GLAMORGAN WANDERERS 10
RGC1404 25
THIS was a game of three parts.
In the first 20 minutes RGC1404 used the width of a pitch, which needed a late inspection to pass it fit for play after frost the previous evening.
With good ball retention and quick hands from centre Jack Moorhouse, Ioan Davies ran in the first try on the left, leaving Stephen Woodward an easy conversion.
The middle 40 went to the Wanderers, some impressive scrummaging led to Mazin Al-Azzawi’s touchdown and Jason Pocock’s conversion and penalty to give the hosts a 10-7 lead.
Down to 14 men after lock Luke Cudmore was yellow carded, RGC1404 absorbed considerable pressure.
By maintaining their defensive shape and executing first-up tackles, Clive Griffiths’ charges kept the home team out.
RGC1404 drew level through a Woodward penalty and the game remained tied until flanker Chauncey O’Toole, one of an effective backrow trio with Joe Palmer and Jebb Sinclair, went over for a try to make the score 15-10.
The last 20 minutes went to RGC1404.
Late in the game replacement 10 Mathew Parry score in the left corner after pressure from the RGC pack.
Five minutes later Parry again opened up the defence with an excellent break which took him to within five metres of the line.
With a last shimmy in front of the full back, he popped the ball to Moorhouse and with Ioan Davies in support the try was certain.
It was an encouraging win for RG1404 just 18 days into this project, a good rugby game entertaining a small crowd on a bitterly cold Ely afternoon.