Gowerton’s Welsh Cup dream dashed.
Ysgol Y Preseli: 36 Gowerton year 9: 12.
Gowerton’s year 9 rugby team travelled west to Ysgol Y Preseli in the last 16 of the Welsh schools’ cup and the hosts produced an excellent all round performance that saw them progress into the quarter finals.
The hosts’ centres Alex Varney and Gethin Davies consistently made inroads in midfield and the pace of wing Steffan Rees was a constant threat.
Despite being dominated physically at forward, the visitors’ pack performed with great determination with the front row of Oliver Quick, Aled Simons and Ethan Guy all impressing with their counter rucking whilst flanker Joe Bright-key was outstanding in defence.
Preseli took the lead in the 12th minute when centre Varney crossed and extended the lead eight minutes later when wing Rees touched down. Fly half Rhodri George converted both tries and added a penalty in the 25th minute. Centre Davies scored a try on the stroke of half time and the hosts held a comfortable 22 point advantage at the break.
Gowerton started the second half on the front foot, taking the game to the hosts, but were undone when they spilled possession on halfway, centre Varney gathered and ran powerfully to score beneath the posts. Fly half George added the extras.
The visitors continued to work tirelessly and opened their account with a try for flanker Brightkey. Wing Elliot Rees converted.
Preseli’s forwards were still impressing and they added a fifth try when prop Llewellyn Bevan powered over. George added his fourth conversion.
Gowerton continued to battle hard and gained just rewarded with their second try when good approach work by wing Elliot Rees and scrum half Patrick Langdon-Dark allowed wing Cameron Hogan to score. But at full time it was the hosts who deservedly progressed to the last eight where they will play either Llanhari or Newbridge.
