AGED 16 - 19? - Want to play Rugby?

Gowerton Rugby Club are starting a Youth Rugby Team - FACT!

We have excellent facilities both on and off the field, experienced, qualified coaches - Dean Evans and Robbie Jones, resources and back-up available. If you are interested in being part of the new era, now is the time to join. Contact postmaster@gowertonrfc.co.uk or tel: 07881 628200.

1st XV Season - President's Overview

Somewhat of a mixed season which started with an up hill struggle against division 5 south west favourites, Ystradgynlais - Gowerton losing out after a hard fought match.
A low point in the long history of the club followed when we lost away at Bynea - Their first victory in over 2 years. Needless to say morale was extremely low at this stage. This was made worse by the loss for a large part of the season of Ian Taylor (A.K.A. SAS) our player of the year 2006/07 with a dislocated elbow and a torn hamstring for the evergreen veteran prop and second row, Berian Davies.
We fought back well in the next match versus Pontardawe but gifted them the game in the latter stages. Another blow was dealt here with the loss through a broken foot of influential Captain and prop forward, Craig Thomas for a large part of the season. Things got back on track away at Swansea Uplands, a Wyn Banfield penalty clinching victory in the last seconds of the game, giving us our much needed first league points of the season.
A loss to Blaenavon in the 1st round proper of the Konica Minolta Cup was followed by losses at home to Trebanos and away at New Dock Stars, the latter being a game that we should have won and probably would have without all our injury problems. No disrespect to the side we fielded who battled hard against an overrated New Dock. The rest period for the autumn internationals appeared to do us some good as victories at home to Cwmtwrch and Glais followed. Our momentum was halted though after a visit to Ysrtradgynlais saw us lose 41 points to 10.
Revenge was in mind when Bynea visited the Gowerton Athletic ground on 19th January. Gowerton ran out impressive 33 points to nil winners. A strong defence was determined to keep out a persistent Bynea side. There was a hard fought match away to Pontardawe in which the home team claimed the points.
Swansea Uplands came to visit on February 16th and were sent packing in a strong display by a determined Gowerton side, 22 points to 8. This was followed by another victory, this time at home to New Dock Stars, atoning for the narrow loss away to the Llanelli side.
A tired side then entered an intense period which saw us playing some sides in contention for promotion - we lost to both Alltwen and Betws at home. This was followed by a period that saw us play 5 matches in the space of 3 weeks. Tired legs meant that we lost out to Cwmtwrch, Trebanos, Glais and Betws all away from home.
The final game of the season saw us travel to Alltwen, who were placed 3rd in the league and who had beaten us convincingly 4 weeks earlier. A somewhat “mixed” side (average age of one wing and fullback was 51 years) out scrummaged, out tackled, out kicked, out jumped and eventually outscored the Swansea Valley side. Finishing off a long hard season in style, with a 14 points to 5 away win.

Thanks this season must go to:
• Steve Brannigan – Bag man
• Gary Shed – Bag man number 2
• Simon Treharne – Linesman
• All the committee members and officers who worked hard to support the team.
• All the supporters.
• Karen and all the bar staff who kept the players fed and watered.
• The Players.
• Student members, without whom it would be impossible to field two sides.
• The Coaching Staff.
• Thanks must also go to Phil Everall for stepping in to Captain the side during the time that Craig Thomas was sidelined with injury.

Record

National Division 5 South West

Played 20
Won 7
Drawn 0
Lost 13
Points for 313
Points Against 468
Try Bonus = 2 points
Losing Bonus = 4 points
Total Points = 34

Konica Minolta Cup

1st Round Proper
Gowerton 8 Blaenavon 12 (Lost)

Saturday 05 May 2008[20:14]

• The First XV ended their season today with an away victory over third-placed Alltwen, by a score of 14 - 5. A Lewis Keeling try along with 2 penalties and a drop-goal from Wyn Banfield sealed the well-deserved win.

Sunday 20 Apr 2008[17:52]

• The Seconds headed west on Saturday for what was the first encounter between these two sides at Second XV level for many seasons. Although the Starch were unable to return with a win, Kidwelly's handling and running were of the highest order - the game can still be viewed as a success on several fronts. Firstly, it is important to appreciate the efforts of the Second XV in wanting to fulfil fixtures, especially away fixtures, when numbers are short! The willingness to "give it a go" and travel with less than 15 is to be admired. Secondly, the boys are playing good rugby. Despite the scoreline, it was not a one sided game and Gowerton came close to crossing the line on several occasions and spurned chances at goal in order to run the ball. Winger Richard Jenkins scored his first try for the club on only his second appearance, the only Gowerton score in a 35 - 5 defeat.

