Wednesday 23rd March 2016.
Yr 9 retain their Swansea crown.
Gowerton year 9: 7 Olchfa year 9: 5
The year 9 squad receive the trophy after the game.
Back row from left: Charlie Williams, Mabon Kaniewski, Jacob Turatto, Joel Matushke, Mr Peter Richards (Swansea schools’ chairman), captain Connor Williams, Jac Simons, Jacob Rees, Cameron Davies, Ben Petherbridge, Kai Pressdee, Matthew Newcombe, John Edwards, Rhys Jones, Charlie Smith, Alex Jones.
Front row from left: Kori Barton, Rhys Flower, Josh Thomas, Daniel Warne, Tim Perkins, Kobe Bowen, Ethan Hall, Ollie Bruce.
Great second half defensive display the key to cup win.
Gowerton’s year 9 team travelled to St. Helens to take on Olchfa in the Swansea schools’ cup final. Having won the cup against Bishopston by a narrow 12-10 margin last year, they were confident of retaining their trophy. However, with opponents Olchfa having defeated their cup final opponents from last year in the semi final they knew they faced a tough challenge.
Alex Jones competes for line out possession.
At kick off, the St Helens’ surface was in excellent condition and with dry overhead conditions, things were set for open attacking rugby. The first quarter was a nervy and error strewn affair and with both sides making errors both were unable to develop any continuity to their play. Gowerton appeared to have the advantage at forward with the ball carrying of prop Mabon Kaniewski, lock Connor Williams and No.8 Tim Perkins giving them the edge, whilst Olchfa appeared to have more pace behind with their outside backs containing several rangy runners.
Tim Perkins powers towards Olchfa’s line.
Gowerton took the lead 3 minutes before half time when a clever kick by fly half Joel Matuschke was well chased by full back Ben Petherbridge who forced Olchfa to minor the ball.
Tim is tackled short of the try line.
There followed a spell of intense pressure on Olchfa’s line that saw the Gowerton forwards hammering away in an attempt to open the scoring. Olchfa’s defence refused to yield until the ball was released to the backs, when centre Charlie Williams powered to the line, although he was tackled just short his clever offload was well gathered by centre partner Jacob Turatto who did well to ground the ball. Fly half Matuschke’s conversion meant Gowerton held a seven point advantage at the break.
The second half saw Olchfa pressing in the early stages and four minutes into the half they deservedly reduced the deficit when wing Luke Ridgewell crossed in the corner. The conversion fell short meaning Gowerton retained a narrow lead.
Gowerton continue to attack-great body angles Connor Williams and Josh Thomas.
Both teams now pressed for the next score and both John Edwards and Kai Pressdee carried strongly for them, but Olchfa’s defence was resolute and denied them an opportunity to stretch their lead.
Olchfa looked to move the ball to their outside backs, but Gowerton’s midfield defence was unflinching with scrum half Jac Simons, prop Cameron Davies and wing Daniel Warne all making telling contributions that halted opposition attacks and with flankers Josh Thomas and man of the match Jacob Rees controlling the contact area neither side was able to add to their score and at full time Gowerton had retained the cup for a second year and will now turn their thoughts to the Welsh Cup where they entertain Brynteg in the quarter final on the Tuesday after Easter.
