thought heads might finally drop and the 10‑try tally from the previous meeting might be surpassed, but there was a surreal sense that—despite Quins crossing with regularity—Birchgrove still had fight, spirit and something meaningful left to take from the game.

A second Griggs try cemented that belief, and when a Dirksen–Ritchie Beynon combination sent wing Harry Wilson over, the score moved to 47–17 and the four‑try bonus point suddenly came into view.

With every sinew straining in their tired bodies and the goal of a precious bonus point in their sights, the visitors rallied. When Ben Rees went over for the fourth try 47 – 24, there was a degree of celebration in the Birchgrove camp that felt fully earned. It was the reward for a side that refused to bow, refused to let the afternoon run away from them, and showed a level of heart that outshone the scoreline.

The Quins may have taken the victory, but it was Birchgrove who owned the second half in spirit, outscoring their unbeaten opponents after the break and earning a bonus point that could yet prove priceless in the fight ahead.

The Man of the Match produced several strong candidates—two‑try Griggs, the ever‑busy Huntley, and the relentless Hano Dirksen. The award goes to Dirksen, who Kirky calculated made more tackles than Alex Mann on Friday night against Ireland.

So,on we go, and the fight continues. Morriston lost at Pencoed, Mumbles didn’t play, and we sit second from bottom—but with games in hand over our rivals. Next up is a must‑win home clash against Brynamman on Saturday, March 28th.

BIRCHGROVE V ABERAVON QUINS

BIRCH LOSE IN 10‑TRY QUINS BLAST

There is not a lot that can be said about today’s game other than we met a very good side who had played eight and won eight before today, and we can see why they stand where they are in the league. If they continue in this vein, they will shortly overtake both Neath Athletic and Pencoed, who currently sit above them but have played four and five games more respectively.

The game started in an even fashion, with both sides testing each other. However, as the visiting No. 8 broke from defence to establish a foothold in our 22, despite valiant defending it was only a matter of time before the first try was registered, 0–5.

A second quickly followed, 0–10, and after an unusual delay for both sides to receive a talking‑to from the referee, a third converted effort left the home side 0–17 adrift at half time — not too bad a position given the pressure we had absorbed.

The second half began with the Quins exerting further pressure, and their bonus‑point try was not long in coming after an audacious dummy from their No. 10 left our defence exposed. At 0–24, the task ahead was looking increasingly daunting.

To be fair to our lads, we were still looking to bite back at this stage. Kyle Evans and Tom Downing taking the game to the opposition, while Aled Thomas and Cam Banford probed with a mix of running and kicking to get us close to their line. Their defence, however, stood firm and repelled our best efforts.

With fatigue setting in and the power of their physical centre partnership creating gaps, they quickly added tries seven and eight, and at 0–48 the contest was effectively over. Further scores were inevitable despite continued brave resistance, and the final score of 0–62 was a disappointment, yes, but it is fair to say we competed where we could against a side playing at the top of their game.

We have been here before, as many supporters will recall. We remain one point above the relegation places, with some other results going in our favour, and we live to fight another day.

We travel to Pencoed next on the 28th of February. A difficult game awaits, no doubt, but we hope to see you there to support the lads.

Today’s Man of the Match goes to a player who, even in the adversity that surrounded today’s game, refused to take a backward step: Kyle Evans. Congratulations, Kyle.

BIRCHGROVE V MORRISTON.

BIRCH TAKE THE PLAUDITS IN LOCAL DERBY

 BIRCHGROVE 20 MORRISTON 8

Well, the scene was set, pitch prepared after superhuman efforts by the Birchgrove ground staff , half of Morriston decamping to Birchgrove, the game and local rivalry was ON.

As is the way with these games the early exchanges were physical and designed to test the strength of the opposition. Who would crack first?

