Fixture

Dowlais RFC | 1st Team 21 - 18 Ystrad Rhondda RFC | 1st Team
Thomas Jevons
1 Try
Corey Shephard
1 Conversion
2 Penalty
Nathan Hughes
1 Try

Match Report
09 October 2016 / Team News

DOWLAIS 21PTS. YSTRAD RHONDDA 18PTS

What a terrific rip roaring cup encounter this was, and a wonderful showpiece for Mid District Rugby.
With the lead changing hands four times and the result in the melting pot right up until the final whistle, the large crowd certainly had their monies worth.
Dowlais started brightly and should have taken the lead early on but two try chances went begging .Ystrad entered the Dowlais half and immediately took the lead with a Cory Sheperd penalty , and this was quickly followed by a try  from Thomas Jevons, to give Ystrad a well deserved 8 point lead.
Dowlais knew the next score had to be theirs to keep  them in the game, and they hit a purple patch with some scintillating Rugby.First the forwards had the Ystrad eight on the back foot driving them into the corner and centre Bleddyn Rees crossing the white wash, Steve James converting from a difficult angle.
The next attack saw all the three quarters involved and full back Tom Griffin running a great line to out pace the covering defenders to cross under the posts for Steve James to add the extras.That left the haltime score 14-8 to Dowlais .
The second half started with the former Cup winners in 2015 Ystrad Rhondda determined to make into the next round putting Dowlais under tremendous pressure, which Dowlais faced with a determined defence, led by Captain Adam Cullen,aided by his fellow back row colleagues, Matthew Llewelyn and Lewis Alyling, who needed to be at the top of their game to keep the strong Ystrad side at bay.
Dai Kelly and Craig Lynch were controlling the lineouts, but the Ystrad no 8 was having a tremendous game and had to be put down early on his runs.
The changes Dowlais made seemed to effect their momentum and this allowed Ystrad to take the lead througha try by Nathan Hughes converted by Cory Sheperd, and a slim one point lead.
With time running out Ystrad extended their lead with a penalty from Cory Shepherd which seemed to be the winning score at 14-18 to Ystrad.
Dowlais showing great grit and determination launched one final attack and Kristian Owen found himself out on the wing and using all his experience was able to beat two defenders and cross in the corner, Steve James once again added a difficult two points and the lead at 21-18.
Dowlais saw the game out defending in their own half where a couple of yellow cards, made it uncomfortable , but a Ystrad last chance passing movement was halted by full back Tom Griffin who cleared into touch and the final whistle, and the rapturous  applause from the home supporters.
This was a first ever Dowlais victory against a  strong Ystrad Rhondda side, with such a successful playing back ground.
The Dowlais coaches must be well pleased  with the team spirit and never say die attitude of their squad and the confidence they show in their own ability
It is back to the league on Saturday with an away trip to Cardiff Quins ,the coach leaving at 12.15..
Players Fixture player info not published.
Gallery

There doesn't appear to be any tagged photos.

Upload and Tag Photos