Fixture

Abercarn reacted strongly to an early score against them and had to dig deep to record a victory over Pencoed and progress into the next round of the Plate competition. With less than a minute on the clock the home side lost control of the ball, saw it passed quickly across the visitor's threequarters for their winger to score an unconverted try without a hand being placed on him. Abercarn responded soon afterwards when outside-half Jamie Baker was successful with his first penalty kick of the game and he soon moved them into the lead with another well struck penalty. Pencoed were having a torrid time in the set scrums but were able to hit back spiritedly in the loose and their threequarters were particularly effective. The home side moved further ahead when, following a driving maul, hooker Sean Kent powered over from close range and Baker duly added the extras. In an enthralling encounter neither side was able to dominate the other and at half-time the score was 13 points to 5.

Baker was successful with his third penalty kick before Pencoed kept Abercarn pinned in their own half and following a period of sustained pressure were rewarded with a converted try to bring them within four points of the hosts. Stout defending kept the visitors at bay and finally the home side were able to work their way up the pitch and following a forward drive Abercarn scored their second try to give them some breathing space. To their credit Pencoed never gave up the chase and in the final minutes and against the run of play winger Andrew Fraser collected a loose ball on his own 22, raced up the touch line to score his sixth try of the season. Baker's conversion took the final score to 30 points to 12 which was not a fair reflection on Pencoed's spirited contribution in this close fought match.

The Abercarn pack laid the foundation for victory by stopping Pencoed from setting any platform from which to release their dangerous threequarters. The Man of the Match award went to hooker Sean Kent for his impressive throwing in and work rate around the park. Our next home match is at home to Ynysddu on 12 November.