Division 3 Promotion Play Off
Heol y Cyw 20 Garndiffaith 19 - May 21st 2011

Cyw travelled to the neutral ground of Penallta RFC to face Division 3 East runners up, Garndiffaith RFC in the Play Off for promotion to Division 2.

Heol y Cyw kicked off in front of a large crowd of travelling supporters and immediately forced their opponents into a series of mistakes and eventually gained possession of the ball. A series of forward drives took them into the corner where Kevin Worgan forced himself over for a 1st minute try. The conversion failed but Cyw were 5-0 up. Cyw's forwards were dominating their opponents and their backs were running at every opportunity putting Garndiffaith under tremendous pressure. It was no surprise when they went further ahead with another unconverted try by Luke O'Driscoll. This came after No 10 Gareth Howe kicked deep into Garndiffaiths half. Excellent following up by winger Aled Jones put the defence under pressure which resulted in a poor kick to try and relieve the pressure which was gratefully received by O'Driscoll who had a clear run over the line. 10-0. On the half hour Cyw lost their influential Captain, Adam O'Driscoll with a rib injury and No 10, Gareth Howe with a dislocated finger. There were no further scores before half time but possession and territory was dominated by Cyw and Garndiffaith never threatened the try line.

Garndiffaith restarted, Cyw secured the ball and replacement No 10, Wayne Jarvis put an intelligent kick back to their opponents 22. The defence dithered and full back, Paul Songhurst, followed up at speed, gathered the loose ball and touched down near the posts. Jarvis converted and Cyw were 17-0 up. Any thoughts of an easy victory were soon dispelled by Garndiffaith when their forwards gained ground down the right which resulted in a converted try. 17-7. Cyw then increased their lead with a penalty from Jarvis. 20-7. Garndiffaith then reduced the lead with another converted try in the right corner. 20-14.

Minutes later another rolling maul by their forwards was converted into another try. Much to the relief of the Cyw supporters the conversion failed making the score 20-19. With 15 minutes left it looked ominous for Heol y Cyw but try as they might, the Garndiffaith players could not breech the Cyw defence again and when the referee blew for time it was Cyw who prevailed and deservedly won promotion to Division 2.

Every player who turned out for Heol y Cyw deserves praise for their efforts in this game and it seems a shame to single out anyone but the man of the match award went to flanker Zack O'Driscoll who was immense throughout. He constantly drove opponents back in the tackle and his determined running gained many yards for his team.

All players are to be congratulated for their efforts throughout this Season and they, the Club Officials and supporters can now look forward to life in Division 2 next Season.

Fairwater 17 Heol y Cyw 38 - Apr 30th 2011

For their final league game of the season Cyw were determined to strive for a bonus point win against Fairwater in order to keep up their automatic promotion chances. Cyw started lively but were thwarted by a good defence. The game was barely 5 minutes old when Cyw scrum half Grant Hall crashed over near the posts for a well worked try which Gareth Howe converted. Howe then added further points with a long range penalty from the half way line to give Cyw a 10 point lead. Scrum half Hall was then yellow carded and Fairwater crept back into the game with a converted penalty, and then drew level with a converted try. Cyw were stung back into action and took a series of quick tap penalties on the Fairwater line but could not breech the defence from short range. Fairwater relieved the pressure with a kick out of defence but Cyw turned the ball at them and saw left wing Steve Bessant cross in the corner and once again Howe converted with a fine long range kick to give Cyw a half time lead of 10-17.

Directly from the restart Cyw full back Paul Songhurst collected the ball and ran deep into Fairwater's 22m area before giving a scoring pass for Danny Thorn to claim the try. Replacement outside half Wayne Jarvis converted. Fairwater hit back almost immediately and scored a try from a quickly taken tap penalty which was converted for a 17-24 score. The influential no 7 flank forward for Fairwater was yellow carded and this gave Cyw a little more room at the set pieces and following breaks by Wayne Jarvis and Kevin Worgan, Grant Hall crossed for his second try of the game. Wayne Jarvis converted for a 17-31 lead. Cyw were assured of the bonus point now and started playing more openly, but two yellow cards against Cyw reduced their forward power until the recently reinstated Fairwater no 7 was red carded for another offence. Cyw sustained the pressure until the end and wrapped up the scoring with a supreme try by debutant second row Lewis Hughes in the corner, superbly converted by Wayne Jarvis.

Cyw's season now rests on Abercynon's result against Fairwater in midweek as regards whether Cyw finish top of the league and automatic promotion or finish second and entering the play offs against second placed opposition from other league regions.

Heol y Cyw 41 Brecon 10 - Apr 23rd 2011

Cyw started the game aware they needed a bonus point win to keep up their promotion challenge, and came up a very determined Brecon team intent on thwarting Cyw's ambitions. Early pressure by Cyw led to a penalty calmly converted by outside half Gareth Howe. Cyw tried all ways to breech the Brecon defence but the visitors held firm for a time before a break by wing Steve Bessant set hooker Luke O'Driscoll free for a 35 metre sprint to the line bouncing off would be tacklers. Howe converted for a 10-0 lead. Cyw's supporters hoped this would allow Cyw to take the game to Brecon and put them to the sword, but against the run of play Brecon's back line worked the ball free for a well worked try which was converted. Shortly afterwards a Cyw forward was yellow carded and Brecon levelled the score with the penalty attempt 10-10, and the score remained deadlocked until half time.

