Rhymney 8 v Heol y Cyw 31 - Jan 21st 2012

Cyw travelled to the Heads of the Valleys looking to keep pace with the 2 teams above them in the league. Cyw elected to play into the strong breeze and but were soon on the back foot, after a strong start their hosts took the lead through a penalty from full back Dafydd Hellard, following a high tackle from a Cyw player. Cyw nearly hit back after good work by their forwards but were held up short of the try line, Cyw then found them selves reduced to 14 men after hooker Luke O’Driscoll received a yellow card from referee Simon Wycherley for using his feet to remove a Rhymney forward who was lying on the wrong side of a ruck. Despite being outnumbered Cyw scored their opening try following a powerful break by Captain and no 8 Adam O’Driscoll, he fed scrum half Rhys Owen who crossed for the try, outside half Mike Huckridge converted and Cyw led 3- 7.

Cyw huffed and puffed for the remainder of the half and failed to add to their score and were at full stretch on several occasions with Rhymney who were belying their lowly position at the bottom of the league, Cyw were also on the wrong end of the Mr Wycherley’s whistle, whose interpretation of the law book brought lots of frustration and disbelief to the Cyw players and supporters alike.

Cyw started the second half with the strong breeze at their backs, they got their second try following a quickly taken penalty in their own 25, the ball went through several pairs of hands and fullback Chris Howe received the final pass to score a wonderfully taken try, Huckridge converted and Cyw led 3-14. The home team hit back through an excellent individually taken try by winger Greg Plant who scored after receiving the ball in his own half. Following an offside in midfield Huckridge extended Cyw’s lead to 8-17.

Cyw’s mobile pack were starting to stretch the tiring home defence and their backs were keen to move the ball at every opportunity, the excellent Howe danced his way through the defensive line to score his second and Cyw’s 3rd try Huckridge converted and Cyw led 8-24.

Cyw’s rampant pack were now going in search of the bonus point try and after some aggressive running from O’Driscoll supported by his brother Zac and the dynamic prop forward Darren Oram, it was substitute second row Rhys Pope who powered over for the try. Huckridge again converted and Cyw had secured a hard fought 8-31 win and 5 valuable points to keep up the pressure at the top of Division 2 East.

Heol y Cyw 27 v Ynysybwl 8 - Jan 14th 2012

Cyw welcomed Ynysybwl to Greenfield and with only a point and one position separating these two teams in the league, a tight game was expected, Cyw were also looking to avenge an earlier season away defeat. It was Cyw who got off to a flying start scoring the opening try after only 7 minutes of play, from a lineout in the visitors 25, Cyw's pack formed a wedge around receiver Kyle Lowry and they marched over the line with Captain Adam O'Driscoll returning after an enforced 5 week break getting a comfortable try. Outside half Mike Huckridge just failed with the conversion from wide out. From the restart Cyw were back on the attack with the visiting forwards struggling to contain the Cyw pack. Cyw's off loading in the tackle had the visiting defence mesmerised and they scored their second try through O'Driscoll with only 10 minutes on the clock. An error from Cyw at the restart gave Bwl the opportunity to register their first points and they did so through outside half Gavin Rees. With points on the board the visitors grew in confidence, and after turning the ball over their back attacked the Cyw back line but a sloppy pass in midfield was snapped up by Cyw winger Aled Jones. He raced through the gap and out of his own half, he fed supporting hooker Luke O'Driscoll and he beat the covering defence to score a well taken try. Huckridge converted and Cyw led 17v 3.

For the remainder of the opening half the visitors threw everything at the Cyw defence but the home side were in no mood to allow their opponents back into the game. With time up on the clock scrum half Rhys Owen attempted to kick the ball out of play to end the half, but hooker O'Driscoll had other ideas he spotted a gap and tried to intercept the kick but only managed to knock the ball on allowing the visitors counter attacked from half have way and speedy wing Lee Ryan raced away to score a fine try and Cyw led 17v8 at the break.

It was the visitors who started the second half strongly and had lots of good possession to use they bulky pack to keep driving in at the Cyw pack but Cyw were more than a match for their opponents, driving them back in the tackle not allowing them to cross the gain line frustrating the visiting supporters and players alike.

Huckridge then stretched Cyw's lead with a well taken penalty after an off side offence. With Cyw's forwards carrying the ball well and the sniping runs of Huckridge, Cyw went in search of the bonus point try, and after some fine angled running of centres Chris Howe and Steve Beasant, Cyw quickly recycled the ball from a ruck and Owen broke through the defensive line and raced away to score an excellent individual try to secured Cyw a try bonus point. Huckridge converted and Cyw had a good lead of 27v8. Ynysybwl tried everything to get back into the game but could not breach a well organised Cyw defence and they secured an excellent win. With results going their way Cyw move up to 3rd place in the division just 6 points off the leaders.

