Match report Burry Port RFC 33 – 8 Cardigan.
The Blacks progressed into the 4th round of the Bowl with a clinical 5 try victory against a much fancied Cardigan side. From the kick off, the home team exerted pressure, dominated possession and territory and Captain Dan Etteridge wasted no time in slotting over a drop goal to turn the pressure into points. Soon after, Steff Roberts broke free and sent his brother Iwan Roberts crashing over, only for the ref to disallow it for a knock on. With the Cardigan defence struggling to contain a good driving maul and with forwards and backs being more direct, Duane Evans powered over to open the try count.
Later, it was lively scrum half Ben Williams who showed great determination to force a charge down and score a well deserved try. Cardigan hit back with an unconverted try, only for Dan Etteridge to hit over another drop goal to make the score 16 – 5 at half time.
The second half saw good control at the set piece and patience whilst in possession and the Blacks ground down the Cardigan defence for No8 Richard Parker to go over. Cardigan, now desperate to cling on to the cup tie landed a long range penalty but were not in possession long enough to trouble a well organised Burry Port defence. Another surge up field saw second row Bryn Jenkins race away to score in the corner and put the match beyond Cardigan. As with the Roberts brothers combined so well at the start of the game, it was fitting that the mercurial Rudall brothers combined for the last score with livewire winger Luke putting an intelligent cross kick for Adam to outpace a scrambling defence and touchdown.
Final Score 33 – 8.
Coach Gareth Gravel will be pleased with the result and delighted with the manner of victory, with Burry Port looking a cohesive and well organised outfit with and without the ball. The solid work of the front 5 created a good platform and an intelligent game plan from the start saw the Blacks take control of the game and limit a very strong Cardigan team to 8 points. The exciting back division carried well with centres Steff Roberts and man of the match Duane Evans hitting good angles and this was backed up with exciting running from the back 3. Burry Port are rewarded with a home tie against Cowbridge and if they train hard and can repeat a performance of this maturity they will be difficult to beat.