Cyw started the second half at a faster pace and Brecon conceded a penalty which Gareth Howe converted. Kevin Worgan then drove over for Cyw's second try again converted by Howe to stretch to a 20-10 lead. Centre Chris Howe wormed his way over for a well worked try and Gareth Howe converted again.Former British Lion Allan Bateman in his penultimate game for Cyw was outstanding in attack and defence and linked brilliantly with support runners to show the true running spirit of Cyw's style of play. Cyw sensed the bonus point was there for the taking and captain Adam O'Driscoll led by example as he has all season and crossed for the fourth try and the elusive bonus point. Howe converted to take the score to 34-10. Further pressure by Cyw towards the end of the game saw an incredible cross field kick by Gareth Howe bounce favourably behind the Brecon line for full back Paul Songhurst to pluck out of the air and claim the try in the corner. Gareth Howe completed the game with his conversion with a flawless kicking display for a 41-10 result that also secured the bonus point for Cyw to take into their final league game away at Fairwater on Saturday.

Man of the match for Cyw was hooker Luke O'Driscoll

Llandaff North 20 Heol y Cyw 57 - Apr 16th 2011

Heol -y –Cyw travelled up to the Capital to encounter Llandaff North mindful that the results from the last few season's game against the same opposition had not been in Cyw's favour. From the start Cyw's sole objective was a win with a bonus point and from the very first scrum Cyw captain and Number 8 Adam O'Driscoll received a return pass from wing Dan Thorne and sprinted 50 metres for the opening try with barely two minutes played. Gareth Howe converted for a 0-7 lead. Gareth Howe followed this with a superb penalty goal to keep the scoreboard ticking over, but this spurred The North to pick up the pace of their game and their back line looked sharp on several occasions, only some ferocious tackling by the Cyw defence kept the tryline secure. Llandaff North clawed their way back into the game with two long range penalties to cut the deficit to 6-10. Shortly before half time Cyw crossed for a second try through hooker Luke O'Driscoll after a great lineout take from Gareth Roberts and a concerted drive by the Cyw forwards. Gareth Howe made no mistake with the conversion for well deserved 6-17 half time lead.

From the start of the second half Cyw exerted pressure on The North and a superb flowing move through Allan Bateman and wing Danny Thorne led to centre Chris Howe claiming an unconverted try.

Cyw changed outside halves and the pace of the game altered, Adam O'Driscoll tackled a North player inside the Cyw 22m line and stole the ball from him, and raced 75 metres to beat the North's despairing defence for a brilliant individual try that also secured the bonus point. Replacement outside half Wayne Jarvis converted from the touchline for a 6-29 lead. Cyw started to relax and play carnival rugby, with the fluent Wayne Jarvis claiming and converting a try made by the smooth handling of Bateman and Chris Howe. Another try quickly followed for veteran prop forward Ceri Roberts, and two tries in quick succession for lock forward Rhys Eskins. All of these tries were converted by Jarvis in a superb kicking display.

Llandaff North scored two converted tries very late in the game through Cyw mistakes to add a sense of respectability to the score line.

Final score 20-57.

Cyw have amassed over two hundred points in their last 4 games, and their last home game of the season is Good Friday against Brecon at the early kick off time of 1pm.

Man of the match for Cyw was captain Rhys Eskins.

Aberdare 17 Heol y Cyw 24 - Apr 2nd 2011

Cyw travelled up to third placed Aberdare with a team depleted by injuries and started the game giving away too many penalties. Aberdare took an early three point advantage through a penalty and this seemed to sting the Cyw pack into action and for a short while they were camped in Aberdare territory. Aberdare were desperate in their defence and five metres from their try line their No 7 was yellow carded for deliberately lying on the tackler to slow the ball down. Cyw elected for the scrum rather than the penalty kick and when the ball was won Adam O'Driscoll picked up and drove for the line and Lock Rhys Eskins was on hand to score Cyw's opening try. Gareth Howe's conversion attempt hit the post.

Another strong break from the halfway line by captain Adam O'Driscoll took play up to the Aberdare line once more and scrum half Grant Hall crashed over for a superbly worked try converted by Gareth Howe for a lead of 3-12 at half time.

The second half started in the same manner as the first with too many mistakes and penalties given away by Cyw. A lineout for Aberdare inside their half was stolen superbly by flank forward Gareth Roberts and Adam O'Driscoll set off on another amazing run and instinctively fed centre Chris Howe from the tackle and Howe ran through unopposed to score underneath the posts. Gareth Howe added the conversion for a 3-19 lead, and the possibility of the all important bonus point. Aberdare rallied hard at this point and came back at Cyw.

A yellow card offence against a Cyw forward reduced the numbers and during this time Aberdare took control of the game and scored two converted tries to bring themselves back to 17-19.Cyw's travelling supporters were stunned by this and feared the game was turning. Cyw rallied with the numbers being equalled by the return of the sin binned player and a speculative chip over Aberdare heads by Gareth Howe allowed centre Chris Howe to race against the Aberdare defence for a frantic last minute try.

The conversion failed but Cyw ended up with a superb win and the much needed bonus point to consolidate their lead at the top of the league.

Man of the match for Cyw was awarded to Luke O'Driscoll for his outstanding tackling and workload

Heol y Cyw 20 Gwernyfed 5 - Mar 26th 2011

This eagerly anticipated fixture between the top two teams in the league promised a feast of quality rugby and the large home crowd were not disappointed. Cyw probed Gwernyfed's defence early on and were kept out by some rugged tackling. A speculative chip ahead by Gwernyfed's outside half was allowed to bounce awkwardly on the hard ground and left wing Andy Hill collected the ball and scored wide out for an unconverted try. Cyw looked a little shocked by this and had to claw their way back into the game.

