Division Two West Central

Cwmgors 22 Penlan 25

Trailing 25-10 entering the latter stages of their opening league fixture of the new campaign, Cwmgors rallied superbly to almost snatch an unlikely victory against a strong Penlan side.

The visitors, who were very strong up front, edged the first half and took the lead through an early converted try, before the Cherries, who matched them well in the pack, were awarded a penalty-try when Penlan pulled the scrum down near their own line.

Steff Rees added the conversion to level the scores.

The luck of the bounce was with the visitors for their second, a try in the corner, before Rees’ penalty success reduced the lead to 12-10.

Near half-time, a Penlan penalty made it 15-10, but Cwm missed a golden opportunity when a silly dropped pass, following an excellent break, thwarted a certain try.

The visitors pushed on and extended their advantage early in the second half when a penalty and converted try took them clear at 25-10.

But Cwmgors adapted their approach and began running the ball more – and to great effect.

With their superior backline beginning to dominate, the points started to come.

A kick to the corner paid dividends as replacement number eight Dylan Hills gathered to cross for the try.

Then, just two minutes later, Rees broke well and fed wing Lloyd Watson, who scythed in under the posts for the try. Rees added the conversion.

Cwmgors spent the remainder of the game camped on the Penlan line as the visitors battled to hold on to their lead.

Cwm, for whom man of the match Paul Caines covered every blade of grass, failed to find the winning score despite their best efforts and were forced to make do with the consolation of a bonus point.

Cwmgors will be making the short journey to take on neighbours Brynaman on Saturday.