Well thankfully for the home crowd the visitors were the first to show weakness and after the home pack displaying a reluctance to go anywhere other than forward a short penalty gave David Griggs a chance which he gratefully swallowed up with a little help from his forward friends, first try to us 5- 0. Cam Banford added the extras 7 – 0

Scrum going well, lineout occasionally shaky but we are looking good and Banford again steps up to slot over a penalty after live wire Aled Thomas swiftly takes on the opposition again and a 10- 3 half time lead after they pull back a penalty and with a swirling wind which has been slightly in our favour is not looking too bad.

Can we maintain the pressure? Well Morriston are pressing but our defence is good and we gain a foothold in the opposition half. Bit of a misunderstanding and the referee takes control we are now down to 14 but they have 13. Scrum to come and stand in scrum half Oakley Rowe looks around and attacks the blind side, quality !! A second try, conversion from Banford and it’s 17 – 3.

The Monkeys are stung though and they are desperate to hit back, they have carried well and with power all day to be fair to them and they are on our line and recharged. A scrum win, ball on the move and they are in for their first try, conversion is wide but 17 – 8 puts the home supporters on edge.

Dig in boys and Dig they did. Scrum dominant, backs up for the fight, playing the game in the right areas and reward came in the shape of another penalty. Banford steps up over it goes and 20 – 3 looks a winning score –  and so it was.

Great effort lads, well done.

Man of the Match- difficult one again, Griggs was a dominant unit, Cam Banford 10 points, Oakley Rowe stepping up when needed and Aled Thomas a human Dynamo but with the scrum anchor again the key

 Chris Davies gets the nod. Congratulations

Next week a difficult one but we travel to current league leaders Neath Athletic with the confidence of a good win in our bag and who knows !! .

See you there.

.

FOUR SMASH AND GRABS SINK SPIRITED BIRCH

PORTHCAWL 43 BIRCHGROVE 7

Couldn’t get to the game but hear from the travelling faithful this is how it went :-

Birchgrove travelled to South Road knowing it’s never an easy place to get a result, and this one proved exactly that. The final scoreline of 43–7 stings, but it doesn’t tell the full story of the effort the boys put in.

Porthcawl came out sharp, clinical, and full of running. Birchgrove, to their credit, dug in early, defended well, forwards and backs putting put bodies on the line. trying to slow Porthcawl’s momentum, but the home side’s accuracy saw them build a 17–0 lead by half‑time.

Even then, Birchgrove were still in the fight. The pack kept carrying, the defence tightened up, and when a rare opening appeared, they took it — Chris Davies going over, with Cam Bamford adding the extras to make it 17–7 and spark a bit of belief.

And then… well… the game took a bizarre turn that only rugby can produce.

Not one… not two… not three… but four interception tries went Porthcawl’s way. Every time Birchgrove tried to play, an away shirt seemed to pop up out of nowhere and sprint over.  Suddenly the scoreboard ballooned, and any chance of a comeback vanished.

But here’s the truth: Birchgrove never stopped. The forwards kept grafting, the backs kept tackling, and the whole squad showed heart, grit, and a refusal to fold — even when the rugby gods were clearly having a laugh at our expense.

Plenty to tidy up, plenty to learn, but also plenty of character shown.

Man of the Match , Downing, Davies and veteran Keiron Kirkhouse putting in a full shift but award goes to  Cam Bamford, kicking well out of hand and never stopped trying to organise and co ordinate a response.

Next week brings Morriston at home. Fresh start, clean slate, and a chance to put things right.

See you there.

BASEMENT BATTLE BRINGS BIRCHGROVE WIN

BIRCHGROVE V BRYNCETHIN

After a hard frost, the Parc Bedw ground staff produced a fine surface for the day’s Basement Battle against Bryncethin. Having already beaten them away, the chance of doing the double was firmly in our sights.

Birchgrove burst out of the blocks with real energy — a solid scrum, experienced backs probing for gaps, and plenty of early intent. But after fifteen minutes of arm‑wrestling rugby, the scoreboard remained untouched: Bryncethin missed a kickable penalty, and a promising Birch attack fizzled out just short of the line.

