Sports 22 Baglan 13

There was an explosive start to this game at the Bandstand field on a crisp spring-like afternoon. From an early fumble in the centre by the Sports, Baglan were awarded the first scrum of the game. Quick hands from the Baglan half backs and a scything run by centre Kevin Thomas after a fine feed from Anthony Rodgers, through the home defence, who looked half asleep made the score after 2 minutes 0-7 when Bill Daniels converted the try. Minutes later it was Kevin Thomas again who cut through the Sports but this time the defence had had the wake up call. But it was obvious that this centre was a big threat and he was now being marked. After 10 minutes it was the turn of Sports centre Michael John to make his mark, he read a pass between the visiting centers really well, took an interception and with the Baglan side flat, it was a cruise of a run in for him. He converted his try to level the scores. Increased pressure from Baglan made the Sports concede two penalties, the second one was converted by Bill Daniels.

This was quickly followed by the Sports stealing a Baglan ball from a lineout, catching the opposing threes offside and that man ‘Mitch’ once again scored the points. With the scores level and both sides playing open rugby it was each defence that now showed their metal. Ryan Wallis and Rhys Dowling making tackle after tackle but it was their back row partner Gary Punter who was asking lots of questions of the visitors defence with his probing runs and being equally impressive in defence. It took a fine piece of individualism by the visiting fly half, Nathan Dore to break the deadlock with a drop goal nosing Baglan into a 10-13 lead. From the restart and a forward drive into the Baglan half, Jayce Evans joined the line at pace from full back and supported by Paul Carter was unlucky not to score. The support from the back row was immediate and Rhys Dowling drove hard from 5 metres for a good try. With the score at 15 -13 to the home side it was anyone’s game and when a high ball tested the Sports defence there was confusion on the take and the ball bounced off Mitch’s legs, through the defence and after a semi-controlled fly hack it dropped into his hands for a 30 yard run before off-loading to Scott Narbeth who was in support to score. Mitch converted to make the halftime score 22-13.

The second half did not live up to the first, but good rugby was in evidence from both sides and the defence of both sides was at full commitment. For Baglan Craig Gregory was on form at wing forward and Kevin Thomas always a threat in the centre. The big Baglan front row caused many problems but were contained. The Sports looked dangerous with Leigh Evans continuing where he left off at the last game and Boobyer was a steady hand at No.10 although his position is No 12. The final play of the game was a as dramatic as the first play. With no time left to play and with a penalty under the posts, Baglan opted to run for a try when a penalty would have earned them a deserved bonus point.... the same as a try would have. With no points in the second half this game was well contested but rather fizzled out in the end... both sides rather disappointed they did not get a bonus point.