Injuries scupper Sports' challenge (From Barry And District News)

Injuries scupper Sports' challenge

10:20am Thursday 1st November 2012 in Sport

CAMBRIAN WELFARE RFC 41pts Sully Sports RFC 19

LAST Saturday Sully Sports travelled to Tonypandy to take on Cambrian Welfare in the second round of the Welsh Rugby Union Challenge Cup (Swalec Bowl). Sports, who were without their usual scrum half and with several of their players nursing injuries sustained in the previous week’s hard fought top of the table clash, were put under pressure from the start by a very determined home side that had not lost a match in the current season. It was not long before Sports conceded a penalty just inside their own half which was easily converted, much to the delight of the home crowd.

As both sides struggled to gain control, a Sports tactical kick resulted in them winning the put in at a scrum deep inside Cambrian’s 22. Sully’s pack put the home side on the back foot with a perfectly timed drive and kept the power on, driving Cambrian over their own line for a much deserved try which was converted by the ever reliable Chris Cummings. The normally vociferous home supporters were hushed.

Cambrian were next to score when a winger combined with the full back from inside their own half and, between them, managed to avoid all tackle attempts and put the home team back in the driving seat.

In a very physical game, the team physios were kept busy as the play went from one half to the other. Peter Brown and Sean Atkinson put in some excellent tackles and Sports' players were subjected to equally big tackles. Injuries were inevitable and Sports suffered a massive blow when they lost outside half Cummings shortly followed by Jon Blake.

It was not long into the second half when Sports had used all their substitutes and it was to their credit that they scored a further two tries in their total of 19 points, the most points Cambrian had conceded in any game this year.

In a game of so many big tackles, it was ironic that Cambrian Welfare would emerge victorious as a result of their back row and wingers finding the gaps in Sports' defence and being allowed to advance unchallenged on too many occasions. Nevertheless, a depleted and injury plagued Sully Sports showed their mettle, with all players giving 100 per cent right up to the final whistle.

This coming Saturday Sports welcome St Julians HSOB at Swanbridge and the 2nd XV travel to Cardiff Saracens II XV.

A G P