The breakthrough finally came from a dominant spell of forward pressure. A scrum provided the perfect platform for a drive, ball out  and veteran Anthony “Twiggy” Evans was over for the opener. Tony Buselli added the extras for a 7–0 lead.

More pressure followed, though a few handling errors kept the second score at bay. With half‑time approaching, another close‑range surge saw diminutive scrum‑half Aled Thomas go over for try number two — again converted — stretching the lead to 14–0.

Bryncethin clawed back three points with a penalty just before the whistle, but at 14–3 the home supporters were feeling confident that things were heading our way.

Well… rugby loves a plot twist. Despite a lively restart from Birchgrove, it was Bryncethin who struck first in the second half with a converted try, tightening things up at 14–10 and setting up a nervy final half‑hour.

What followed was one of the finest rearguard actions you’re likely to witness. Birchgrove were under near‑constant siege, with forays into the opposition half becoming a precious commodity. But the defence, physical, organised, and absolutely full‑blooded refused to buckle.

Wave after wave of Bryncethin attack was met with ferocious tackling from forwards and backs alike. Clearance kicks were launched, returned, and launched again. The forward dominance of the first half was now being occasionally tested, but every player — from those in their prime to those who might diplomatically be described as “post‑peak but proud” — stood tall.

And stand tall they did, grinding out a gutsy 14–10 victory: our third win of the season, our first double, and a precious climb out of the dreaded relegation zone.

Another superb team effort made the Man of the Match decision a tricky one for the independent panel. Truthfully, you could have picked almost anyone. But for his occasional call‑ups, minimal preparation, and all‑action performance — especially in that second‑half defensive epic — the award (and our congratulations) goes to

Anthony “Twiggy” Evans.

Next week we travel to Porthcawl. Hope to see you there.

MUMBLES V BIRCHGROVE 03.01.26

ANOTHER DEFEAT BUT THE SPIRIT SURVIVES

Birchgrove’s visit to Mumbles ended in a 32–12 defeat, but if rugby were measured in heart and grit alone, the scoreboard would have told a very different tale.

Birchgrove started the game with a glut of forward pressure on the Mumbles line securing a number of scrum penalties before a home turnover provided them with relief. So, fifteen minutes in to the game Mumbles have their first attack and from a penalty take the lead 3-0.

Birch were not to be overawed though and with a totally dominant scrum turned the screw on the home defence once again and Aled Thomas went over for the first try of the game converted by Jordan Burrows and a 3-7 lead.

The game pattern persisted Birch strong up front but there was always the chance that the home side were going to break from defence and their freer flowing game would injure the visitors. On 30 minutes it was to be the case and the Mumbles forwards wriggled some room allowing their backs to break for their first try, converted 10- 7. There was almost another but good defence and a brave turnover tackle kept the score more than respectable at half time 10 -7.

The second half saw Mumbles strike quickly with a converted try and penalty, stretching the lead to 20–7. Birch kept pressing, with Tom Downing, Chris Davies, and Kyle Evans carrying well, but still, chasing the game carries its risks. Mumbles added further tries, including a bonus-point score, to move out to 32–7.

But the Birch team to a man stood tall and, made their way up field looking for some consolation in defeat and rewarded they were after multiple charges at the line the previous culprits Downing, Evans and Davies joined by a stalwart performance from Fuge, Morris and Rees provided a platform for coach Kevin “ Kipper” James to go over to reduce the deficit. Final score 32 – 12

A sterling effort from the boys, solid scrum and outstanding defence. Man of the match is a toss up between Aled Thomas, Tom Downing and Chris Davies the scrum anchor.

The award goes to Aled Thomas, Congratulations.

Action photos to follow from Jeff Miles.

Next week we are at home to Bryncethin. They are below us  bottom of the Table, one win and 9 points but played 4 more games than us. One to win.

Keep going Lads.

LOST THE FIRST HALF, WON THE SCRUMS, AND DREW THE SECOND HALF. NOT A BAD DAY !