Cyw's forwards started to take the game to Gwernyfed and some huge tackles were being made by brothers Adam, Zac and Luke O'Driscoll along with Darren Oram. Cyw managed to convert two penalties through outside half Wayne Jarvis to bring the score to 6-5.Shortly before the interval captain Adam O'Driscoll broke from the base of a scrum deep inside his own half and made a storming run through the heart of Gwernyfed's defence to find outside half Jarvis on his shoulder who continued on to feed for British Lion centre Allan Bateman to outstrip the defence and run in 40 metres to score a wonderful try beneath the posts.Wayne Jarvis converted to give Cyw a well deserved 13-5 half time lead.

The second half started at a furious pace with both teams attacking and counter attacking at every opportunity. Cyw scrum half Grant Hall and Wayne Jarvis controlled the game for Cyw and both put in some relieving kicks to touch and tackled like extra forwards when needed on their own tryline. Another break from Adam O'Driscoll on his 22metre line saw him fend off the Gwernyfed outside half and break the the line of defence and carry the ball on another 30 metres and in an almost identical move to the first try, the ball was passed to Wayne Jarvis who sprinted in to score a try in the corner. The conversion sailed through the posts to great applause from the home crowd to make the score 20-5.

Cyw had a forward yellow carded for an infringement deep in their own half and it looked certain that Gwernyfed would make Cyw pay for their error but resolute defending and huge tackling kept the visitors out and Cyw held on until the final whistle to leapfrog Gwernyfed into top position in the league.

Man of the match for Cyw went to captain Adam O'Driscoll for an outstanding all round display.

Brecon 13 Heol y Cyw 27 - Mar 19th 2011

Cyw travelled up to Brecon on a beautiful spring day to face a determined opposition fighting to stay in Division 3 South East, whilst Cyw are fighting hard to win promotion at the other end of the table.The game started with both teams trying desperately to unlock each others defences. Cyw opened the scoring with a try from a quickly taken penalty from short range for former British Lion Allan Bateman, this was calmly converted by captain Adam O'Driscoll who took over the kicking duties for the day with Cyw's two first team outside halves missing through injury. Brecon replied with two penalties in the first half to give Cyw an interval lead of 6-10.

In the second half Cyw's pack became more dominant and when hooker Luke O'Driscoll took a scrum against the head in front of the Brecon posts second row Kevin Green picked the ball up and crashed over for a well deserved try. Adam O'Driscoll converted to extend Cyws lead 6-17.Brecons hooker was yellow carded and Cyw tightened their grip on the game with a try near the corner flag for No8 Kevin Worgan. The conversion narrowly failed. Cyw's tackling was ferocious especially from flanker Zac O'Driscoll and prop Darren Oram.

Pressure was put on the Brecon line for long periods of the second half with Cyw looking for their fourth try and the elusive bonus point, forward dominance allowed second row Rhys Eskins to be driven over by the whole Cyw pack. The conversion attempt failed to leave the scoreline 6-27.Cyw seemed to ease off the pressure at this point and allowed Brecon to steal a converted try at the end of the game making the scoreline a little more respectable.

Man of the match for Cyw was awarded to captain Adam O'Driscoll.

Heol y Cyw 53 Pentyrch 0 - Mar 5th 2011

Cyw started the game brightly and showed their intention to run with ball in hand from the start and had Pentyrch on the back foot from the kick off. Outside half Mike Huckridge gave Cyw an early three point lead with a penalty after 5 minutes and this was quickly followed by another penalty quickly taken for Zac O'Driscoll to crash over near the corner flag, converted by Huckridge for an encouraging 8-0 scoreline.

Cyw upped the tempo with strong surging runs from wing Steve Beasant and captain Adam O'Driscoll down the left hand side of the field. Pressure put on Pentyrch was rewarded with further tries for Mike Huckridge and Kevin Worgan. Huckridge converted his own try and Cyw ended the first half 20-0 in front.

Cyw started the second half in the same spirit as the first and put immense pressure on the opposition, and key forwards Kevin Worgan,Darren Oram,Rhys Eskins and Kevin Green made several surging, probing runs at Pentyrch's defence. Slick passing through the hands by all the Cyw back line led to a superb try for wing Aled Jones in the corner, rounded off by a conversion by Huckridge. A second try soon followed for Kevin Worgan again converted by Huckridge. Then came a wonderful solo try from centre Chris Howe who jinked his way through the Pentyrch defence to touchdown under the posts which allowed a simple conversion for Huckridge. At this point Cyw seemed unstoppable with ball in hand and further tries followed for Kevin Green and finally a second for wing Aled Jones to round off an emphatic win for Cyw 53-0.With results in other matches benefitting Cyw this result puts Heol y Cyw proudly on top of Division 3 East.

Cyw's man of the match award was shared between Chris Howe and Zac O'Driscoll but there could have been so many other recipients such was the all round commitment by the whole Cyw team.

Tondu 11 Heol y Cyw 7 - Feb 5th 2011

Heol y Cyw travelled to near neighbours Tondu for this Swalec Plate game knowing their opponents are a full league above them and in good form. Cyw demonstrated from the start that their intention was to take the game to Tondu and tried to run the ball at every opportunity despite the gale force wind. Both sides tried to attack but the game was constantly interrupted by the referee for infringements. Neither team could seem to claim an advantage. Cyw were awarded a penalty wide out and Mike Huckridge attemped a long range kick against the wind which hit the post much to Tondu's relief, this spurred on the Cyw into believing they could get something out of this game.

