Year 9 edged out by Ystalyfera.
Sean Collins stretches clear to score the opening try.
Bl 9: Tregwyr: 22. Bl 9: Ystalyfera:24.
Blwyddyn 9 yn methu gan trwch blewyn yn gem cwpan wefreiddiol yn Llandarcy.
Gowertonyr 9:22 Ystalyfera yr 9: 24.
Gowerton just fall short in cup thriller at Llandarcy.
Gowerton were due to host Ystalyfera in the final game of their year 9 Welsh schools Cup group. Both teams were undefeated and keenly anticipating the showdown, but heavy rain had left the pitch unfit. As a result the game transferred to the Ospreys 3G pitch at Llandarcy. It was a wise decision and the playing surface was in perfect condition for the game despite the heavy rain of the preceding 72 hours.
Towering: Gowerton lock Will Jones leaps high to secure lineout possession.
At kick off there was a stiff breeze blowing down the pitch and the visitors chose to play with it behind them. Gowerton’s pack held the upper hand in the early stages with lock Will Jones dominating the lineouts and working tirelessly in the loose and they took the lead in the 5thminute when an intelligent box kick by scrum half Sam Cambriani was chased and reclaimed well by wing Rhys Edwards. The possession was moved wide and centre Sean Collins showed both power and pace to outstrip the defence to score in the corner. Full back Elliot Rees added the excellent touch line conversion.
Ruck: Rhys Edwards presents the ball perfectly at a ruck.
Ystalyfera controlled the next quarter with lock Dafydd Millard strong in the loose and centre Kingsley Jones a powerful runner. Elusive wing Alex Mcnamara crossed in the 13th and 18th minutes and with lock Millard converting the second they moved five points clear. However, Gowerton regained control of the game with scrum half Cambriani outstanding at the breakdown and they were back in front on the stroke of half time when good work by flankers Joe Brightkey and Jack Soproniuk gave centre Collins the opportunity to score his second try. Full back Rees again added the extras and Gowerton led 14-12 at the break.
With the breeze behind them, Gowerton were on the front foot straight after the break and they increased their lead in the 33rdminute when flanker Brightkey powered over from 10 metres. Rees missed the conversion but stretched the lead three minutes later when he kicked a penalty from 25 metres.
Tackle: Full back Elliot Rees is tackled.
Both sides had opportunities in the next 15 minutes, but neither side could convert them and as the game entered the last 10 minutes Gowerton maintained their 10 point lead. It was the resilience and fitness of the visitors that proved crucial and scrum half Ioan Temblett crossed from a close up scrum in the 53rd minute. Fly half Steffan Lipton converted and four minutes from time wing Morgan Meaclem squeezed in at the corner to give his side the lead.
Gowerton had one final chance when they were awarded a penalty 40 metres out in the final minute, but Rees’ excellent effort went just under the bar. The final whistle followed shortly after and Ystalyfera qualify for the final 32 of the competition while Gowerton have to wait to hear whether they qualify directly or face a play off.