Monday 31 Mar 2008[16:37]

• Despite the earlier bad weather and due to great efforts by Dickie Morgan and his fork, Gowerton's game with New Dock Stars was one of the few to go ahead on Saturday, and it proved worthwhile as the Starch extended their winning home run to 5 matches in Division 5 SouthWest. Playing with the strong wind in the first half, Gowerton soon made their intentions clear by gaining good territorial position through the kicking of outside-half Wyn Banfield and the excellent work of the pack. With Ceri Bushnell organising things at the base, the homesters maintained the pressure and following good forward play, from a ruck inside the visitors 22, scrum-half Bushnell was able to throw a dummy and step his way to the try line for the first score - Wyn Banfield converting. The Starch maintained the pressure throughout the first half, with the pack driving well and holding the advantage at the set-piece, to set up further tries for No. 8 and skipper Phil Everall and prop forward Mike Morse, Wyn Banfield convering one to make the half-time score 19 - 0 to the home team. Having been in control of the first half, the second half proved a different proposition as the home team struggled against the conditions and did well to hold out the visitors. But eventually the pressure told and "Dock" finally crossed for a converted try to narrow the gap. The game seemed to be turning the visitors' way when they added a second converted try to cut the lead to just 5 points, but the Starch re-grouped and could easily have snatched further scores but for good defence. With Benny Collins at the fore of everything up-front, the forwards kept up the work-rate and enabled the Starch to claim a well-deserved victory by 19 - 14. Next week sees another test at home against Alltwen but Gowerton will be up for the challenge and keen to preserve their winning home run. 

Monday 24 Mar 2008[12:35]

• Following a long break of no rugby due to the Six Nations, resulting in Wales' superb Grand Slam (no complaints for that!), it was disappointment all around on Saturday when both games - 1sts and 2nds - were called off due to their opponents being unable to field teams. Training session was held instead to put us in the mood to welcome New Dock Stars this coming Saturday - bring it on!  

Tuesday 4 Mar 2008[17:33]

• Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus i bawb! The Starch celebrated St. David's Day in style with a fine win over our first time visitors from the Brawdy base. 23/7 Signal Regiment arrived at Gowerton with a weakened side but quickly took the lead with a series of forceful forward drives. However from that point on it was the Starch who dominated and with running invention and deft handling the game was firmly in Gowerton hands by half time. The visitors refused to be downcast and began the second half with a second, well taken try before the fast-footed home side returned to their scoring habit. There were notable performances all round, none more so than winger Lewis Keeling and strong running centre Chris Mason who appears to making great strides in returning to full fitness.
  The 23/7 Signal Regiment were popular visitors to Gowerton and all efforts should be made to continue our strong and historic links with various British Army XV's. Final Score Gowerton XV 85 23/7 Signal Regiment XV 12.

Monday 18 Feb 2008[19:21]

• Gowerton 2nd XV travelled to Pontardawe for a re-arranged game. Despite playing with 14 men, the Starch were in a strong position as half-time approached through tries by scrum-half C. Davis and livewire hooker J. Norretto, before Gowerton prop-forward James Greene suffered a serious leg injury and the game was sensibly abandoned. All involved at Gowerton wish James a speedy and full recovery. Pontardawe 11 Gowerton 15 (abandoned) 

Monday 21 Jan 2008[12:28]

• Despite the recent bad weather, the First XV game against Bynea went ahead and it proved worthwhile as the Starch avenged their early season defeat, running out comfortable 33-0 winners. The home team welcomed back second-row Ian Taylor after an arm injury suffered in the away fixture against Bynea back in September. Gowerton took an early lead through the boot of Wyn Banfield and that was extended when, following a clearance kick out of defence, left-wing Lewis Keeling gathered the ball and raced away to score a try under the posts - Wyn Banfield added the conversion. The home team were getting the better of the forward exchanges and with the lineout and scrum functioning well, further pressure resulted in right-wing Steve Payne crossing wide-out to make the score 15-0 at half-time. With the wind at their backs in the second-half, good territorial kicking kept the pressure on the visitors and following an infringement, Wyn Banfield kicked a good penalty from wide-out. The back-row of skipper Phil Everall, Benny Collins and Dafydd Thomas were doing the hard yards and winning the battle on the ground and, with Gareth Davies' sniping runs causing problems, the Starch scored 2 further tries by Phil Everall to secure a well-deserved try-bonus point. Wyn Banfield converted one and with David Jones adding a late penalty, the homesters ran out worthy winners. This win made it three successive home victories and confidence is high for next week's trip to Pontardawe, the last game before an enforced 3-week break for Internationals.   

