Date: 05.11.06
Score: South Gower 39, Penclawdd 14
Conversions: Jamie Thomas [2]
Tries (Scored By): Chay Smith [3], Sam Pritchard, Sam Jones, Jamie Thomas, Jonno Blakemore
S.G.R.F.C. Man of the Match (And Why): Jonno Blakemore for his supporting role, putting himself in space on the wing and a great personal try skinning his man on the outside for a corner flag touch down.
Game Analysis:
South Gower captain for the day Sam Jones (Pictured below gunning for the try line) lost the toss resulting in us playing up hill with the sun in our eyes for the first half. Penclawdd were straight on the attack, helped by South Gower’s poor tackling allowing Penclawdd to cross for an early try and a successful conversion. South Gower was going to have step up to the mark if they wanted to play this game and that they did. A scrum deep in the oppositions half won by South Gower hooker Eliot Owen allowed scrum half Jamie Thomas to offload to Chay Smith blindside for a weave to the try line through 4 players untouched for an equalising try and conversion. On the restart, South Gower pressured their way back to the Penclawdd try line for Chay Smith to cross for a second try. A third try soon came following by Sam Pritchard who was playing out of position up front with a powerful run, crossing the white wash, ending half time with a strong 17 points to 7 lead.
The second half with the sun on their side and a great day for expansive rugby allowed the All Blacks to continue to face up, forwards Thomas Wright, Jack Hooper-Lewis and Eliot Owen took the game head on. Forward Sam Jones adding his contribution of 5 points to the score line for a well positioned charge over the white wash. Penclawdd in fairness never gave up the fight and managed another well deserved try and successful conversion. The Gower confidence however was flying with the ball being thrown openly around the back line allowing Jamie Thomas to cross the score line, try of the match by winger Jonno Blakemore who stood up to the defender before skinning him down the outside and Chay Smith who claimed his hat trick of the game. All in all, a great display of phased rugby and some safe hands off loading at the break down. Well-done boys – a good all round game.