South Gower 35 – Birchgrove 10

South Gower welcomed Birchgrove on a day when the wind had as much bite as the tackles. Birchgrove’s line-up featured a few “experienced” campaigners, they know who they are let’s call them James, Shaun and Pricey—whose combined years could qualify them for 2 bus passes – I’ll leave the allocation to you !!!! but their combined spirit could power a scrum machine.

Playing with the wind, Birchgrove struck first. Luke Evans coolly slotted a penalty to give the visitors a 3–0 lead. The travelling supporters dared to dream.

Dreams were quickly tested though. South Gower crossed for their first converted try, 7–3. Another followed, 14–3, despite Birchgrove’s dominance in the scrums. The set-piece was ours, but the scoreboard was theirs. Gower absorbed the pressure and struck again—converted try number three, 21–3. By halftime, the bonus point try had stretched the lead to 28–3.

Against the wind, Birchgrove could have folded. Instead, they bit back. Lewis “Chubsy” Cox and Aled Thomas sniping around the fringes, skipper Tom Downing rallied the troops, and prop Chris Davies anchored the tight like a granite cornerstone. Connor Gallivan and Kyle Evans poured energy into every phase.

But disaster struck with an interception try Gower in under the posts—35–3—but Birchgrove refused to bow. Pride was on the line, and handbags were briefly exchanged as older limbs creaked and tempers flared. Even coach Kevin “Kipper” James joined the fray, proving that age is just a number when honour is at stake.

And then it came—the try everyone prayed for. The big man himself, Kipper James, stormed through with a 70-yard  burst ( or maybe it was 7, I was not placed well) that had the Birch faithful roaring. Birchgrove finished 35–10, but with heads held high.

Does Kipper deserve Man of the Match for that epic run? Absolutely. But you cannot overlook the contribution of the “elderly quota”, nor the sheer commitment and endeavour of skipper Tom Downing and Aled Thomas.

 It doesn’t happen very often, but this time the award is shared—Tom Downing and Aled Thomas, joint men of the match. Congratulations.

That’s it for the year now, with Brynamman calling off next week’s game. So, it’s Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and see you in 2026—when we kick off again against Mumbles on 3rd January. Keep going lads !!

BIRCHGROVE V PENTYRCH 8.11.2025

BIRCH OUT OF CUP AFTER NARROW DEFEAT

Unable to get to game but sounds like a close encounter

A very young team, supplemented by old-timers James, Evans, and Greeno, saw Pentyrch looking pretty organised as they went 10 points up. Birch responded with a Luke Evans penalty and a Chris Davies try, bringing the score to 10 apiece.

Pentyrch struck back with another try and a penalty, extending their lead to 20–10. Birch then gained the ascendancy with a strong scrum, and although Pentyrch’s defence held firm for a time, they eventually succumbed to an Aled Thomas try, converted by Luke Evans, narrowing the gap to 20–17.

Birch threw everything at them in the closing stages, but Pentyrch held out for the win. Man of the Match Tom Downing led by 

Unlucky on the day lads but a fighting display. No games now throughout the International break. Next game December 6th at home to Pencoed.

BIRCHGROVE V MORRISTON 18.10.25

Birchgrove Suffer Setback as Morriston Take Control

Following a battling defeat at the hands of Porthcawl, Birchgrove travelled to Morriston hoping to bounce back — but found themselves on the wrong end of another reversal, going down 27–10 to a well-drilled home side.

Morriston struck early with a try to take a 7–0 lead, before Birchgrove replied through a penalty from Luke Evans, narrowing the gap to 7–3. That was as close as it got in the first half as Morriston added a penalty and two tries, one converted before the break, stretching out to a commanding 22–3 half-time lead.

Birchgrove’s forwards, led by the tireless Tom Downing and Ben Rees, worked hard to slow the momentum, but Morriston’s pace and precision proved decisive. A fourth try early in the second half sealed the bonus point 27-3 and left the visitors chasing the game.

There was a late flicker of joy as Liam Douglas crossed for a consolation try converted by Luke Evans after forward pressure, final 27 – 10, but it did little to lift the mood among the travelling support, who had hoped for a more competitive showing after last week’s spirited effort.