Tuesday 18 Dec 2007 [19:41]

• The Seconds returned from their visit to Swansea Uplands with the spoils after coming from behind twice in what was a hugely entertaining encounter. Gowerton started strongly with evergreen outside-half Colin Davis making a short break to cross the line after the Gowerton pack had dominated for several phases. The Starch eight continued to work hard with second rows Tom Jones and Jamie Jenkins well to the fore but despite the advantage upfront Gowerton couldn't extend the lead and indeed fell behind from free running Uplands back play. However the determination of the heavier visiting forwards lead to a third try of the season for tight head prop Paul Silitoe. Colin Davis converted from under the posts.
  In the second half Gowerton fell behind to a third fine Uplands try and were dealt a savage blow when the versatile Richard Edwards was forced to leave the field through injury. Necessity being the mother of invention meant captain Steve Howells moved into the number 9 position, his first appearance in the back line for many seasons and one that will be long remembered. The Gowerton side raised their game with 30 mins to go, scoring 11 unanswered points. Paul Silitoe capped an outstanding performance with a second try and this was followed shortly by debutant hooker Joe Noloto, who scored a fine try bursting through determined defence. Swansea Uplands continued to press but it was left to a penalty from Colin Davis to seal the win for the Starch. It was particularly encouraging to see the willingness of so many players to start the game out of position and the return of a second team stalwart Jamie Jenkins. Two wins out of two this Saturday will be great news to all those connected with the Starch!

Monday 3 Dec 2007 [20:52]

• In one of the day's few fixtures played, the Seconds put in a fine performance on Saturday away to a Brynaman side that currently leads the Swansea and District league. Gowerton started strongly with their pack soon gaining the upper hand but solid defence from Brynaman prevented them from scoring. On one occasion the visitors were confident that Paul "the Mass" Silitoe had crossed from short range but the referee ruled otherwise. Against the run of play Brynaman took the lead after excellent handling across their entire backline ended in a try. This was swiftly followed by a second score through adventurous play and Gowerton found themselves behind 12-nil at half time. Despite conceding a soft try very early on, the experienced Starch began to exert control and this was rewarded with a try for James Greene. At all times Brynaman proved to be extremely mobile and both sides enjoyed good passages of play. The upper hand gained by the Gowerton scrum lead to the final try of the game by Phil Everall, David Jones converting to leave a final score of 17 - 12 to Brynaman.
  Brynaman were clearly the best attacking side the Seconds have faced this season and despite the loss there was plenty of encouragement for the coaches, not least that two more players made their debuts and, that for the first time in several seasons a blend of youngsters and experienced players is developing. The fact that the Seconds could have beaten the league leaders will help the side develop over the next few weeks.

Monday 19 Nov 2007 [21:06]

• Gowerton 2nd XV recorded their third victory of the season in an entertaining match against Trebanos. The Starch started slowly and allowed the visitors to open up a 7-nil lead, however that was the last that Trebanos troubled the home team's line as the Gowerton pack slowly exerted control. Gowerton's young backs always tried to move the ball with pace and their reward came in the run up to half-time with David Jones crossing for a try and converting his own score.
  The second half was dominated by the boot of Ceri Bushnell who controlled matters superbly, constantly pinning Trebanos back in their own half. The visitors entered into the sportsman-like spirit with some fine running and counter attacking and both sets of forwards were deservedly praised afterwards for maintaining their discipline throughout the game. Two penalties by Ceri Bushnell gave the Starch the lead before crisp handling sent Dave Kelly over the line - C. Bushnell converted. The coaching staff were clearly pleased by the commitment of the seconds and the fine performances of the debutants James Green, Chris Moriarty, Steve McAdam, Paul Williams and James Brown.