Fleur De Lys 13 v Heol y Cyw 19 - Jan 7th 2012

Playing with the breeze at their backs in the 1st Half, Cyw got off to a strong start and soon opened the scoring with a penalty from outside half Mike Huckridge after a "Flower" player failed to roll away in the tackle. Some powerful running from hooker Luke O'Driscoll from the restart was rewarded with another penalty following an off side decision and Huckridge stretched Cyw's lead to 6 nil. Again from the kick off some powerful running from second row Rhys Eskins who had started the match with some big carries and centre Chris Howe was making some delightful angled runs causing the home defence lots of problems.

"Flower" was reduced to 14 men when hooker Mike Davies received a yellow card after he was spotted kicking out at a Cyw player by referee Peter Mortimer and the card could easily have been another colour. After another strong run from Howe which saw him canter towards the home line, only to stumble and loose his footing when he looked odds on to score a well deserved try. Cyw were awarded another penalty after a tackler again failed to roll away and Huckridge put Cyw 9 nil up.

Cyw were starting to control the game with O'Driscoll prominent in the loose and after a further strong run he fed the supporting Howe who made another decisive break. The ball was recycled to Huckridge who used his decoy runners to great effect, they pulled in the home defence. Huckridge spotted the over lap and sent out a long pass to full back Scott "Smiler" Hancock who raced in for a fine try Huckridge converted and Cyw had a 16 nil lead. Fleur responded well and dangerous full back Gary Wilks put a clever kick behind the Cyw back line and he out paced the covering defence to score a fine individual try, Cyw went into the half time break with 5- 16 lead. The home team had the momentum and started the second half strongly and were awarded a penalty after a Cyw defender failed to roll away in the tackle and outside half Adam Green reduced the deficit to 8 points.

Cyw had to up their game and after a long period of play in the middle of the park Cyw were awarded another penalty which also saw a home player yellow carded and Huckridge increased Cyw's lead to 8- 19. Cyw were dealing well with the home attacks and made several forages towards the home line but were making errors and allowing the hosts to clear their lines. "Flower" were awarded a foot hold in the game after a mass brawl which some how saw Cyw's second row Rhys Williams-Way signalled out by Mortimer and he received a straight red card, when there were players running in throwing punches from all directions. Fleur were quick to use their numerical advantage after kicking to the corner a home forward crashed over from the lineout to reduce the Cyw lead to 13- 19 and set up a tense final 10 minutes.

Fleur threw everything at Cyw but their defence stood firm and they held out for a hard earned victory which keeps them within touching distance at the top of the league.

Heol y Cyw 9 v Pencoed 8 - Dec 26th 2011

This Boxing Day fixture is always an eagerly awaited affair, with both sides looking to give some festive cheer to their supporters, and the visitors were looking to avenge their early season cup drubbing at the hands of their fierce rivals. With the tricky underfoot conditions and the wind and rain blowing this match was going to be decided by the team who would make the least mistakes and use the conditions to their advantage. With the wind at their backs it was Cyw, who started brightly and their forwards were on the charge from the kick off and they were awarded a penalty in the opening minutes under the posts after a Cyw back was tripped and outside half Gareth Howe opened the scoring.

From the restart it was Pencoed who took a firm grip of the game and to control possession turning ball over and forcing Cyw into making errors and on several occasions they were at full stretch in defence to prevent the opponents from scoring. The strong runs of fullback Glen Hiscocks and the clever boot of outside half Tom Cross were causing Cyw lots of problems.

Cyw's pack were working hard to provide some possession for their back and after some strong running from second rows Rhys Eskins and Ricky Sommers and powerhouse No 8 Kevin Worgan, Howe put up a mighty 'Garry Owen' which had Hiscocks in all sorts problems but the full back was adjudged to have been taken out early by referee Mark Jones under his own posts. Pencoed elected to take a quick tap of the penalty and they caught the Cyw defence napping and the visitors went the length of field to score a magical try through Captain Ken Morris. On the stroke of half time Howe restored the Cyw lead with another penalty and Cyw went into the break with a narrow one point lead.