Morriston were deserved winners, showing control and organisation throughout. For Birchgrove, it’s a case of regrouping and resetting as we prepare for next week’s cup encounter at home to Pentyrch who seem to be having their own problems going down to Porth Harlequins 29-39 today for their fourth consecutive defeat of the season.

Man of the Match for a consistent effort and attitude up front was Ben Rees, congratulations to him.

A nice cup run would be a bonus — so let’s dust ourselves off, back the boys, and bring the noise to Parc Bedw next Saturday. Kick-off 2.30.

BIRCHGROVE V PORTHCAWL 12-10-2025

FIRST HOME REVERSAL BUT A LOSING BONUS POINT.

A fine day at Parc Bedw but only a losing bonus point to celebrate in a 13 -20 defeat by a competent Porthcawl.

The visitors were first on the scoreboard with a penalty 0-3 but Birchgrove looked like they were capable of striking back as a strong scrum put a marker down for the rest of the game. An equalising penalty from Luke Evans 3 – 3 gave the home supporters expectation but a low trajectory penalty saw Porthcawl retake the lead 3 – 6.

With the game ebbing and flowing it was the opposition who made the critical breakthrough as from a further penalty they were to grab a catch and drive converted try from an attacking line out to take the game to 3 -13.

Forward power prevailed for the home side and with Luke Evans adding a further three points from a penalty 6 – 13 at half time was not too daunting except for the fact that powerful centre Josh Jarrett had to leave the field with an injury.

The second half opened with powerful back row Lewis Cox making commanding runs in to the opposition defence but despite this and continued dominance in the tight it was Porthcawl who were showing the enterprise. It came as no surprise therefore when a flowing movement taking play swiftly from one side of the field to the other and back again resulted in the visitors increasing their lead with a converted try 6 – 20.

With Porthcawl opening up now at every opportunity there was a brave defensive display from Ritchie Beynon, who had put in an excellent shift as a stand in second row, Chris Davies, Ben Rees, Tom Richards and skipper Tom Downing and you thought that maybe all was not lost.

Aled Thomas , Chubsy and a young replacement who looked remarkably like past player Anthony-Twiggy-Evans (surely couldn’t be him !!) continued to chip away at the Porthcawl defence and with an attacking foothold gained, a concentrated forward drive presented Luke Evans with an opportunity to pop over for a try which he converted and placed the Robins within seven points at 13 – 20.

The order of the day now was to maintain discipline and preserve the bonus point which was achieved with forward power, brave defence and the Twiggy look alike involved in a last-minute try saving tackle.

Not the result we were looking for but a losing bonus is some consolation and keeps us in a healthy third position in the league going in to next week’s visit to Morriston

Man of the Match was selected by an independent panel which included our illustrious President Mr Clive Norling who was impressed primarily today with our forward dominance.

Candidates were :

Forwards :Tom Richards, Chris Davies, Tom Downing, Lewis Cox and  Ben Rees

Plus Full Back  Luke Evans who on the day bagged all our 13 points.

Tight Head and Forwards Coach CHRIS DAVIES gets the award and Congratulations to him.

WHO NEEDS THE WIND !!!

Well my first game of the season eventually kicked off after a 45 minute delay caused by high winds closing the M4 and a long detour through standstill traffic to rescue our Forwards Coach and Prop Chris Davies whose car had broken down.

With the gale force wind at our backs the small Birchgrove contingent who braved the traffic were expecting great things and maybe thinking a 15/20 point half time lead was going to be the requirement of the day.

So not everything goes to plan and despite maximum effort the rub of the green was not with us. Luke Evans and Aled Thomas tried consistently to harness the benefit of the wind with long kicks only to see them roll harmlessly away or in to the defensive hands of the home side. Forward pressure from Lewis Cox and Ben Rees was repelled, the thrust of Josh Jarrett and Ben Jenkins was nullified and the high penalty count against us gave Bryncethin the opportunity to keep ball in hand, monopolise the territory and contain us. No score at half time was not what we wanted or a platform for victory was the general view.