After fearless tackling from Cyw's forwards and backs alike the advantage seemed to be going to Cyw. Tondu lost a scrum against the head on Cyw's 10 metre line after a great steal by Luke O'Driscoll and scrum half Rhys Owen cleverly collected the ball and set off on a jinking run down the touchline to score a superb individual try near the posts which was converted by Mike Huckridge for a 0-7 lead. Mike Huckridge failed to capitalise a few moments later when a penalty attempt sailed wide of the posts.

Rhys Owen made several blistering breaks from the base of scrumsto gain vtal yardage. Tondu rallied just before half time with a penalty in front of the Cyw posts,but were then immediately down to 14 men when outside half Paul Smithson was yellow carded for a late tackle on Rhys Owen. Half time Tondu 3 Cyw 7 The second half started with distinctly fired up Tondu taking play into the Cyw half at a much greater pace than the first half,and they were immediately rewarded with a penalty which brought them back to a point at 6-7.Tondu attacked with vigour and were camped in the Cyw half for long periods and just when it looked as if they were to score a try Cyw captain Adam O'Driscoll attempted an interception pass only for the ref to deem it a deliberate knock down and a yellow card was issued. Cyw managed to claw their way back upfield and ran at Tondu with purpose, they camped in Tondu's 25 and had several scrums yards from the line but after several attacking drives they turned the ball over and Tondu kicked the ball deep into Cyw territory. Another clearance kick from Tondu bounced awkwardly between winger and fullback for Cyw and a Tondu player gathered gratefully to score a try in the corner which went unconverted for a Tondu lead of 11-7.

Tondu's outside half was then dismissed for a second yellow card offence,and although Cyw pressed to the end it was to be Tondu's day and their players jubilation at the end of the game showed how far they had been pushed by Heol y Cyw. Special mention must be made of the Cyw spirit that did not give up during this game, and the superb tackling by all the players. Cyw can now concentrate on promotion in the league.

Man of the match for Cyw was shared between Rhys Owen and Kevin Green.

St. Peters 13 Heol y Cyw 13 - Jan 15th 2011

League leaders Cyw travelled to fourth placed St Peter's in Cardiff to play in very difficult conditions after a week of heavy rain. Cyw tried running the ball at every opportunity despite the quagmire underfoot and were soon rewarded with a penalty for diving in at the ruck and outside half Gareth Howe struck the ball superbly to open the scoring 0-3 to Cyw.

St Peters were stung into action and from a scrum on Cyw's line a mistake by Cyw allowed a simple try for St Peter's which went unconverted.5-3. A few minutes later St Peters grabbed another try after kicking a penalty to touch, winning the lineout and driving over. The conversion failed but by now St Peter's sensed they were gaining the advantage of the conditions and were visibly excited by the possibility of a win. Cyw were giving far too many penalties away and a further infringement saw a penalty converted by St Peter's for a 13-3 half time lead.

From the restart Cyw were awarded a penalty from a lineout and Gareth Howe converted with a superb long range kick 13-6.Cyw upped the tempo of their game and were camped in St Peters 22m area for long periods of the second half but mistakes and indiscipline on times allowed St Peters off the hook. St Peters counter attacked several times and only superb tackling by Cyw and especially Allan Bateman stopped what looked like certain tries.

For the last 15 minutes of the game Cyw were relentless in attacking the St Peters try line and wave after wave of attempts to push over for the try were thwarted. As the clock was counted down Cyw were awarded a series of penalties 5m out and eventually second row Rhys Eskins was driven over for a well deserved try wide out. Outside half Gareth Howe calmly placed the ball for a 40m kick which sailed over the bar as the referee blew the final whistle.13-13.Every Cyw forward played their hearts out until the final whistle and the unbeaten away record lives on. Cyw had finally rescued a game that looked a lost cause to the travelling supporters.

Man of the match was awarded to ex Wales and British Lion Allan Bateman for his outstanding tackling and decisive running.

Heol y Cyw 12 Dowlais 14 - Jan 3rd 2011

On a snow covered pitch, Heol y Cyw entertained a Dowlais team in an effort to kick start the remainder of their season and get over the holiday festivities and the big freeze which severely disrupted matches. The larger Dowlais pack dominated most of the early exchanges and put pressure on a Cyw side which looked particularly lethargic and mistake prone. Indeed it was the Dowlais team through their winger No14 who opened the scoring with a cleverly worked passing move, and this was duly converted for a score of 0-7.

Heol-y-Cyw responded quite soon after with a quickly taken penalty by scrum half Rhys Owen some 35 metres out and not a Dowlais hand was laid on him as he slid over in the snow for a brilliant score which went unconverted. The passages of play seemed to become a forward contest and Dowlais with their heavier pack held the upper hand, a defensive ruck just outside the Cyw try line led to a Cyw's outside half Gareth Howe being yellow carded for handling in the ruck. Dowlais took the scrum option and wheeled Cyw in front of their own posts and the referee gave a penalty try to Dowlais under the Cyw posts which was duly converted for a halftime score of 5-14.

