Sports 57 Blaengarw 5

Sports won the toss and decided to play with the wind in the first half. The game plan was pretty simple in that the Sports looked to move the ball once over the gain line from first phase possession. The scrum proved to be very competitive throughout the game but especially in the first quarter. Joe Bryant was unavailable for the game which gave the opportunity to Greg Thomas who worked extremely hard at scrum and in open play. Jay Dent started at openside for the injured Ryan Wallis and showed that he is a player well capable of first team rugby. Jay is one of several second team players that are pushing very hard for a first team spot. Veteran Keith Burke showed that there is plenty of life left in his legs as he stormed over for two well taken tries only being denied a hat trick by fellow backrow Gary Punter who crossed the line with Keith in close support.

Chris Morgan and Mathew Murphy at half back controlled the game superbly keeping pressure on Blaengarw at all times. Blaengarw to their credit kept the sports at bay for most of the first half and it took until the final minute of the half for Jason Evans to touchdown in the corner securing a bonus point for the team as it was the fourth try of the half.

The centres of Roddy Boobyer and Michael John again were on fine form causing no end of problems for the Blaengarw midfield. The half ended 26-0 in favour of the Sports which did not reflect how well Blaengarw had played and certainly flattered the home side. The first score of the second half was crucial and with Mathew Murphy running the game soon allowed Jamie Lorimer to power over from loose play. Blaengarw's midfield were now flying up in defence and putting real pressure on the outside backs.

Matthew Murphy at ten was forced into taking the ball up himself. Hedid this superbly beating the Blaengarw defence time after time before feeding out to the supporting backs. Into the wind the sports were forced into passing the ball rather than kicking for position. This suited them far better and allowed the attractive brand of rugby that they are capable of to come into play. It appeared that the front five had won the forward battle and with Mathew Murphy in such excellent form the scores game at regular intervals.

Michael 'Mitch' John crossed for two well taken tries showing what a talented player he is. The try of the match game from inevitably Matthew Murphy who side stepped the Blaengarw back row, midfield and finally the fullback before scoring under the posts. Blaengarw's no 9 scored a well taken consolation try, running from the back of the scrum, late on in the game which was some reward for the effort that he had put into the game.

The final result of 57-5 possibly flattered the Sports a little. However the bonus point was well deserved and will allow the team to travel to Wattstown next week full of confidence to what looks like atough encounter away from home.