Swalec Bowl – Second Round

Penygroes 18 Swansea University 10.

An impressive performance from a rapidly-improving Penygroes saw them see off fancied Swansea University in the second round of the Swalec Bowl to and progress to the third round of the competition for the first time in more than a decade.

Against the run of play, Swansea University took the lead after 15 minutes with a classy move which saw their right wing score a fine try. The conversion was missed.

The hosts hit back strongly and following storming runs, particularly from No 8 Gareth Davies, the students were caught offside and Chris Powell landed a superb penalty to haul his side back into the game.

Penygroes continued to press and after 32 minutes, right wing Carwyn Davies jinked over for a try to give his side the lead.

A superb conversion from Powell put the Groes 10-5 up at half-time.

The hosts continued to dominate after the interval and some fine line-kicking from full back Cerith Evans pegged the students back in their own half.

After 42 minutes the pressure paid off and the right boot of Powell landed a second penalty to put his side further ahead.

The centre enjoyed a fine game and just four minutes later a brilliant interception saw him streak away to race 70 yards for a fine individual score, which he just failed to convert.

To their credit, the University boys hit back strongly and six minutes later they notched their second try wide out to drag themselves back into the contest. The conversion attempt failed and the visitors found themselves two scores adrift.

In a ding-dong final quarter both sides had scoring opportunities which they just failed to convert.

With a determined defensive display, the hosts held on to their lead for a second successive win and a deserved place in the third round of the Swalec Bowl.

Penygroes next head to near neighbours Blaenau in search of a hat-trick of wins amidst a new-found confidence.