Wednesday 16th March 2016.
Gowerton power to yr 9 cup final.
Gwyr year 9: 7 Gowerton year 9: 17.
Tim Perkins bursts clear.
Gowerton’s year 9 team maintained their recent run of good form travelling to the Elba and defeating neighbours Gwyr in the semi-final of the Swansea schools cup and in the process booked a date at St. Helens for the final.
Gwyr kicked off with the strong breeze at their backs and applied the early pressure with prop Lloyd Eaton and centre Tom Mages both running powerfully. Gowerton’s defence was unflinching with centres Jacob Turatto and Charlie Williams, hooker Rhys Jones, lock Alex Jones and lock Connor Williams all tackling strongly.
Alex Jones competes in the lineout.
With Gowerton’s defence holding firm, they gained in confidence and with full back Ben Petherbridge, No. 8 Tim Perkins and wing Charlie Smith all running elusively they took the lead in the 15th minute when flanker Thomas did well to win a loose ball 5 metres out and No.8 Perkins powered over from short range. Fly half Joel Matuschke added the extras.
From the kick off, Gowerton stretched their lead. Lock Alex Jones gathered the kick off and fed No.8 Perkins who set off on a run that took him 50 metres upfield. He was denied a try by an excellent tackle by full back Gawain Coughlin, but full back Petherbridge was in support and crossed in the corner. There were no additions to the score before half time and at the break Gowerton held a healthy 12 point advantage.
Gowerton were on the front foot at the start of the second period with flankers Jacob Rees and Josh Thomas controlling the breakdown and with man of the match Ethan Hall working tirelessly they increased their lead when another strong run by No.8 Perkins saw him driving deep into Gwyr’s 22. The ball was dislodged in the tackle 10 metres from the line and centre Charlie Williams was on hand to gather and cross for a try that went unconverted.
Jacob Turatto puts Charlie Smith clear.
Gwyr pressed in the final quarter and with 10 minutes left they reduced the lead when full back Coughlin powered over from 10 metres. Flanker Luke Williams converted. However, Gowerton’s defence refused to be breached again and it was they who progressed to the final.
