Division Three West

Tycroes 22 Cardigan 5

After playing Tumble last weekend in glorious conditions, and racking up a bonus point win, Tycroes entertained Cardigan at Cae Gelli in weather more reminiscent of November.

The overnight non-stop rain made the playing surface a lottery with the slippery ball piling up the handling errors.

Tycroes took an early lead when full back Carwyn Richards slotted over a penalty on seven minutes after previously missing an earlier attempt.

The dominance Tycroes had in the scrum was to prove a pivotal factor, for it was through this facet of play that led to their first try.

Cardigan were under immense pressure at scrum time giving away numerous penalties and allowing Tycroes to round the Cardy line, when the ball popped out to John James, he dived over the whitewash, Richards failed with the conversion.

Taking an 8-0 lead into the second half and playing with the elements Tycroes set about earning their four tries and gaining that elusive bonus point.

Executing a blind side move from a midfield scrum, Aaron Price fed scrum half Simon Cooper and with a three-to-two overlap, he drew in his defender and fed full back Richards to crash over on 45 minutes, he also added the conversion.

Now with the possession and territory, the home side were throwing everything at the Cardy’s line but ill-discipline and handling errors let the visitors of the hook time and again, earning Tycroes two yellow cards.

Down to 13 men, Tycroes let Cardigan move the ball up field and they powered over for their score. The conversion was successful.

The try boosted the visitors confidence and with the two-man advantage they set about reducing the deficit, forcing the hosts to hang on.

With the whistle only minutes away, Tycroes worked the ball down field where they gained a line-out in the visitors 22.

Richie Williams who was making his first appearance since September secured the ball at the back of the line and the drive took them towards the line, but a bit of ring rustiness ensured the drive fell short. The ball as recycled and Trystan Morgan crashed over between the posts, Richards converted.

Outstanding for Tycroes today was the complete back row who constantly turned over the ball.

Next week Tycroes visit Haverfordwest.