Year 8 power past Olchfa.
Gowerton year 8: 38 Olchfa year 8: 0.
Prop Mabon Kaniewski claims his first try.
Edwards’ hat-trick takes year 8 to St. Helens.
Following their late quarter final victory over Penyrheol, Gowerton’s year 8 team entertained Olchfa at Gowerton RFC. The game kicked off in excellent conditions for open rugby and it was the visitors who were ‘out of the blocks’ quickly with lock Sam Rees carrying strongly. However, Gowerton defended strongly with the midfield of fly half Joel Matuschke and centres Jacob Turatto and Charlie Williams all prominent and Olchfa were unable to open the scoring.
Hat-trick Harry: Wing John Edwards claimed a hat-trick for Gowerton.
Gowerton’s forwards gradually began to get on top with lock Connor Williams and the front row of Mabon Kaniewski, Rhys Flower and Ethan Hall all driving powerfully and it was the hosts who took the lead in the 14th minute when a series of pick and drives from the pack allowed the ball to be released to wing John Edwards who powered over. Fly half Matuschke added the extras.
Joint men of the match: Above: Connor Williams. Below: Charlie Williams
Boosted by this score, Gowerton added a second try from the kick off. Wing Edwards gathered on his 22, beat the first defender and then showed real pace to burst clear and sprint 70 metres for a try again converted by Matuschke.
No.8 Tim Perkins clears his lines with Jac Simons in support.
The visitors responded positively with flanker Adam Johns working well in the contact area and wing Kai Kennedy looking dangerous in possession, but Gowerton’s defence continued to refuse to yield and at the break the hosts held a 14 point advantage.
At the start of the second period, with captain Matuschke marshalling his team impressively, it was Gowerton who were on the front foot. Olchfa’s defence was severely tested and initially held firm with wing Josef Alsaab tackling strongly, but in the 35th minute Gowerton’s pressure told when they scored from a 5 metre scrum. Scrum half Jac Simons attacked the blindside, No.8 Connor Williams was held just short but prop Kaniewski picked up to power over for a score to which Matuschke added the extras.
The third try gave the hosts the confidence to attack freely and they dominated the final quarter and scored three further tries. In the 44th minute, a strong run by wing Edwards and impressive offload by lock Williams allowed prop Kaniewski to drive over for his second try. Two minutes, a well timed passes by joint players of the match centre Charlie Williams and lock Connor Williams freed wing Edwards who burst clear from 30 metres to complete his hat trick. Scrum half Simons added the conversion.
Captain Joel Matuschke prepares to kick to touch.
In the final minute, strong running No.8 Tim Perkins picked up from a 5 metre scrum and drove over for a try that completed the scoring. At the final whistle it was Gowerton who progressed to the final at St. Helens where they will face Bishopston.