During the interval Cyw's coaches reprimanded the Cyw players for their first half performance and it seemed for a while in the second half that Cyw had a lot more determination, but a few indiscretions near the Dowlais line were penalised and time after time Cyw were thwarted. With fifteen minutes to go Cyw threw everything at the Dowlais line and eventually scrum half Rhys Owen bagged his second try with a close range pick up and go. Gareth Howe converted to bring the scores closer to 12-14, but Dowlais held out until the final whistle countering everything Cyw could muster for a final score of 12-14

Mules mauled by Lion
Heol y Cyw 16 Kenfig Hill 7 - Dec 11th 2010

The recent arctic weather conditions eased off long enough for this eagerly anticipated cup clash between two local teams both riding high in their respective leagues to take place. Cyw started well and tried running the ball at Kenfig Hill at every opportunity and continued pressure on the Kenfig Hill line eventually saw the ball passed wide to Cyw captain Adam O'Driscoll who passed out to younger brother Zac to score the games first try wide out in the corner. The conversion attempt by Gareth Howe failed narrowly.

The pattern of play changed as Kenfig Hill tried to get themselves back into the game but Cyw's defence marshalled by former British Lion Allan Bateman held firm time after time. Cyw full back Paul Songhurst made a determined break and set Adam O'Driscoll free down the wing and he was hauled down just yards from the tryline. The Mules were adjudged to be offside and Cyw were awarded a penalty which Gareth Howe calmly converted to give a half time lead of 0-8. The second half started with Cyw in control and the forwards dominating Kenfig Hill in set pieces and in the loose. Cyw pushed the Mules backwards and stole two scrums against the head. Kenfig Hill gave another penalty away for offside and Gareth Howe again converted to take the score to 0-11.

From the restart Kenfig Hill rallied and camped in the Cyw 22m but superb defensive work from Cyw kept them from scoring and the Mules frustration saw them give a penalty away and Cyw cleared their line.

Cyw attacked again and were awarded a penalty on the Kenfig Hill 22m line, Cyw opted to kick for the corner and from the resulting lineout won the ball for No 8 Kevin Worgan to crash over for the try with most of Kenfig Hill's forwards trying desperately to hold him up. The conversion failed 0-16. By now Cyw could sense a historic cup win and it seemed for long periods that brave tackling from all the Cyw team would keep a clean sheet but with the last move of the game Kenfig Hill snatched a late consolation try under the posts which was converted as the ref blew the final whistle. Full time 7-16.

Man of the match for Cyw was awarded to Captain Adam O'Driscoll for his outstanding leadership and fearless tackling


Heol y Cyw 29 Llandaff North 8 - Nov 20th 2010

Heol y Cyw started this game with a forward dominated surge that saw play constantly in the Llandaff North half. A few early attacking options fell short of scoring either through mistimed passes or the ball being dropped at the last moment. Cyw outside half Gareth Howe opened the scoring with a penalty after 15 minutes to give the home team a little confidence. Shortly afterwards a darting run by scrum half Rhys Owen was stopped 5 metres from the line and hooker Kevin Worgan picked up the ball and drove over for the try converted by Gareth Howe for a 10-0 lead. Landaff were awarded a penalty which was converted for 10-3 and it remained unchanged until half time. Cyw started the second half very strongly and were camped in the Llandaff 22m for long periods and many times the forwards were held just short of the line by a determined defence. Cyw varied their options and fed the ball out to Gareth Howe who crashed over for a try which he also converted 17-3.

Another try followed for Kevin Worgan after another pick up and drive, the conversion narrowly missed 22-3.

Cyw tried to attack at every opportunity to try and gain the bonus point, but allowed Llandaff North to score an unconverted try which rallied their players briefly. 22-8.

It looked like Cyw would just have to settle for the win when a last effort saw Gareth Roberts score a try in the far corner to claim the bonus point and a superb long range conversion by Mike Huckridge from the touchline capped a fine performance by Cyw for a final score of 29-8.



Taffs Well 18 Heol y Cyw 25 - Oct 30th 2010

League leaders Cyw travelled to Taffs Well with a number of key players missing through injury, but with squad backup good, were looking for another win to keep up momentum at the top. From the start Cyw pressurised the Taffs Well line and were awarded a penalty for an offside infringement which Gareth Howe converted for an early 0-3 lead.

Taffs Well then regrouped and saw long periods in the Cyw half but Cyw's defence proved solid. A long range penalty by Gareth Howe missed narrowly, but gave Cyw a platform to build on Taffs Well's 22m line.From a lineout the ball came back to outside half Gareth Howe who saw a huge gap in the defence and crossed under the posts and then converted his try for a 0-10 lead. Taffs Well soon responded with a converted penalty to reduce the lead to 3-10. Cyw responded by increasing the pace of the game and camped inside the opposition 22m line. After a period of attacking by Cyw, Taffs Well turned the ball over and a kick to touch was gathered by wing Danny Thorn, who passed to Paul Songhurst who gained ground and fed a try scoring pass to the supporting second row Kevin Green. Converted by Gareth Howe this extended Cyw's lead to 3-17. Both teams missed further penalty chances before Taffs Well slotted one over just before half time for a 6-17 scoreline.

For the second half Gareth Howe was substituted by Mike Huckridge at outside half and immediately converted a penalty for Cyw to extend the lead to 6-20.Taffs Well had their No 4 yellow carded for the offence of not moving away after the tackle and it seemed that Cyw would benefit from this. This proved not to be the case as Taffs Well ran the ball back at Cyw at every opportunity and their centre scored a try wide out in the corner after a great passing movement, converted the score was 13-20. Again from the restart Taffs Well ran back at Cyw and were deep in Cyw territory when the ball was turned over and Aled Jones made ground before setting fullback Paul Songhurst clear at full speed to make 40m before passing to supporting scrum half Rhys Owen to score a brilliant try wide out in the corner. Conversion failed 13-25.

Taffs Well rallied once more and scored an unconverted try for 18-25 and although they pressure the Cyw line, good defence work saw the lead remain until full time. Cyw supporter are getting used to nail biting finishes and this proved no exception.

