Knock out Cup Rugby – 31^st December 2022

 

 

Fishguard & Goodwick 31 - St Davids 9

 
Fishguard & Goodwick marched into the semi-finals of the Pembrokeshire Knockout Cup with victory over a St Davids’ side which was very much in the hunt at half time as The Seagulls led 14-9.
 
Played on the school pitch at Ysgol Bro Gwaun because their pitch at The Moors was water-logged, the conditions were not really conducive to running rugby but both teams deserve credit for at least giving total commitment despite the inevitable handling errors aplenty with a ball made very greasy by the rain.
 
The Seagulls’ much vaunted pack, ably led by Chris Shousha, set out their stall early with some strong carries from Adam Bowen, Will Delaney, Cai Llewellyn and Rhys Lewis so that the back row of Tal Tamilia, Sion Colella and skipper Chris Shousha became more and more involved – and their efforts were eventually rewarded when hooker Liam Wilkes ploughed over the line and No 10 Jake Jenkins converted.
 
But The Saints weren’t going to lie down quietly and they reduced the deficit with a penalty by winger Adam Phillips after outstanding No 8 Scott Riches, playing against his former club, was joined by Ben Evans, Aled Davies, Kieran Jones and Rhys Price in establishing a period of pressure.
 
Back came The Seagulls with another forward orientated try by skipper Chris Shousha, again converted by Jenkins – but with Adam Williams, Ryan John and Andrew Batten also involved for The Saints, Phillips landed a second penalty and right on half time reduced the interval deficit to 9-14 with his third kick on target.
 
Ina second half played in increasingly difficult conditions there we no shortage of effort in defence from Saints’ backs Ben Joyce, George Raymond, Owain Swain and the rest but The Seagulls grabbed three tries as centres Sion Rowlands and Robbie Jones began to exert a real influence, with Rowlands opening their second half account after a good backs’ move initiated by Max Jones and Jenkins.
 
As they continued to press Fishguard it was replacement centre James Reynolds who took the scoring pass after Robbie Jones had made the initial break – and got up having spoilt his clean kit was a finishing slide into a particularly boggy part of the in-goal area.
 
Jake Jenkins converted, as he did when The Seagulls claimed their final try, with Robbie Jones again the catalyst and Osian Jones galloped in from 30 metres out.
 
Seagulls’ coaches Nathan and Steve Jenkins were naturally pleased with the result and although they recognised there had been errors aplenty were quick to praise the commitment of their squad, and the terrific support from spectators unable to find a sheltered place in the unforgiving conditions.
 
Saints’ co-coach Jack Dudley was of a similar mind regarding the difficulties of coping with such unpleasant conditions but told PembrokeshireSport.co.uk that he was impressed by the commitment his players had shown against a pack that held the edge in size and power, especially on the bench, but never took a backward step.
 
Fishguard & Goodwick: Kyle Keane: Creegan Foot; Robbie Jones; Sion Rowlands; Rhys Evans: Jake Jenkins; Max Jones: Will Delaney; Liam Wilkes; Adam Bowen: Cai Llewellyn; Rhys Lewis: Tal Tamilia; Sion Colella; Chris Shousha (Capt). Replacements: Iwan McVeigh; Ryan McVeigh; Will Lewis; Gwilym Evans; Simon James; Osian Jones; James Reynolds.
 
St Davids: Owain Swain: Morgan Davies; Ben Joyce; George Raymond; Adam Phillips: Aaron Foster; Zac Morgan: Ben Evans; Adam Williams; Ryan John: Aled Davies; Andrew Batten: Rhys Price; Kieran Jones; Scott Riches. Replacements: Dale Humphreys: James Goldsmith; Rhys Meredith-Barrett.