Tuesday 15th November 2016.
Year 10 too good for brave Gwyr.
Gowerton year 10: 12 Gwyr year 10: 0.
Alex Jones leaps high in the lineout.
Gowerton entertained Gwyr at year 10 and year 8 level and with the council owned fields at Elba being judged unfit the games were moved to Gowerton RFC and Gwyr’s school field.
In the year 10 game the greasy conditions made handling and running difficult, but both sides took every opportunity to keep the ball in hand.
Almost there-denied by a knock-on.
Gowerton had the advantage of the breeze in the first half and that accompanied to the powerful carrying of No.8 Matthew Hutchinson, lock Connor Williams and props Ethan Hall and Mabon Kaniewski meant that Gowerton dominated territory and the game was almost exclusively played in Gwyr’s half. However, the hosts found it difficult to transfer their territory into points with the visitors producing an outstanding defensive effort with prop Lloyd Eaton, centre Gawain Coughlan and flanker Josh Bowen all prominent.
In the 20th minute Gowerton eventually breached Gwyr’s line when centre Olly Bruce returned a misdirected kick from 30 metres, he was tackled five metres short but his offload was well gathered by lock Williams who did well to hold off three defenders and ground the ball for a try that No.8 Hutchinson converted.
With fly half Charlie Smith controlling play intelligently and centre Charlie Williams and wing Daniel Warne both looking dangerous the hosts pressed for another score, but Gwyr’s defence refused to yield before the break and Gowerton’s advantage was just seven points at half time.
Connor Williams opens the scoring.
In the second half, the breeze allowed the visitors to enjoy a larger share of territory with scrum half Joe Singh distributing intelligently and prop Eaton and centre Coughlan both carrying strongly. Gowerton were forced to defend and centres Jacob Turatto and Olly Bruce and flankers Josh Thomas and Jacob Rees all showed their defensive character. Gradually, the home side re-established control, with the kicking of Turatto enabling them to get onto the front foot and midway through the half a strong run by No.8 Hutchinson gave lock Alex Jones an opportunity, but again excellent defending held him up over the line. However, Jones was not going to be denied and five minutes later he powered over to increase the lead.
Gwyr pressed in the final minutes, but Gowerton’s defensive effort denied them a consolation score and the hosts were able to celebrate a deserved victory at the final whistle.
A close up scrum.
Gwyr year 8: 36 Gowerton year 7:
In the year 8 game, Gowerton lost 36-7 to an outstanding Gwyr side in a match played in very difficult conditions.
Gwyr’s try scorers were Joe Rees and Morgan James with a brace apiece, Morgan Hughton and Iestyn Jones
Gowerton replied with a try by flanker Ben Cort.