Man of the match for Cyw was wing Danny Thorne for his decisive breaks.



Heol y Cyw 16 Aberdare 13 - Oct 23rd 2010

League leaders Cyw faced third placed Aberdare in a top of table clash, and both teams showed early strengths with forward dominated runs at the opposition. Cyw saw Zac O''Driscoll playing at No8 make several powerful runs bouncing off many would be tacklers and gaining good ground into Aberdare's half of the field. Cyw were awarded an early penalty for an infringement which Mike Huckridge calmly slotted for an early 3-0 lead. Cyw missed another penalty shortly afterwards but continued pressure on the opposition which led to outside half Gareth Howe crashing over for a well deserved try which was converted to give a 10-0 lead. Aberdare fought back with a penalty shortly before half time to make the score 10-3.

Early in the second half Aberdare had the opportunity to score from a penalty almost in front of the posts but somehow the kick went wide. Cyw responded by playing deep in Aberdare territory and were awarded two penalties which Mike Huckridge converted to take the score to 16-3.

Cyw then seemed to sit on their lead and allowed Aberdare to regain confidence and a flowing move saw Aberdare cross the Cyw line for a try wide out, the conversion failed 16-8. Into the the last few minutes of the game Aberdare ran at the Cyw defence time and again and when it seemed that Cyw could hold out until the final whistle Aberdare scored another try in the corner to make the score 16-13.The conversion again failed. Cyw were grateful to restart and keep the ball deep in Aberdare territory until full time for a nail biting win by 16-13.

Man of the match for Cyw was awarded to Zac O'Driscoll for his determined running and fearless tackling.



Pentyrch  17 Heol y Cyw 18 - Oct 16th 2010

Heol y Cyw went to the top of Division 3 South East with a hard fought but deserved win at Pentyrch. After a bright opening Cyw were shocked when Pentyrch broke out of their 22 on 10 minutes and crossed for a converted try to take a 7-0 lead. The visitors fought back and after some end to end play with both defences holding out they reduced the lead to 7-5 when scrum half Rhys Owen touched down after a 5 meter scrum. Despite attacking play from both sides in an open game this remained the score at half time.

Pentyrch started the 2nd half with a drop out into touch. Cyw opted for a scrum on the half way line but before it could be taken the referee awarded them a penalty after some back chat from a home player. Mike Huckridge put the ball into the right corner and from the lineout the Cyw forwards drove for the line and lock Kevin Green touched down.

7-10. Both teams swapped penalties to make the score 10-13. The Cyw forwards were on top and kept Pentyrch under pressure. 5 minutes from time Cyw attacked down thr right hand touchline and after a series of pick and goes from Justin Short, Kevin Green and Rhys Owen which gained 25 meters, wing forward Zack O'Driscoll was up in support to break through the defence to score in the corner. 10-18. From the kick off Pentyrch put pressure on Cyw and on the stroke of time they scored a converted try. 17-18. Any hopes they had of winning the game were destroyed by the efforts of the Cyw team who kept them pinned in their own half until the final whistle.

Man of the match for Cyw was shared by the 2 props Justin Short and Andrew Cooper



Heol y Cyw 25 Fairwater 5 - Oct 9th 2010

Cyw entertained Cardiff side Fairwater at home and the game started with both teams testing each other out, and Cyw gained an early penalty which Gareth Howe kicked for a 3-0 lead. Constant pressure from Cyw saw scrum half Rhys Owen make several determined runs at the heart of the opposition and the third of which saw him collect the ball at the base of a maul on Fairwater's 10 m line and beat some despairing tackles on his way to scoring under the posts for Cyw's first try, converted by Gareth Howe. Despite some fierce attacking play Cyw could not break through again in the first half and Half time came 10-0.

The second half saw Fairwater start defensively and a series of three penalties were awarded to Cyw inside the Fairwater 22m.Cyw opted for line outs and eventually were rewarded with a try scored by No 8 Kevin Worgan which went unconverted 15-0.Fairwater then had opportunities to score with a large number of penalties being given against Cyw but failed to convert any. Cyw then increased their lead with a Gareth Howe penalty.18-0.

Fairwater then mounted a bid to reach the Cyw line and from a quick tap penalty were awarded a try which went unconverted 18-5. Cyw quickly regrouped and sensing the end of the game was close made a last gasp effort and surged into Fairwater's 22 where a superb run from Grant Hall saw Kevin Green pick up a pass rolled along the ground by Hall and crash over for a well deserved try converted from wide out by replacement outside half Mike Huckridge.

Final score 25-5

Man of the match awarded to Kevin Green for Cyw



Gwernyfed 14 Heol y Cyw 15 - Oct 2nd 2010

Cyw travelled up into Mid Wales to meet the league leaders Gwernyfed on their home pitch at Talgarth. The Cyw forwards drove at the opposition from the start and good possession of the ball for long periods saw no 8 Kevin Worgan crash over for a Cyw try in the corner which Gareth Howe calmly converted 0-7.Several Cyw penalty chances went unconverted until outside half Gareth Howe was clumsily late tackled by a Gwernyfed player in front of the Cyw posts, but in getting his kick away in the tackle ,Gareth saw the ball land inside the Gwernyfed 22metre line and the referee gave the penalty in front of the posts. After treatment Gareth Howe slotted the penalty to lead 0-10.

Cyw crossed the Gwernyfed line twice but players were held up and the referee disallowed the tries. Half time 0- 10.

