Friday 30^th September 2016.

1^st XV too strong for Aussie visitors

Gowerton 1^st XV: 48 Mater Maria 1^st XV: 0.

The Gowerton and Mater Maria rugby squads.

Sporting rivalry gives way to friendship and camaraderie.

The school’s senior sports teams had the chance to renew friendships they’d made during their tour to Australia when they welcomed the football, netball and rugby teams from Mater Maria Catholic College in Sydney, Australia. The rugby team arrived undefeated on tour after victories against Bradford College and Burford High School whilst Gowerton were also in confident mood after victories in their first two games against Olchfa and Bishop Gore.

Gowerton’s victory was founded on their work at the breakdown where hooker Aled Simons, prop Nathan Davies, lock Jason Stagg and No.8 and man of the match Cameron Lewis dominated, securing the hosts a regular supply of possession.

The hosts took the lead in the 4^th minute when a powerful charge by flanker Ben Brown established a position from which No.8 Lewis powered over in the corner. Fly half Olly Smith added the touchline conversion.

Steffan Tyrrell looks for an opening.

The next quarter was dominated by the defences with the greasy conditions making handling difficult. Gowerton’s lock Lewis Grove, flanker Jack Soproniuk and centre Steffan Tyrrell all defended strongly, whilst locks Henry Norman and Sam Quilter and centre Lennox Whitaker performed equally well for the visitors.

No.8 Lewis grabbed his second try in the 23^rd minute when alert scrum half Max Treharne reacted quickly allowing Lewis to surge over from 20 metres. Three minutes later an incisive run by full back Tom Ham enabled captain Tyrrell to extend Gowerton’s lead.

The visitors now enjoyed their best spell of the game with flanker Pat Downes carrying strongly and full back Harry Hislop a constant threat when in possession. They looked certain to open their account only to be denied by centre Dexter Ryde who intercepted a pass close to his line and sprinted the length of the field to score beneath the posts. He added the extras and at the break Gowerton led 24-0.

In the second period, buoyed by their lead Gowerton were on the front foot immediately with the passing and offloading of Smith, Ryde, Tyrrell and Ham all exceptional in the difficult conditions.

SONY DSCDexter Ryde kicks ahead.

In the 36^th minute, a scrum taken against the head by hooker Simons led to a break by centre Tyrrell, he released co-centre Ryde who chipped ahead allowing wing Elliott Rees to outpace the cover and score. Ten minutes later, Rees grabbed a second score after fine handling by Smith and Ryde freed him 20 metres out.

With five minutes left, Gowerton scored the best try of the game. It came after a Mater Maria attack was halted deep in Gowerton’s 22, lock Stagg turned possession over and the ball was moved swiftly to wing Rees who sprinted clear, he looked certain to score his third try but was denied by a great tackle, impressive scrum half Treharne was on his shoulder, to gather his offload and score a try that flanker Brown converted.

Gowerton completed the scoring with the final play of the game when full back Ham weaved his way past several defenders for a try that scrum half Treharne converted.

The schools were also involved in football and netball fixtures which were both won by the Australian visitors. In the football the visitors won a competitive game 4-3. Mater Maria goalkeeper Sam Benton saved a late penalty to keep his side ahead. Gowerton’s goals were scored by Adam Fielding, Aidan Jenkins and Jacob Ireland whilst Mater Maria’s goals came from a Jack Bennett hat-trick plus a strike from midfielder Charlie Williams.

Dexter Ryde looks to set Elliott Rees up.

Mater Maria triumphed 33-17 in the netball game. Gowerton were well served by Charleigh Baker and Rachel Griffiths.

After brief presentations, the students left allowing the Gowertonians to entertain the visitors taking them to see sights in the Gower and then taking them for something to eat.

Photographs: Will Griffiths year 13.