Last gasp Tyrrell clinches it.
Full back Tom Howell evades a last ditch tackle.
Tim dan 14 Coleg Crist: 3 Blwyddyn 9 Tregwyr: 8
Christ College under 14: 3 Gowerton year 9: 8
Buddugoliaeth gofiadwy yn munudau diwed y gem.
Final minute counter attack allows Gowerton to gain memorable win.
The squad receive last minute instructions from Mr. Mason.
Gowerton travelled to Christ College, Brecon for a friendly. The visit was the first for over 10 years to a public school by a Gowerton team and the potential experience was one that had whetted the squad’s appetite as they made the journey up the Tawe valley.
When they arrived at Christ College, they were met by Mr. Thomas who was the husband of Mrs Thomas (French) and the coach of the College side who was ex-Cardiff and Welsh international Chris Webber. The squad realised that they faced a tough challenge and so it proved.
Tom Howell prepares to take a long distance penalty kick at goal. He missed this attempt, but an earlier one had given his team the lead.
Gowerton had the advantage of the strong wind at their backs in the first half, and they were going to have to use that advantage to give them a significant lead by half time if they were going to win against such respected opponents.
During the first period, Gowerton’s forwards dominated possession with the front row of Tom Northey, Dafydd Williams and Steffan Gibbon all impressing with their ball winning and carrying, whilst No.8 Jack Cambriani and lock Morgan Morris were both a tower of strength. However, the hosts’ powerful defence coupled with some poor handling and decision making by Gowerton meant that their only reward at half time was an 8th minute penalty by full back Tom Howell.
Facing the strong wind in the second half, Gowerton knew they were going to have to perform at their very best if they were going to return home ‘with the spoils. Their task was made even tougher in the 3rd minute of the half when an illegal tackle allowed the hosts to level the scores with a penalty. Gowerton were now on the back foot and had to defend desperately. Lock Sam Clark, flanker Rhys Evans, wing Ollie Smith and centre Jordan Richards all made notable contributions to their defensive effort.
Gowerton’s captain Will Jones leaps high to try to secure lineout possession.
The game seemed destined for a draw, when man of the match Morris, ripped the ball from a maul just outside the Gowerton ’22. He fed No.8 Cambriani who burst to halfway, he fed fullback Howell and his outside break put wing Steffan Tyrrell in space 40 metres from the opposition line. It looked like the cover was going to cut him off, but he showed both pace and balance to avoid the tacklers and cross for a try that was followed by the full time whistle and the elation of having achieved a memorable victory.