Sunday 11 Nov 2007 [18:35]

• Gowerton travelled to play New Dock Stars in a Division 5 South West match with the hosts enjoying a successful campaign to date losing just one of their six matches. Again weakened by late withdrawals, the Starch, playing with great spirit, competed well despite being under extreme pressure at the scrum. Playing with the wind, the Stars took the lead with a penalty mid-way through the half  and good defence held them out for a half-time score of just 3 - 0. Straight from the kick-off play was taken to the homesters line but despite a sustained period of pressure by the visitors, indiscipline cost them dear as the Stars cleared and from the ensuing play, crossed for an unconverted try in the left corner. Back came the Starch and good line-kicking by outside-half Wyn Banfield ensured good field position. The Starch's pressure finally paid off when the home team were penalised and Wyn Banfield reduced the deficit with a penalty. With time running out, Gowerton pressed hard for another score but with just 3 minutes remaining, against the run of play, the Stars crashed over for another unconverted try. Back came the Starch and their efforts were rewarded when, in the last minute, the Stars were penalised and  Wyn Banfield stepped up to kick the penalty and secure a deserved bonus point for the Starch in a 13 - 6 defeat. The first XV do not have a game now until December 1st, with the Seconds flying the flag next week with a game against Trebanos. Unfortunately, due to the numerous drop outs yesterday with the first team, the "twos" were unable then to field a team against Pontardawe so are doubly looking forward to next week's match. 

Monday 5 Nov 2007 [17:43]

• Gowerton hosted Trebanos on Saturday in their latest Division 5 SW league fixture. The home team - again hit by late withdrawals - went down 10 - 20 in an entertaining encounter. The difference between the two sides was the finishing of Trebanos' right-wing Andrew Penhale, on dual registration with Llandovery, who scorched over for 2 long-range tries. The injury jinx struck the home team again with top try-scorer Steve Payne being stretchered from the field. All of Gowerton's points were scored by player-coach and outside-half, Wyn Banfield, with a penalty and conversion of his own try. Despite the forwards winning the battle up front and gaining territory, the Starch were unable to snatch a bonus point at the end, missing a late penalty to get something from a game  that could have been won.   

Monday 29 Oct 2007 [19:12]

• Gowerton v Blaenavon - Konica Minolta Cup 1st Round - This was the first meeting between the two clubs who both play in division 5 of the WRU leagues and it proved to be a well matched affair and a very forward-orientated game. Blaenavon took the upper hand early on and midway through the half, made the pressure pay with a controversial converted try for a 7 – 0 lead. Gowerton pressed hard on a number of occasions and on one such occasion worked an overlap to put winger Steve Payne in for his fourth try of the season to narrow the gap to 7 – 5 at half-time. Both sides continued to battle hard up front and notable performances came from second rows Phil Everall and Craig Petherbridge, securing good quality lineout ball and also managing to turn over some of the opposition ball. Mike Morse also performed well in the loose, also managing to turn the ball over on a number of occasions. A period of pressure in the second half resulted in a penalty for Gowerton, which was duly converted by player/coach Wyn Banfield to edge the Starch in front, 8 – 7. During the final quarter both sides had an equal share of possession and continued to attack and defend with great ferocity. However, Bleanavon managed to score the decisive points when another disputed try was scored to secure an 8 points to 12 victory. We wish them well in the next round and for the remainder of the 2007/08 season. 

Sunday 21 Oct 2007 [18:34]

• Second XV ..... slipped to a disappointing home defeat to Ystradgynlais in a friendly on Saturday. The Starch's hopes were severely dented when, once again,  the opposition decided they didn't have a recognised front-row and the referee insisted on uncontested scrums from the start. The visitors started the brighter and established a 20 - 0 lead that proved too much for the Starch to claw back. Despite tries from Rhys Thomas and Mike Morse to cut the deficit and immense pressure on the visitors' line, time ran out and the game was lost 20 - 13.    

Monday 15 Oct 2007 [16:29]

• Super Saturday!! .... no, not those over the border - 2 teams and 2 wins!!1st XV away to Swansea Uplands and Gowerton managed to field a near full strength side despite their recent injury worries. It was great to welcome players such as Dean Gibson back to the fold and also welcome new players Paul Hennesey and David Jones. Also great to welcome back all the student members, old and new. This was a hard fought game between two well matched sides and was very physical both up front and behind. The Ups took the lead after 17 minutes, capitalising on some ill discipline from Gowerton and working an overlap to score a try in the corner. Gowerton replied with a penalty from centre Wyn Banfield on 37 minutes to cut the half-time score to 5 - 3. Gowerton continued to press hard in the second half and after a period of sustained pressure took the lead through a try by winger Steve Payne, duly converted by fly-half David Jones on the hour. Swansea Uplands fought back and at times Gowerton played into their hands with some ill discipline. During another period of pressure Swansea Uplands scored an unconverted try on 73 minutes. In a dramatic climax Gowerton fought their way back up the field and managed to force Swansea Uplands into conceding a penalty. Wyn Banfield stepped up and, with the final kick off the game, kicked the 3 points to seal the Starch's first win of the season. - Final Score: Swansea Uplands 10 Gowerton 13.

