Thursday 15th September 2016.
Year 11 impress at the Ospreys festival.
The year 11 rugby squad got their season underway when they travelled to Pontarddulais for the Ospreys festival and impressed those watching with their handling and defensive commitment which enabled them to return undefeated after their three games.
Gowerton 20 Eastside 15.
Danny Thomas demonstrates great tackle technique.
In their first game they played Eastside which was a combined Pentrehafod and Birchgrove team.
East side provided a strong physical challenge, but Gowerton’s defensive effort with Danny Owen, Nick Gabriel, Will Griffiths and man of the match Lewis Grove all prominent, was unflinching.
Ben Grunhut looks to offload with Ethan Truelove and Nick Gabriel in support.
The lead changed hands on several occasions, but a brace of tries from captain Iwan Jones, and one each from Jack Cosker and Jacob Williams enabled Gowerton to start with a win.
Captain Iwan Jones bursts clear.
Gowerton 30 Penyrheol 15.
Next up was a game against neighbours Penyrheol and Gowerton proved too strong for their rivals with the handling of Ellis Searle, Ethan Truelove, James Hicks and man of the match Alex Crawford providing regular opportunities for tries.
Excellent technique from Jacob Williams with the ball in two hands.
Gowerton crossed the whitewash six times with powerful Ben Grunhut and Jacob Williams grabbing a brace apiece. Jack Cosker and captain Jones each added a try.
Danny Thomas drives forward.
Pontarddulais 25 Gowerton 25.
The final match was against the hosts and proved to be their sternest test. Pontarddulais raced into an early 15 point lead by exploiting the space behind Gowerton’s defensive line with some intelligent kicking. That door was closed to them by some clever on-field leadership, and Gowerton took control of the game with man of the match Leon Bevan outstanding at the breakdown and the handling and angles of running of the whole team creating chances that saw Danny Thomas, Tom Barrington and their player of the tournament Jacob Williams (3) all crossing for tries.
With time almost up, Gowerton had turned things around to lead 5-4, but a last gasp score, allowed the hosts to grab a share of the spoils.
Alex Crawford took time out to wave to supporters in the crowd.
The team returned home in good spirits, knowing their game was in good order, but conscious that they face a tough challenge when they travel to Ystalyfera in the first round of the Welsh Cup next Tuesday to take on a side that is stacked with Ospreys representatives. It’s a challenge they are looking forward to.