After some harsh words from their coaches during the interval Cyw knew they had to up their game, having to play into the elements if they were going to keep their 100% seasons home record intact, they started the second half as they began the first but on this occasion they were not to let their foot off the gas, the Cyw pack started to take control of the game and denying the visitors any ball and the opportunity to use the strong wind. Cyw's forwards were picking and driving and gaining good yards and replacement outside half Mike Huckridge's clever use of his off the ball runners, started to pay dividends and they were stretching the Pencoed defence, Cyw were given the first opportunity to add to the score but Huckridge failed with a difficult penalty attempt. It was the visitors who got the first points of the half with a well taken penalty from Cross for Pencoed to lead 6 v 8 .

Cyw had it all to do going into the final half of the game and their forwards took up the challenge led by dynamic prop forward Darren Oram took play to the visitors line and crashed over the line for a fine try, but to the disbelief of the Cyw players and supporters Mr Jones adjudged the ball to be held up over the line. Cyw pressurised from the resulting scrum but just failed to cross the line but were awarded a penalty, Cyw opted to take a shot at goal from wide out and Huckridge did not let his captain down, his kick curled inside the post at the last minute for superbly taken penalty and Cyw took the lead at 9 v 8.

It was Cyw's turn to defend a lead and with the heavy visiting pack, started to wear down the Cyw 8 at the scrum it looked to be a difficult task, but in broken play there was only one winner and the Cyw pack were not about to give up possession of the ball . Cyw held out to snatch a very even contest to the delight of the large crowd and their coaches.

Builth Wells 26 v Heol y Cyw 23 - Dec 10th 2011

Heol y Cyw travelled to Mid Wales looking to extend their winning streak and in the process progress to the 3rd round of the Swalec Cup, but were forced into making several changes due to unavailability. Cyw started strongly but it was the “Bulls" who got the 1st points of the game when prop forward James Healy crashed over after good work from his pack of forwards, wing John Thurston converted. Cyw hit back through their forwards, and were bearing down on the home line when prop David Bayliss came in the side of the mawl to kill the move. Referee, Phil Harry, had no hesitation in showing a yellow card, full back Scott Hancock slotted over the penalty.

Cyw wanted to make their one man advantage pay and upped the tempo. The Cyw forwards were linking well with their backs; centre Chris Howe was causing the home defence all sorts of problems with his snipping runs. Cyw thought they had scored in the corner but hooker Luke O'Driscoll, who was playing on the flank, was adjudged to be held up over the line. From the resulting scrum the home pack drove the Cyw eight off the ball and they cleared their lines.

From a lineout Cyw were reduced to 14 men when flanker Josh O'Driscoll was penalised for lead with a forearm and was forced to take a 10 minute rest. Cyw's forwards still had the upper hand and good driving play was again stopped by more cynical play. The Bulls had their 2nd player in second row Arwel Lloyd yellow carded, but Hancock missed the simplest of penalties in front of the posts. Cyw kept up the pressure on their host with phase after phase showing good ball retention but the "Bulls" defence could not prevent centre Howe from diving over in the corner on the stroke of half time for a hard grafted try. Hancock failed with the conversion but Cyw went into the break with a narrow lead 7-8.

Cyw started the second very sloppily when outside half was slow in clearing his lines, his kick was charged down and flanker Huw Thomas accepted the gift to score a try under the posts with Thurston converting. Cyw came back at the “Bulls" but another missed penalty by Hancock let the home team off the hook. After another fine run from centre Howe supported by his pack, centre Luke Davies deliberately killed the ball and he became the 3rd Bulith player to be a yellow carded. Cyw opted for the line out on this occasion and were unlucky not score when No 8 Zac O'Driscoll was held up in the corner. From the scrum Cyw's backs moved the ball trying to stretch Builth's depleted numbers but were unable to breach the home line, although Cyw were awarded a penalty for an offside infringement. Outside half Howe took over the kicking responsibilities and brought his team back to 14-11.

From the restart Cyw gifted another try through poor defensive play and Thurston scored and converted a try to stretch the "Bulls" lead to 21-11.

Cyw had it all to do to get back into the game but after a scuffle between the forwards Zac O'Driscoll and flanker Ben Pugh were both yellow carded. Cyw broke from deep through centre Howe, supported by the outstanding Luke O'Driscoll, as they entered the Builth 25 outside half Howe tried the grubber kick. Full back Rob Lloyd gathered the kick and counter attacked, some fine support play saw outside Luke Offa score a fine try. With the game seemingly gone Cyw forwards attacked from deep, keeping the ball alive and offloading in the tackle and not allowing the home team to kill the ball. They were rewarded with a well worked try through prop Rhys William-Way, Howe converted to pull Cyw within 8 points. From the restart Cyw's forwards again attacked and scored another fine try with Luke O'Driscoll capping a man of the match performance with an outstanding try, Howe failed with the conversion but Cyw had run out of time and were left to reflect on costly errors and missed opportunities.

