Mixed fortunes for Gowerton’s yr 9.
Bishop Gore yr 9: 20 Gowerton: 22.
Gowerton travelled to play Bishop Gore in their second Welsh Schools’ group cup game and in a very keenly contested game in which both teams scored 4 tries they returned with a narrow 22-20 victory.
Gowerton’s hat trick hero Sean Collins sets off on a run.
Gowerton’s tries came virtue of a hat-trick from centre Sean Collins and a try by wing Samer Makahleh. The team was well served by full back Danny Williams, No.8 Lukas Kelly, prop Jack Harper and hooker Daniel Rogers.
For Bishop Gore lock Rhys Penry made a guest appearance and played really well for them.
Gutsy year 9 trip at the final hurdle.
Gwyr yr 9: 31 Gowerton: 19.
In an excellent team performance Gowerton were unlucky losers to a strong Gwyr team. Gwyr started the game really well however they struggled to get out of their half of the field due to some tenacious Gowerton tackling and defence. Leading the defensive charge early was Captain Will Griffiths, and robust flankers Ewan Brown and Callum Batcup. They were aided well by fly half Tom Ham and centre Kieran Charles.
Gowerton centre Sam Knight bursts away from the Gwyr cover.
Gwyr did sneak ahead with two tries both scored after several phases of play and from long range this was testament to how strong the Gowerton defence was. Will Griffiths rallied his troops and back they came. Some stirling runs from centre Sam Knight and Ewan Brown put Gowerton back on the front foot. By half time Gowerton had taken the lead and were 14 – 12 up. Much of this was a result of a united effort. Said Mohammed and Lewis Hyatt were given plenty of work in defence and were able to answer with some excellent tackling.
The second half was very similar to the first with Gwyr retaining much of the possession and Gowerton not giving an inch. Gwyr scored to take the lead back and looked to have sealed the victory – however once again Gowerton fought back. The game was nicely poised at 19-19 going into the last ten minutes.
Gwyr had the bounce of the ball and then run of the play and scored a try to retake the lead at 26 – 19 and although Gowerton fought back they were unable to break a strong Gwyr defence once more.
In an excellent team performance special mentions go to Captain Will Griffiths and his back row colleagues Ewan Brown and Callum Batcup who produced excellent performances. While in the backs Tom Ham, Kieran Charles and Sam Knight were a constant threat.
The team now look forward to the remainder of their Welsh Cup games with much to be positive about. Onwards and Upwards.
Defeat but yr 9 still going forward
Gowerton yr 9: 24. Bryngwyn: 38.
In a very competitive game Gowerton once again showed some excellent glimpses of their potential. Gowerton started well scoring two early tries by flanker Callum Batcup and fly half Sam Cambriani which came as a result of some barnstorming running from Sam Knight and Chris Hughes in the centre. Sam Cambriani was controlling things well and this was a result of some good service from scrum half Brandon Job.
The teams battle for the loose ball.
In the pack, the forwards contested well with Ryan Hughes and Nathan Osbourne working hard in the scrum and around the field. Jamie Jones was competent come lineout time and supplied some quality ball for the backs. Tom Ham showed some excellent touches from fullback and outside half proving he is competent in either position.
Although Bryngwyn came back into the game and eventually won 38 – 24 Gowerton were able to get match time for many of their growing squad. Lukas Kelly and Morgan Evans showed up well as replacements in the second half.
Gowerton’s next game is against Pontarddulais with some selection headaches apparent.
Forward of the match was given to Will Griffiths while back of the day went to the versatile Chris Hughes who played centre and scrum half.
Match reports: Mr. W. Thomas.
