Sully Sports RFC 19 v Ferndale RFC 24

SULLY Sports RFC entertained second place Ferndale hoping to build on the previous week’s victory, and get some momentum back into their season.

Playing against the strong wind at the start, the visitors were first to gain the upper hand, as their possession was either used by their quick inventive backs, or kicked deep into the Sports territory to set up attacking possibilities.

These tactics soon paid dividends, and with 10 minutes gone were successful with a short range penalty in front of the posts. A minute later, from a line out on their own 22, the Ferndale scrum half made a 60 metre break which led to a try in the corner, to which the extra points were added.

At last the Sports woke up and their pack dominated the tight to provide plenty of possession, wisely used by fly half Dai Harris to pin the visitors back for long periods. With 20 minutes on the clock, and not to be outdone, it was the home scrum half, Rhys Manford who took off on an 80 metre run, that was stopped two metres short of the try line, but from this position, a series of drives eventually led to a try for prop Jodie Velda, converted by Jake Williams.

Back in the game, the Sports turned off a minute later when conceding a penalty on half-way, the visitors took a quick tap, and sped through a disorganised home defence for another converted try in the corner.

The Sports regrouped, again taking the initiative through the pack’s dominance, and as the 40 minutes were up struck again through Adam Wheeler with an unconverted try, but in the second minute of added time, the Sports were again caught napping at a quick taken penalty, which as before yielded a converted try in the corner.

Although the wind had died in the second half, the Sports were able to dominate territorially and possession wise, but were only able to gain a losing bonus point with Adam Wheeler’s second try, converted by Jake Williams. Ferndale went home the happier having withstood the second half siege, but the Sports can take comfort from their display, as it proved they can compete with the top sides in their division.

Next fixtures, Saturday, November 28 – 1sts v Whitchurch RFC, and 2nds v Fairwater 2nds, both KO 2.30pm.

Friday, November 27 – Veterans’ Reunion at Club from 7.30pm.

Saturday, November 28 – Hypnotist Nite, tickets £11 (including meal) available from R Gully, chairman and also at the clubhouse.