Llantrisant 3 v Heol y Cyw 21 - Nov 26th 2011

Heol y Cyw completed a seasons double over their near neighbours in what were miserable conditions on a very wet surface.

Cyw started brightly and exerted all the early pressure. They took the lead through a Scott Hancock penalty after he had missed an earlier opportunity.

Outside half Gareth Howe was cleverly using the conditions and testing the home defence, kicking high into the wind to force the errors; with Cyw's set piece working well he was able to dictate play, from a scrum Howe received the ball and executed a lovely chip over the on rushing defence, centre Chris Howe raced on to the kick and slid over for a well worked try.

Cyw's pack were putting the ‘Black Army' under immense pressure charging up field time and again and to their credit playing their normal offloading game in difficult conditions. From another driving play Captain Adam O'Driscoll appeared to have scored a try in the corner but referee Matthew Thomas adjudged the ball to be held up. Cyw tried their utmost to get the try, from the resulting scrum but the home teams defence held firm.

Five minutes before the interval Full back Hancock attacked from deep in his own half, he fed to centre Aaron Pinches who went outside two defenders putting wing Scott McCutcheon into space and he raced clear of his opposite number to score what was a delightful try, Hancock failed to convert but Cyw went into the break 13 nil up. After a stern talking to Llantrisant started the second half strongly and were rewarded with a penalty from outside half Gareth Davies who converted to close the gap to 10 points. The home team were growing in confidence but a massive tackle from hooker Luke O'Driscoll on the half way turned the ball over, Cyw's forwards took up the challenge and were bearing down on the home line only for a home defender to kill the ball; Hancock stepped up to stretch Cyw's lead.

Cyw's pack were growing in confidence and with their front 3 of O'Driscoll, Darren Oram and Andrew Cooper causing all sorts of problems at the scrum and with their driving line outs enabled them to take play to the home line on a number of occasions. Although when they looked odds on to score, home flanker Sean Gilbertson managed to wrestle the ball away from the Cyw pack.

With the Cyw forwards dominating the home pack, their backs were trying to run out from deep in their own 25. They were made to pay after another crunching tackle on Davies by a Cyw forward caused the outside half to spill the ball forward which was gratefully accepted by second row Rhys Eskins, he crashed over with 2 defenders on his back for a well deserved try.

Heol y Cyw 16 v Ystrad Rhondda 6 - Nov 19th 2011

Heol y Cyw hosted the Rhondda Valley team looking to protect their 100% home record for this season and in the process take away their visitors' unbeaten tag. Cyw started brightly and had the first opportunity to score with a penalty from full back Scott Hancock, but he pushed his attempt wide. Ystrad took the lead through full back Aled Webber after a Cyw forward was penalised at a ruck. Cyw hit back through their forwards, a driving maul from a lineout outside the visitors 25 took play to the Ystrad line after number of pick and drives the ball came out to second row Ricky Somers who crashed over in the corner for a well worked try with Hancock just failing with the conversion from wide out.

Good work from the pack at the restart allowed the big boot outside half Gareth Howe to put Cyw back deep into the Ystrad half, Webber tried to run from deep but a bone shuddering tackle from the chasing Josh O'Driscoll saw the flanker earn his team a penalty under the posts for Hancock to convert.

The smaller Cyw forwards where starting to dominate their larger opponents both in open and tight play, with the visitors having no answers to Cyw's driving mauls or the sniping runs of centre Chris Howe and the powerful running of co centre Aaron Pinches, after constant pressure from the Cyw pack, Ystrad were forced into conceding a penalty and Hancock stepped up to stretch Cyw's lead to 11-3. On the stroke of half time flanker Nick Walker was yellow carded for the visitors after throwing a punch at a Cyw forward, right in front of referee Rhys Jenkins, a long range shot at goal by Howe just fell short and the visitors cleared their line.

Ystrad started the second half strongly and were rewarded with a penalty from Webber, but their pressure was short lived as Cyw's pack upped the tempo and controlled possession and territory, any attacks from the visiting back line were easily dealt with by the strong Cyw defence, the boot of Howe and the strong running of captain Adam O'Driscoll from the back of the scrum; Cyw's forwards were always on the front foot. More pressure from the forwards saw Owen held up over the line from a quickly taken penalty. From the resulting scrum centre Pinches bounced off three defenders to score a well taken try to make the score 16-6.

