Effort aplenty but no reward for year 7.
Gowerton year 7: 5 Gwyr year 7: 36.
Competing for possession at a ruck.
Cup final hopes dashed, but many promising signs.
After defeating Bishopston earlier in the week Gowerton’s year 7 team hosted neighbours Gwyr in the semi-final of the Swansea schools’ cup and after an evenly contested first period it was the visitors who progressed to the final after a second half surge that saw them cross for five tries in the final quarter.
Wing Ethan Lee tries to get around the Gwyr defence.
Gwyr pressed in the early stages but with No.8 Liam Butler in commanding form at the breakdown, the hosts held out comfortably and as the half progressed they gradually began to take control of the game and with flanker Ryan Stagg working impressively in the contact area and centre Teigue Williams running strongly and co-centre Sam Cartwright a constant threat with his elusive running, they deservedly opened the scoring in the 16th minute when hooker Jamie Parry stole a scrum against the head. Centre Cartwright sliced outside his opposite number and a well timed pass allowed wing Kieron Bevan to sprint 15 metres to score in the corner.
The visitors equalised on the stroke of half time when a fine long pass from scrum half Brandon Jones released wing Toby Jones who crossed in the corner.
Wing Alex Hughes is surrounded by Gwyr defenders.
Gowerton pressed for a second score at the start of the second half with prop Jay Jones and flanker Sam Terry working well at forward whilst behind his pack scrum half Matthew Davies managed his team’s progress sensibly and full back Alex Hughes looked a dangerous counter attacker. However, Gwyr’s defence was unyielding and they took the lead with 15 minutes remaining when impressive scrum half Jones sliced through the hosts’ defence to touch down.
Fleet footed wing Ieuan Sleeman grabbed a brace of tries in the next three minutes, the first followed a fine run by centre Gregor Devine and the second was converted by fly half Louis Davies.
Working hard to win the ball.
The visitors completed the scoring with two tries in the final two minutes with strong running forwards No.8 Cameron Jones and hooker Tom Davies both crossing for tries that were converted by fly half Davies. At full time it was Gwyr who deservedly progressed to a cup final appearance at St. Helens.
