Sports 20 Porthcawl 38

Both sides had to make late positional changes in this top of the tablegame, either through injury or un-avaiability.

Porthcawl started at 100 mph and caught the Sports napping when No 8 Blair Driscoll powered over from a 5 metre scrum. Two minutes later created, with ease a two man overlap on the left wing which was not needed as John Phillips made the try look easy. So after 12 minutes of play Porthcawl had a 0-14 lead thanks to two conversions by Ricky Thomas, who was named as sub on Thursday, but on the day could have been man of the match. Then the Sports woke up a little and after a surge into the Porthcawl half were awarded a penalty that Townley converted.

 

At this stage an injury to Matthew Murphy saw this key player stretchered off. Another penalty and yellow card was conceded by Porthcawl following a strong drive by the Sports tight five. Townley converted and quickly the Sports were back in the game when skipper 'Zac' Isaacs crashed over from eight metres out. Townley converted from the touchline to make the half time score 13-14 to the relief of the home crowd.

 

The first 5 minutes of the second half were critical. The Sports should have taken the lead. They didn't and Porthcawl regained their composure and Tevita Manaseitava, who had swithed from centre to open side, drove from close quarters for his fist try. Thomas made it 13-21. Porthcawl then attacked with some pressure and skipper Sports 'Zac' made a high tackle and was 'red-carded'. John Phillips added 3 more point with the penalty. Porthcawl were asking all the questions and with a back row short the Sports conceded another try after a strong try by Blair Driscoll which Thomas converted.

 

The Sports fought back, Gary Punter made good yards and after 3 or 4 successive collapses of the scrum near the Porthcawl line, the Ref awarded the Sports a penalty try. Townley made no mistake. 20-31 at this stage. But it was the tireless Tevita Manaseitava that had the last say when he followed a 'foot-rush' to beat the covering defence and score in the final seconds of the game. John Phillips converted making the final score 20-38 and Porthcawl worthy winners.