Crynant 5 Sports 23

The weather conditions were the best for some time at Crynant and allowed both sides to try a play some rugby.

 

Mistakes were made from the outset and with the Sports in the home side's territory for long periods it was just 10 minutes before Nathan Townley put the Sports ahead after a Crynant forward handled in the loose. Matthew Channell, playing in the centre, was making his presence felt and forcing errors.
Moments later when Crynant did not release the ball after a tackle Townley kicked a monster penalty from the touchline to make the score 0-6. Crynant were thinking quick when a they took a short penalty that surprised the Sports with prop Gareth Davies driving over for an unconverted try in the corner. More pressure followed from Ryan Wallis and the Sports back row and again Crynant conceded a penalty that Townley converted. 5-9. The Sports opened their try account from the re-start when Matthew Murphy chipped over the defence applied an old fashioned 'foot rush' which was controlled by Punter and Dowling and the ball popped to scrum half, Owen Pengily to score in the corner.

Another superb conversion by Townley made the half time score 5-16. The second half was flat for a full 30 minutes with the Sports seeming comfortable with their lead and denying Crynant any real territorial advantage. The forwards were working well as a unit and it was good to see Ian Hearne back on the wing. He did take a break for 10 minutes in the 'bin', just to gather his thoughts after his lay off.

Mark Harris looked comfortable at blind side but it was a moment of inspiration that allowed player coach, openside wing forward Rhys Dowling to break two tackles before touching down under the posts. And Townley does not miss those kicks. The final score 5-23 with good performances from the returning Jo Bryant, and man of the match Rhys Dowling who inspires the side with his 'from the front' attitude.