It took about 5 minutes of the second half to dispute that theory as Aled Thomas broke from deep and the ball passed through hands to give James Goldsworthy the opening try and a 0-5 lead. Minutes later the power of Josh Jarrett saw him storming up field from the opposition 22 and once he has the line in his sight he is an awesome handful, over he goes and its 0-10 against the wind.

Bryncethin, rattled but still composed bounce back and a long-range wind assisted penalty pegs us back 3-10.. Not daunted though Lewis Cox does what “Chubsy” does best and muscles through the defence, the line is in sight and an unselfish off load gives Luke Evans try number three 3-15.

Can this go on ? the Cherries say no and steal a try to make things look more respectable 8 – 15. Birch though have their tails up and are not going to be thwarted a centre break give Ritchie Beynon the ball and a view of the line. Big man, big steps, big try its 4 and a bonus, conversion from Evans and it’s 8-22. This was not in the script but has warmed the hearts of the travelling fans and coaches.

It not all over but this is not going to slip, Tom Downing and his men make sure of that and a further 3 penalty points from the sure boot of Luke Evans gives us our first away win of the season and 5 points puts us in second place in the league.

A good days work and congratulations to all involved.

Man of the Match that was a difficult one for the independent panel ;-

Aled Thomas, metronome at the base of the scrum

Ben Rees, hell of a shift at No 8 and also as makeshift Prop- outstanding

Josh Jarrett– pure power and a 70 yard try

Lewis Cox– Chubsy is back doing a Chubsy

Luke Evans– safe under the high ball, shrewd kicking out of hand, a try, a penalty and a conversion.

Tough decision but Ben Rees gets the nod. Congratulations.

In testing monsoon like conditions the game kicked off with Birchgrove RFC bolstered by returning favourites Leigh Dullio, Connor Gallivan and Adam Percival – all of whom made positive impacts.

South Gower looked to control possession early, but with most of the play stuck in the middle, It was Birchgrove who seized the initiative. Birchgrove then gained ascendancy with Luke Evans driving kicks continually put us on the front foot, and from a well executed lineout drive Ben Rees crashed over taking a 7-0 lead.

Not long after, Tom Wright powered through three defenders to touch down, extending Birchgrove’s advantage. With the team now dictating the tempo, we went into the break looking comfortable 18-0.

With little respite in weather, but Birchgrove’s set piece dominance shone through. A bulldozing forward drive saw coach – Chris Davies himself dive over the line to make it 25-0. South Gower, to their credit, refused to fold and earned a consolation try in the corner, closing the gap to 25-5. Birchgrove pressed hard for the bonus point try in the final stages but were held up on the line.

Man of the Match went to hooker Tom Richards, who’s strong scrummaging, accurate darts and all round display were outstanding. Tom Downing once again drive the pack forward, while Luke Evans delivered another assured performance from the back.

The new season kicked off with plenty of excitement as Birchgrove RFC travelled to face a powerful Brynamman side, under the fresh guidance of new coaches Kevin James and Chris Davies, with Tom Downing leading the side as Captain.

A strong Brynamman started well, forcing Birchgrove to defend and rely on some sharp counter-attacks. The Game was tightly contested in the first half, with the score evenly poised by half time: Brynamman 10 / Birchgrove 6.

The second half saw Birchgrove come out firing, with two tries scored from Josh Jarret and another from Aled Thomas giving the visitors real momentum, surging them into a deserved 30-15 lead.

But in true rugby fashion the drama wasn’t done. Brynamman fought back strongly, and in a dramatic finish, they crossed for the winning try on the very last play of the game to secure the victory.

Despite the narrow defeat, Birchgrove can take a huge positive from the performance, with plenty to build on going into the season.

Special mention goes to Man of the Match – Luke Evans, who was outstanding at full back. His accurate line kicking gained vital territory throughout, and he capped of his performance with 100% goal-kicking record