Cyw failed to add to the score board but were to dominate the remainder of the game, not allowing their visitors to get a foothold in the game. The visitors were struggling to get into the Cyw half of the field and with time up on the clock, Ystrad attempted to snatch a losing bonus point with a kick from the half way line but it fell well short. Cyw were celebrating an emphatic victory which was not reflected by the score line and their home record remained intact.

Abercynon 22 v Heol y Cyw 24 - Nov 12th 2011

Heol y Cyw travelled to Abercynon and had to reshuffle their pack due to injuries at Prop forward and hooker added to influential second row Ricky Somers, unavailable due to work commitments.

Cyw made a bright start with flanker Zac O'Driscoll returning after a six week absence at the heart of all the good work, Their hosts were putting Cyw's scrum under pressure but good work from captain and No 8 Adam O'Driscoll was relieving the pressure with some fine carries and clearing kicks.

From another scrum in their own half Cyw's backs moved the ball and centre Steve Bessant broke through the home defence, his supporting pack recycled the ball to Outside Half Gareth Howe who put in a chip kick for Full Back Scott Hancock to gather, he beat 2 defenders and raced clear to score the opening try which he also converted. Abercynon responded and were awarded a penalty from a scrum, centre Matthew Turner converted.

From the restart Cyw went back on attack with prop forward Kevin Worgan carrying the ball and making good yards, scrum half Rhys Owen dug the ball out of the ruck, put in a box kick which caused the home team in all sorts of problems, Hancock again followed up the kick, gathered and again showed an excellent turn of speed to race clear to score his and Cyw's second try he again put over the conversion.

Cyw were starting to take control and looked dangerous every time they attacked, good play from forwards and backs took Cyw to the home line but referee Peter Mortimer stopped play after spotting a deliberate stamp on the arm of a Cyw forward, Owen took a quick tap but he was halted by a cynical tackle from prop forward and Captain Gavin Moses who was rightly given a yellow card but for some reason Mr Mortimer failed to deal with previous foul play.

Cyw kept up their attack with their forwards picking and driving towards the try line, the ball came out to Howe who used all his height and bulk to stretch out and score the try Hancock converted to make the half time score 21-3 in favour of Cyw. After the break the home teams tactics changed and they looked intent on disrupting Cyw's rugby, With a number of cheap shots on the referee's blind side and the returning Moses the culprit on more than one occasion, further flash points saw both Moses and O'Driscoll told to speak to their teams, good work from the home team saw them attack Cyw's defence, after a tackle that was adjudged high Owen, received a yellow card and it was Cyw who were down to 14 men.

Cyw's defence was holding firm, but after another flash point which again involved Moses throwing punches he was shown a straight red card also to the disbelief of the visitors Captain O'Driscoll also saw red.

It was Cyw who seemed to be most affected by the departures and the home team scored a try after flanker Ryan James broke down the blind side from a scrum to run home unopposed to reduce Cyw's lead. The home team scored another try through good work from their forwards which was converted and Cyw seemed to be loosing their grip of the match, Hancock steddied the visitors with a penalty to push the score to 15-24, but a clearence kick late on from Hancock was charged down by fullback Sion Griffiths who accepted the gift to score under the posts for Turner to convert making the score 22-24 and set up a tense last minute, but Cyw held out for a much derserved win, but will be disappointed at allowing their hosts into the game after building up such a commanding lead.

Man of the Match for Cyw was outstanding fullback Scott Hancock who finished the game with 19 points to his name.



SWALEC Plate Round 1
Pencoed 3 v Heol y Cyw 27 - Nov 5th 2011

Heol y Cyw made the short trip to neighbours and rivals, Pencoed, for this 1st round fixture, with bragging rights also up for grabs.

After the very early stages where both teams were testing each other out, it was Cyw who looked most likely to score. Good pressure from the pack and the strong running of No 8 Adam O'Driscoll saw Cyw pressurise the home line, centre Steve Beasant came from deep on a delightful angled run and was just stopped short of the line. The Cyw pack took up the charge and forced the penalty on the line and Outside Half Gareth Howe stepped up to convert. Cyw continued to press but were making errors when in good attacking areas allowing Pencoed to clear their lines. Pencoed were awarded a penalty and Outside Half Marc Davies converted to level the scores at 3 a piece.

