Newcombe doubles up.
Year 7 achieve narrow win at Pontarddulais.
Pontarddulais year 7: 7 Gowerton year 7: 14
In their first game after the Christmas break the year 7 team travelled to play Pontarddulais. In the pre-Christmas fixture at Gowerton RFC, Gowerton had proved too strong for a determined and resilient Pontarddulais team and emerged with a 27-12 win.
The return fixture proved to be even more competitive and it took a committed squad performance from the visitors to allow them to return home with a narrow victory.
The visitors welcomed back centre Charlie Williams and he was right at the centre of the action early on. Gowerton took control of the game in the first half with lock James Rees and No.8 Tim Perkins both working hard and being well supported by props Luke Evans and Connor Williams. With man of the match, flanker Alex Jones impressing defensively and disrupting the hosts’ possession on a number of occasions Gowerton were able to cross the hosts’ line twice. Both tries were scored by centre Matthew Newcombe, who once again showed what a dangerous runner he is, gliding through the defence to score twice. Fly half and captain Joel Matuschke added both conversions allowing the visitors to lead 14-0 at the break. The only reason that Gowerton were unable to score more points was due to the excellent defensive work of the hosts with wing Isaac Day to the fore.
Pontarddulais needed to show real character, and with captain and fly half Tom Davies leading from the front they produced a positive response. It was the hosts who now began to control territory and possession. Centre Steffan Wolf and No.8 Matuesz Falarski both carried the ball strongly and with fly half Davies controlling the game well they deservedly reduced the deficit when prop Andre Howells powered over. Davies converted and with the teams only separated by a score the hosts pressed for another, but Gowerton’s defence held firm and they returned home with the win.
Much credit for the continued improvement in the skills of the players should go to their coach – Callum Lewis (Yr 11) who spends most of his lunchtimes coaching the boys and developing their skills – this is proving very effective – keep up the good work Callum.
The performance of the team will give them confidence as they prepare for their first round Swanseaschools’ cup game when they host Morriston.