The start of the second half saw a reversal of fortune, with Gwernyfed attacking with passion. Strong tackling from the Cyw forwards seemed to be keeping them away from the tryline, but after 10 minutes a high tackle gave Gwernyfed a penalty which they elected to kick for position near the Cyw line, won the resulting lineout and drove over for a converted try 7-10.This was repeated 5 minutes later with another converted try in exactly the same manner 14-10.

Whatever Cyw tried it seemed to end with silly mistakes or indiscipline and the travelling supporters were beginning to fear a disappointing loss on the cards. With only seconds remaining acting captain Chris Howe fielded the ball inside his own 22m and started a long mazy run upfield, passed out oa tackle to scrum half Rhys Owen who made another 20metres before putting full back Paul Songhurst over in the corner. Gareth Howe just failed to land the conversion as the referee blew for full time. Cyw had snatched an exceptional victory at the very last second. Full Time 14-15.

Man of the match award for Cyw went to Zac O'Driscoll for his outstanding tackling throughout the game.



Heol y Cyw 16 St. Peters 10 - Sept 25th 2010

The game started at a furious pace with both teams attacking at every opportunity. After 15 minutes Cyw infringed at a scrum and were penalised. St Peters outside half converted the penalty to lead 0-3.Cyw responded with a strong run from scrum half Rhys Owen into St Peters 22m where he was illegally stopped and Cyw outside half Gareth Howe kicked the resulting penalty to level the scores at 3-3.Again from the restart Cyw drove upfield with determination and were awarded another penalty when a St Peters forward was yellow carded for an infringement. Gareth Howe again converted for a 6-3 scoreline.

Whilst St Peters were a man down, Cyw fielded the ball deep in their own 22m by wing Danny Thorne who made good ground before being tackled, second row Kevin Green picked up and drove 30 metres before slipping a sublime pass to full back Wayne Jervis who raced 30 metres to touch down near the posts. Gareth Howe converted to make the half time score 13-3.

Cyw put tremendous pressure on the St Peters try line for long periods of the second half and failed to score twice when players were held up over the line. After being under siege for so long it looked like St Peters must concede a try, but somehow they stole the ball and raced the length of the pitch to score a try which was also converted bringing the score to 13-10. Cyw rallied again and camped on St Peters line, when a St Peters player was penalised and yellow carded. Gareth Howe kicked the penalty to give Cyw a 6 point lead which they held onto despite St Peters attacking until the final whistle.

Cyw man of the match award was shared by Full back Wayne Jervis and flanker Josh O'Driscoll



Dowlais 21 Heol y Cyw 25 - Sept 11th 2010

Cyw maintained their winning start to the Season when they travelled to newly promoted Dowlais and came away with a deserved win.

From the off Cyw moved their larger opponents around the field and after 8 minutes it was no surprise when they went ahead with a flowing move from their own half started by right wing Dan Thorne who made ground into mid field before linking up with centre Chris Howe, he drew the defence and passed inside to No 10, Wayne Jarvis who outpaced his would be tacklers to score a fine try which he converted. 0-7. 5 minutes later Cyw doubled their lead when lock Rhys Eskins drove over from short range after excellent work by the visitors pack. Jarvis slotted over the conversion. The larger home pack then put Cyw under pressure near their line and after giving away 3 penalties the referee yellow carded the Cyw No. 7 for not binding and awarded Dowlais a penalty try which was converted. 7-14.

From the kick off Heol y Cyw stormed back on the attack and forced the home forwards into giving away a penalty in front which Jarvis converted. 7-17. Shortly after Jarvis hit the bar with a penalty from half way and when the Dowlais defence failed to find touch Chris Howe beat several men in a strong run to the 22, the forwards then set up a drop goal by Jarvis which made the half time score 7-20 to Heol y Cyw.

With a strong wind at their backs Dowlais put Cyw under pressure but failed to breach their line. Cyw fought back and during an attack down the right the Dowlais No 10 was yellow carded for a high tackle. This spurred the home forwards on and shortly after they crashed over for a converted try. 14-20. Dowlais now had their tails up and constantly attacked the Cyw line. With 5 minutes left the home team went in front with another converted try after constant pressure from their forwards.

Not to be outdone the Cyw forwards drove deep into the Dowlais half and backs and forwards combined to pressure the defence but failed to cross the line. On the stroke of full time Adam O'Driscoll, the Cyw Captain, ran a penalty from the half way line in a last ditch attempt to win the game. His forwards and backs combined in a series of pick and drives for the next 3 minutes and slowly but relentlessly inched their way towards the Dowlais try line on the right. After over 20 phases during which the Cyw forwards showed excellent control and Dowlais were unable to get at the ball, replacement No. 9, Grant Hall, picked up and dived over the line for the winning score. The attempted conversion narrowly failed but the game was over and Cyw were the victors by 25pts to 21pts.

It seems unfair to single out any player when the whole team deserved praise but it was decided that the man of the match award would be shared between No 7 Josh O'Driscoll and 2nd row Rhys Eskins.



Heol y Cyw 14 Llanishen 3 - Sept 4th 2010

Cyw opened the new season with a hard fought win over Llanishen. The opening quarter saw both teams trying hard to dominate their opponents without success although the home team looked the more dangerous and it was no surprise when, after a 5 metre lineout on their left, prop Darren Oram crashed over after good work by the forwards. Wayne Jarvis put the conversion over from the touchline to secure a 7-0 lead. Llanishen fought back and reduced the arrears when their No. 10 put over a penalty. Neither team could add to their score before half time.