From the restart, O'Driscoll failed to collect the ball and allowed Davies to race clear towards the Cyw line but a brilliant ankle-tap tackle by O'Driscoll making up for his own error allowed the Cyw defence to reset and clear their lines. Cyw's second row pairing of Rhys Eskins and Ricky Somers were winning both their own and opposing ball, allowing their supporting forwards to charge forward. Good possession and the angled running of Centre Chris Howe allowed the forwards to recycle the ball for Gareth Howe to execute a pin point cross field kick to O'Driscoll who went over unopposed for Cyw's 1st try. Cyw were growing in confidence and attacking their opposition at every opportunity and on the stroke of half time Scrum Half Rhys Owen broke on the blind side, supported Somers and hooker Luke O'Driscoll, it looked like one of them would score. The ball was knocked back by a covering defender but he failed to control the ball and full back Scott Hancock nipped in to touch down for the try making the half time score 3-13 to Cyw.

Cyw started the second half strongly and soon started to take domination of the game. From a line out their forwards drove deep into the home 25 and looked odds on to score when home second row Dean Henson cynically came into the side of the maul and rightly saw yellow from the referee. Cyw opted for the line out and it paid dividends when, from another driving maul, second row Somers went over for Cyw's 3rd try. Hancock converted 3-20 to Cyw.

The home team were struggling to contain the Cyw pack by this stage; they were dominating all areas of the game and from another driving maul, the efforts of the pack were rewarded when outstanding Prop forward Darren Oram powered his way over the line for a well deserved try and Hancock converted 3- 27. The last 15 minutes of the game saw Cyw camped on the Pencoed line looking to press home their superiority, and were unlucky not to have increased their lead and made the score line more emphatic when they were denied tries having adjudged to be held up over the line. Pencoed held out but Cyw were celebrating an emphatic 27-3 win and a place in the draw for the 2nd round of the Swalec Plate.



Heol y Cyw 18 v Llantwit Fardre 0 - Oct 29th 2011

Cyw welcomed Llantwit Fardre to Greenfields looking to extend their unbeaten home record.

Cyw started brightly and 5 minutes into the game home scrum half Rhys Owen broke away from half way and looked odds on to score but was tackled just short of the line by covering full back Stuart Burrows, Fardre's defence were forced into conceding the penalty and outside half Gareth Howe stepped up to convert.

From the restart Llantwit were causing Cyw all sorts of problems and should have levelled score with the simplest of kicks from in front of the posts but outside half Mike Walsh pushed his kick wide, they continued to press but good Cyw defence and the big clearance kicks of Howe kept the visitors out.

Cyw won possession from a lineout in the Fardre 25 and centre Wayne Jervis put in a measured cross field kick for wing Paul Songhurst to gather the ball to score a well worked try in the corner. Cyw tried to press home on some good work by their forwards but were on the wrong end of the referee's whistle after putting themselves in good positions, and failed to add to the score before the halftime interval.

Cyw made a strong start to the second half and a penalty from Jervis stretched their lead to 11 nil, with both teams struggling to adapt to the conditions, errors saw the game of any real pattern and neither team being able to take control. A pin point penalty by Howe gave Cyw a lineout 5 metres out and after a driving maul replacement Kevin Wogan crash over for Cyw's second try, Jervis converted making the final score 18 nil, for a scrappy but hard fought win.



Tylorstown 11 v Heol y Cyw 31 - Oct 22nd 2011

Cyw travelled to Penrhys Park in search of their 1st away win of the campaign in buoyant mood after the previous weeks win, and were on the attack from the kick off with a crunching tackle from Hooker Luke O'Driscoll forcing the turn over, and the Cyw pack taking the attack over the home line but were denied the try with the ball being held up. After Cyw had put pressure on the home scrum and several drives from the back row, prop forward Darren Oram was driven over for Cyw's 1st try and converted by outside half Gareth Howe.

Tylorstown responded and full back Aled Clement kicked a penalty to reduce the gap to 3-7, but Cyw were straight back on the attack with their forwards having the edge at the scrum, and their lineout going well, they were able to set up their driving mauls. From another strong set peace No 8 Adam O'Driscoll went over for Cyw's second try converted by Howe making the scores 3-14,Clement again closed the gap with a well taken penalty after a Cyw infringement 6-14, From the restart Cyw's dominant pack were back on the charge and after a series of drives the home team were reduced to 14 men with flanker Dean Hefford yellow carded for a cynical infringement, Centre Chris Howe accepted a clearing kick and weaved his way through the home defence to lay on the pass to industrious second row Ricky Somers to score a well taken try again converted by Howe making the half time score 6-21 to Cyw.

