U:11's Waunarlwydd Home 4.12.06

Date: 04/12/06
Opposition: Waunarlwydd RFC
Venue: Home
Score: South Gower 7, Waunarlwydd 36
Conversions: Sam Pritchard
Tries (Scored By): Eliot Owen


S.G.R.F.C. Man of the Match (And Why): Jack Hooper-Lewis for constantly getting over the gain line, good tackling and leading by example.

Game Analysis: The match kicked off in far from ideal conditions with a strong wind blowing down the pitch. Waunarlwydd playing with the wind in the first half took full advantage of the conditions and went straight on the attack, their forwards recycled the ball well and it was only some determined Gower tackling that kept them out. However, the pressure that Waunarlwydd were exerting soon took its toll and they went over for the first try of the game. From the kick off Waunarlwydd strung together a good move to put the pressure straight back onto South Gower, however, a good break out of defence by Jack Hooper-Lewis relieved the pressure. Waunarlwydd forwards were becoming more dominant and ‘frustrating’ the Gower players, and it wasn’t long before they scored again. From the reset, Waunarlwydd ran straight through the Gower defence to add a Third try, quickly followed by a fourth. This score seemed to kick start South Gower into life as they stepped up to the mark. They were unlucky, with several good moves of their own, which saw the forwards and backs linking well, come to nothing. The game was now much more competitive and Waunarlwydd knew they were in a match, but against the run of play they broke out to score a fifth unanswered try just before half time.
After the break Sam Pritchard was able to put the pressure on Waunarlwydd from the kick off, but Gower were just unable to cross the whitewash. Both sides were struggling for the upper hand at the breakdown and several good tackles from Max Adams, Kieran Shreeves and Jack Hooper-Lewis kept Waunarlwydd at bay. South Gower were attacking more and more and it was only good defence and aggressive forward play by Waunarlwydd that kept them out, then totally against the run of play Waunarlwydd broke out from their own half to score another try. South Gower, were determined to get something out of the game and showed great resolve to keep their heads up and push for a try of their own. A quick break down the left wing saw Sam Pritchard tackled short of the line, the Gower forwards quick to the breakdown, secured the ball for Jamie Thomas to snipe down the blind side only to be tackled inches short, but determined not to finish without scoring, the ball was popped up to Eliot Owen, who did well to stay in the field of play and drive over for the score, taking at least two players with him. Sam Pritchard added the extra two points, the score ensured South Gower had the last word and the supporters had something to cheer about and the second half ended 7-7. The final score did not reflect how close the match was or the effort the players put in, they were a credit to themselves and South Gower RFC in that they didn’t let their heads drop and pushed until the end to get a well deserved try. Well done boys, lets go to Waunarlwydd and beat them at their ground in March, but lets not give them such a head start next time!!!!!