South Gower v Mumbles Pirates

The Pirates arrived at South Gower for the first match of the season to continue the rivalry against a well drilled opposition. Taking to the wide open spaces of the South Gower pitch the Pirates started well recycling possession and moving the ball well. However, the hosts soon began to exert some pressure and, despite some fierce tacking from the Pirates, they moved the ball wide to score a couple of tries.

After the break there was more of the same with some static play and lack of penetration letting the Pirates down after good passages of play. Two further tries followed for South Gower and they led at this stage 20-0. The Pirates then moved the ball wide releasing Will to score from distance, lifting the heads of the flagging Pirates. With the bit between their teeth they exerted pressure on South Gower with some aggressive defence. This created two tries for Sean A, one after a period of pressure on the host's line and one fine try from distance when Sean straightened the line and cut right through the defence; one converted by Jake C. A final rousing effort left Jon and Rhyddian just short in the corner (a better marked out pitch and the Pirates may of snatched a late winner).

Although it finished as a 20-17 loss it was a hugely impressive fight back and South Gower were glad to hear the final whistle. A great effort from everyone, particularly with lots of players slotting into less familiar positions. A lot to look forward to for the season.

The team on Saturday started with:

Props Josh B, Luke
Hooker Sean M
Second Row Tal, Conor
Scrum Half Morgan
Fly Half Rhyddian
Centres Jake S, Harley
Wings Sean A, Jon
Full Back Jake C

..and rotated on Tom T, Tom, Matt G, Owen, Will and Matt S at the quarters. This weeks Player of the Week was Luke, though there were a lot of contenders with Sean A, Jake C and Will having good games and every player tackling well. A good all round team performance.

Training on Tuesday at Underhill and Next week-end there's no game so it we're looking to train after the Wales v South Africa match (9.30am kick-off).