Tylorstown started the second half strongly, after making changes to the front and second rows with heavier players to negate Cyw's advantage at the scrum, but the defence of both backs and forwards easily staved of the Tylorstown attacks. Cyw were full of confidence and were moving the ball at every opportunity, wing Aled Jones was at the forefront of the Cyw attacks and after he beat 3 defenders fed his supporting forward for what looked a lovely try but the pass was adjudged forward and Cyw were denied the try.

After a kick deep into the Cyw 25 meter zone they were reduced to 14 men with the outstanding Oram receiving a yellow card after he was adjudged to have come into the side of the ruck, the home team elected to take the scrum and it paid off with No 8 Mike Davies getting the score to close the gap to 11-21.

The 14 men of Cyw picked up the tempo and were awarded a penalty and replacement outside half Wayne Jervis slotting over the kick 11-24. Going into the last 10 minutes of the game Cyw were looking for the bonus point and their backs launched an attack from inside their own half, and replacement winger Scott McCutcheon went outside his marker passed inside to his supporting players and centre Howe popped up to receive the final pass to a score a delightful try under the post for Jervis to convert making the final score 11-31 and a bonus point win to Cyw.



Heol y Cyw 7 v Rhydfelin 5- Oct 15th 2011

Heol y Cyw welcomed Rhydfelin to Greenfields, on a day that also saw the return to action of ex British Lion Alan Bateman, after the previous weeks results the visitors were in confident mood and started very brightly, but Cyw have a 100% record at home so far this season, and were soon to dominate the opening half of this fixture.

Cyw were camped in the visitors half and had their opponents at full stretch in defence, the Cyw pack were in total control, and the ever dangerous scrum half Rhys Owen was held up over the line, Cyw exerted pressure to the resulting scrum and moved their opponents back towards their own line but the referee penalised the Cyw front row for illegal scrum aging, Visiting outside half Kirk Richards failed to find touch and Cyw were back on the attack through centre Chris Howe supported by his rampaging pack of forwards, after a number of close range drives from the Cyw pack which were held up just short of the line, home outside half Gareth Howe used all his weight to crash over the line but lost the ball in doing so.

Cyw were still camped inside the visitors 25 searching for the opening score, the visitors were reduced to 14 men after second row Tom Payne was guilty of killing the ball in desperate defence, Cyw elected to take the scrum and flanker Josh O'Driscoll seemed to have scored the try but was adjudged to have been held up over the line, with 5 minutes of the half remaining Rhydfelin cleared their lines and broke away to score a fine try through winger Rhys Cinnock.

From the restart Cyw were back on the attack and from a lineout their forwards set up a driving maul which resulted in second row Ricky Somers being driven over for a well deserved try Howe converted to make the half time score 7 – 5 to Cyw after totally dominating the half.

The second half was to see a turn around in dominance with Cyw defending as if their lives depending on it, the visitors backs looked dangerous every time they had the ball,but Cyw's backs were up to the challenge led by the excellent centre pairing of Bateman and Howe.

Rhydfelin were now camped in the Cyw half and when Captain and No 8 Adam O'Driscoll was sent to the sin bin for coming in the side of a ruck it looked like Cyw would struggle to contain the visitors, outside half Howe made a try saving tackle on speedy wing Mark Tyler when he looked odds on to score.

Rhydfelin then seemed to have stolen the game in the last 5 minutes when Cinnock went over in the corner but the final pass had gone forward and Cyw breathed again, Cyw were then penalised and outside half Richards attempted to win the game from wide out with the last kick of the game, but to the relief of the home team and their large support held out for an excellent and well deserved win.



Bedlinog 25 v Heol y Cyw 24 - Oct 8th 2011

After a solid start Cyw found themselves 10 nil down after a penalty from Ben Grzesica and a try from fellow centre Tomas Hiscock converted by Grzesica.

Cyw then found their feet and after Captain Adam O'Driscoll playing out of position in the centre put fellow centre Chris Howe into the gap, he ran deep into the Bedlinog half and fed scrum half Rhys Owen who scored a lovely try under the posts for outside half Gareth Howe to convert making the scores 10-7.

Bedlinog responded and scored a well worked try through prop forward Liam Rees, quickly followed by a penalty from Grzesica to make it 18-7 to ‘The Cockerels'.

On the stroke of half time Cyw attacked from the own half through O'Driscol, who fed wing Scott McCutcheon who linked with centre Howe to set up flanker Rhys Pope to score a delightful try converted by Howe to make the score at half time 18-14.