• The second team moved into the next round of the cup after an impressive away win at Trebanos. This was the second occasion the teams had met this season and like previously the match was well contested. The foundations were built on good scrummaging by the front five who dominated the early forward exchanges and built up a 10 - nil lead thanks to tries from Eugene O' Sullivan and experienced centre James Steadman. Unfortunately, Trebanos were forced to ask for passive scrums midway through the first half, due to injury, and to their credit came back strongly into the game to be level 10-all at half time. In the second half, strong running by Paul Silitoe, fine line out work by Rhys Couch and accurate kicking out of hand by fly-half Ceri Bushnell kept the game in the Trebanos territory. Despite falling behind at one stage, the Starch kept their heads and built up the lead that took them to a well deserved victory. Skipper Steve Howells paid tribute to the excellent attitude and great team spirit that was on show, especially when the Starch fell behind and this was best typified by the outstanding tackle of prop Martin Guard in open play. 

Monday 1 Oct 2007 [22:16]

• Seconds XV v Pontarddulais - Despite an outstanding scrummaging display by the Gowerton pack, the Starch slipped to a single point defeat to the Bont. A hat trick of tries by number 8 Phil Everall looked set to give the Seconds a successive victory but a late converted try by the visitors saw them emerge winners. Gowerton rested much of the side that did valiant service the previous week and called upon the brigade of students who are beginning to return to the university for the new year. This welcome increase in the playing numbers and the Starch's attempts to playing attacking rugby bodes well for the coming months.

• So near ... yet so far!! The 1st XV. playing at home to Pontardawe, put in an improved performance, going down to an injury-time converted try which gave the visitors a 28 - 21 victory. After a Wyn Banfield penalty had given the Starch a 3-point lead, Pontardawe soon took a grip on the game with two converted tries courtesy of poor tackling. Things were not looking good as the homesters were guilty of unenforced errors and being put on the back foot for the first 40 minutes. During this time, the injury jinx struck once again as captain, Craig Thomas was stretchered from the field with a serious-looking injury. At half-time, Phil Everall, who missed the start of the game due to work commitments, was introduced and this had an immediate effect. The visitors' persistent killing-the-ball resulted in one of their players receiving a yellow card and with the Starch using the conditions well, put pressure on in the opposition's 22, resulting in 2 tries from flanker Dafydd Thomas and full-back Steve Payne. One converted by Wyn Banfield meant the homesters had sneaked into a 15 - 14 lead. However, a further mistake allowed Pontardawe to cross for another converted try. Six points behind and a penalty in the opposition's 22, the Starch kicked to touch close to the line but lost the resultant line-out - another opportunity spurned. After further pressure, Wyn Banfield was successful with a drop-goal and short-range penalty to bring the scores level. As the match moved into injury time, another lost line-out on the half-way line resulted in the visitors crossing near the posts for another converted try and the final scoreline. Despite picking up a losing bonus point, the players were disappointed in throwing the game away due to their own mistakes. With the next league game 3 weeks away, it is hoped that the players respond positively by training regularly and putting right the errors they are making.

• Great to see the Second XV take the field with a full team plus subs travelling to play Trebanos. The usual 2nds team-spirit shone through and with Paul (the Mass) Sillitoe crossing for a try and "twinkle-toes" number-10 Richard Edwards kicking a penalty, a well-deserved victory was secured 8 - 7. See the "forum" for comments from the front-line!!

Monday 10 Sep 2007 [18:21]

• Injury problems mount after Bynea disappointment - Gowerton 1st XV suffered further injuries as they failed to impress at Bynea, going down 23 - 12 in Division 5 South West. Despite taking an early lead through a short-range try from scrum-half Colin Davis, converted by John Simeonides, the Starch suffered a body blow when forwards-coach Berian Davies was hurt in the movement leading up to the try and had to be replaced. Despite the best efforts of the back-row - Phil Everall, Benny Collins and Dafydd Thomas - and full-back Steve Payne, the rest of the team failed to raise their game and fell behind to the homesters. Another serious injury to second-row Ian Taylor (pictured right) put a further dampener on the day and despite an excellent try from Steve Payne, the game was lost, leaving Gowerton to reflect on one of their worst performances for many seasons. Hopefully, the return of head coach and outside-half Wyn Banfield from holiday and the availability of other players, can signal a return to winning ways when the Starch entertain Pontardawe on 22nd September. 

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