It was deceiving. A glorious late summer morning. The beginning of a new season for our young men and a lot of rugby to be played in this big year for the sport. A highly competitive season last year offered a glimpse of the potential in the team and it was against this backdrop that Gowerton faced the toughest of openers, away against Loughor.
Loughor were quick out of the blocks, but Gowerton defended well. Josh K making a strong early tackle. The lineout was working nicely with Elliot H providing good ball to Jac S. Opportunities were limited going forward but Rhys D and Alex J chased a kick through. Gowerton were having to feed off scraps, but were relatively comfortable in defending the line. Alex J followed up one of his kicks with a great chase before being bundled in to touch. Elliot H, dominating the line out, intercepted a Loughor throw and shortly after Zak G almost went over from close range. After winning another lineout, Elliot H set up a driving maul from which Zak G powerred over to put Gowerton in front after 20 minutes.
The lead was shortlived, however, as Loughor secured a lineout 10 yards out and following a quick throw to the front went over to get back on level terms.
Josh K was again looking dangerous, before a midfield break by Loughor saw them go over under the posts and take a 12-5 lead in to half time.
It had been an attritional half. Rhys D struggling to find space and Zak G unable to control the back of the scrum with the pack under a lot of pressure. Ethan H, James R and Olly M were finding it difficult to impose themselves and the breakdown was largely being dominated by Loughor with Elliot H and Joe D a little off the pace. Rhys J was having success defensively but finding little space to go forward.
In midfield, Luc J was constantly under pressure and it was only good kicking from Jac S and Charlie W that allowed any forward momentum.
Gowerton started well in the second half with Josh B cutting inside for a darting run from fly half, with Charlie W off with injury.Loughor responded again and it was only good cover work from Rhys D that prevented a break from deep. Loughor were now looking to kick over the top in midfield and this began to pay dividends with a further try after 37 minutes.
Loughor's superior fitness began to show and the were stretching a tiring Gowerton defence. However, Jack G and Ethan H combined for a good run in midfield and Alex J made a good return from a Loughor clearance kick.
However, Loughor went over again from a lineout to make it 26-5 and closed out the win with 2 further scores in the dying minutes to make it 38-5.
There will be much to work on in training this week. The breakdown was poor and the scrum, unusually, was uncompetitive. But the team is back in the saddle, they now know what 60 minutes feels like and a lot of rust will have been shed.
The game was refereed by Dai Morris and Ceri Daniel was First Aid in attendance.
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