Shortly after the resumption Cyws Captain Adam O'Driscoll fielded a kick just outside his 22 and went on a strong run into centre field deep into the Llanishen Half, good support from his forwards saw Cyw reach the opposition try line but just as it seemed inevitable that Cyw would score the ball was lost forward and Llanishen were able to clear their line. The visitors then began to dominate posession and territory and pinned Cyw in their own half for long periods but they were unable to break the strong home defence.

With 15 minutes left Cyw were reduced to 14 men when a home forward received a yellow card for killing the ball in a ruck. This seemed to cause Cyw to up their game and 2 minutes later they turned over Llanishen ball on the home 22, the ball was quickly released to replacement scrum half Grant Hall who cleverly kicked into open space on the right throwing the visitors defence into confusion. Right wing Dan Thorne won the race for the ball, scooped it up and outstripped the defence to touch down behind the posts. Jarvis converted and the game was won 14-3.

Although not at their best Cyw just deserved the win and got the new season off to a good start.

Man of the Match was awarded to Grant Hall.



Heol y Cyw 15 Beddau 17 - Aug 28th 2010

Heol y Cyw entertained Beddau at home for the last pre season friendly before the league starts Saturday 4th September. Although Beddau play two leagues higher than Cyw the early skirmishes saw Cyw hold their own against a much heavier pack for long periods until Beddau opened the score with an unconverted try moments before half time.

With Cyw now fielding four O'Driscoll brothers in the pack pressure was put on the Beddau try line and when it seemed Cyw could not breech the defence, Grant Hall crossed in the corner for his first try in Cyw colours. The conversion failed but Cyw came straight back at Beddau and No8 Kevin Worgan crossed for a well deserved try which again went unconverted. Beddau snatched another try to level the scores at 10-10.Cyw then threw everything they could at the opposition's try line and for a solid 5 minutes held possession right on the line until prop Justin Short burrowed over the line for Cyw's third try to lead 15-10.

The game looked to be in the bag for Cyw until a last ditch attack from their own line saw Beddau score underneath the posts for 15-15 and a simple conversion took the game for them 17-15




Heol y Cyw 42 Brackla 3 - Feb 19th 2011

Brackla travelled to Heol–y-Cyw for this semi final clash to try and claim a place in the final of the Barry Morris Memorial Plate organised through Mid Glamorgan Districts Rugby Union, these two teams contested the final last season with Cyw triumphant then. The game started well with flowing rugby from both sides and there were chances for both teams to score but strong tackling especially from the Cyw forwards prevented any scores until Cyw second row Wayne Howe picked up the ball and drove over for a well deserved try converted by Dean Roberts for a 7-0 lead.

A further try followed for winger Terry Mellish after neat passing though the Cyw backline. The conversion attempt narrowly failed from the touchline. Brackla were soon on the back foot and gave away a penalty in front of their posts for offside at a ruck and Dean Roberts converted for a 15-0 lead. A further try from Sean James on the stroke of half time was converted by Roberts for a 22-0 lead.

Brackla started the second half with more purpose but gave away two penalties both converted by Roberts to take the scoreline to 28-0.Cyw opted to run the ball at Brackla at every opportunity and superb driving by both second row players Wayne Howe and Sean James carved open the defence for further tries through Damien Hicks and Andrew Ward both of which were converted by Roberts for a 42-0 lead. Brackla opted to kick a penalty in the dying minutes to avoid a whitewash and the final whistle ended a thrilling encounter 42-3.

Cyw have won this plate for the last two seasons and hope to make it three in a row in the final in May.



Heol y Cyw 63 Nantyfyllon 3 - Jan 8th 2011

Heol y Cyw seconds entertained a plucky side from Nantyfyllon on a superb day for open running rugby.Cyw opened the scoring with a well worked try for No8 Sean James, followed by further tries by Wayne Howe, Andrew Jones and a second for Sean James shortly before half time.Nanty replied with a penalty to give a half time score of 22-3.

In the second half Cyw ran the ball from deep at every opportunity and scored further tries from Ceri Roberts, Richard Samuels, Sean James, Daniel Evans, Gareth Williams 2 and a fourth to seal the victory for Sean James.

Brian Swansbury came on as a second half replacement and converted three tries in an outstanding display of kicking much to the delight of the home crowdMan of the match with four tries was Sean James



Heol y Cyw 33 Pyle 14 - Sept 4th 2010

Heol y Cyw dominated the 1st half and scored an unconverted try by Justin Scannell in the 1st minute. This was followed at regular intervals with tries from Gareth Howe, Terry Mellish, and Owen Rees all of which were converted by outside half, Chris Chilcott. Half time arrived with the visitors leading 26-0.

The 2nd half proved to be a closer contest with Pyle coming more into the game but it was Cyw who scored 1st after 20 minutes when Paul Murrell powered over from close range. Chris Chilcott added the conversion to make the score 33-0. With the game practically won Cyw relaxed a little and Pyle took advantage to score 2 converted tries in the last 10 minutes to make the score a more respectable 14 - 33.

Man of the match for Heol y Cyw was flanker, Gareth Roberts.



Heol y Cyw 29 Cefn Cribwr 3 - Sept 4th 2010

A midweek game under floodlights saw Cyw take a half time lead of 14-0 through two tries from hooker Christian Hughes both converted by outside half Dean Roberts. Further tries came in the second half from Rhys Davies, Sean James and Richard Howells at scrum half.

Although Cyw were up against a larger pack of forwards,their tackling was ferocious and several players made huge territorial gains running with ball in hand, notably Paul Murrel, Wayne Howe and Chris John



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