Cyw started the second half strongly and after a late tackle Howe brushed himself off to convert the penalty to close the gap to 18-17.

Cyw were now starting to dominate territory and defending superbly, the home backs trying to run out of defence, were forced into the error, Owen pounced on the ball and sprinted clear from half way to score his 2nd and Cyw's 3rd try Howe converted and Cyw led for the first time in the match 18-24.

It was Bedlinog's turn to exert pressure on the Cyw line but they failed to hold out, second row Ian Davies scoring a try from a driving maul Grzesica converted 25-24.

Cyw chased the game and after some fine running from full back Alid Jones, he was brought down by an illegal tackle on the try line by Davies who was yellow carded, Cyw elected to take a scrum and not a shot at goal, and after some stout defence Bedlinog cleared their lines to hold out for the victory.



Heol y Cyw 23 v Rhymney 13 - Oct 1st 2011

On a day when temperatures were more akin to sunbathing on Spanish beaches, Cyw welcomed the Gwent valley's side for their 1st ever league fixture.

After the previous weeks fixtures both teams were looking to bounce back from defeats, and it was the visitors who were to get the score board underway with a penalty from Full Back J Perry, Cyw picked up the tempo from the kick off and were camped inside the visitors 25 forcing them to concede a penalty at the ruck, Outside Half Mike Huckridge stepped up to level the scores with a fine kick 3-3.

Cyw went straight on the attack from the restart and after 25 minutes of play Hooker Dean Jones took a strike against the head at the scrum, Cyw were then awarded a penalty with a visiting flanker breaking early, Huckridge stepped up to make the score 6-3.Cyw were in complete control at this stage. Flanker Luke O'Driscoll combined with impressive No 8 Kyle Lowry, O'Driscoll getting well over the gain line only for a Rhymney defender to commit a high tackle, Huckridge again kicked the penalty and it was 9-3.

Four minutes later winger Paul Songhurst capitalized on an error by the visitors wing and full back to race clear from the half way to score a opportunist try. Huckridge converted to make the score 16-3 but then had to leave the field with a shoulder injury to be replaced by Grant Hall with centre Chris Howe moving into the pivot position and Hall into the centre.

From the restart Cyw conceded a silly penalty with a player going off his feet to protect the ball and Perry slotted over the penalty to make it 16-6. For the last 10 minutes of the half Cyw were again camped inside the visitors half, after conceding a penalty Centre S Perry talked himself into a yellow card from Referee Stuart Hughes. Cyw kicked to the corner in an attempt to force the score, after several drives by the forwards the ball came out to Hall in the centre and a determined run saw him crash over for the try on the stroke of half time. Songhurst converted to make the half time score 23-6 and a well deserved refreshment break. The second half started with Cyw again making an error from the restart which put Rhymney on the front foot, who attacked well into the Cyw 25 but the home team's defence was immense driving Rhymney attackers back in tackles and turning over possession from the ruck and Cyw cleared their line.

After only 5 minutes play of the second half the visitors were forced to ask for passive scrums as referee Stuart Hughes had some how failed to notice the visitors only had 1 front row cover. The game never really got going after this with the game constantly being stopped for injuries and errors. Cyw were in full control of the game with Howe and Hall starting to combine well, both making impressive yards with their forceful running with the ball, and the dynamic play of the two O'Driscoll brothers Luke and Josh, the latter making some bruising tackles. After another powerful run from Luke O'Driscol Cyw were awarded a penalty, again they kicked for the corner, Cyw forwards made several attempts to cross the line but were kept out by some fine defensive play .

Rhymney broke out from their lines and 30 minutes after they last entered the Cyw half of the field they were given hope of getting something out of the game when Lawry was sin binned for killing the ball.

It was Cyw's turn to defend their lines with 14 men and they were more than up to the challenge with both forwards and backs making big tackles. Cyw held out with 14 men without conceding any points, in the last minute of play, visiting Outside Half K Lemon put in a speculative chip from inside his own 25 metre line which seemed to catch the Cyw defence asleep. Lemon re-gathered his kick, the ball went through the hands of the visitors Backs and wing S McCutcheon scored a fine consolation try converted by Perry, that being the only points of a disappointing second half and a final score of 23-13.

Forwards coach Geoff Griffiths was pleased with the win but was more concerned about the mounting injury list with several key players already missing and a couple of others carrying injuries. Cyw's squad will be put to the test with a difficult trip to Bedlinog next up for the Cyw.



Ynysbwl 22 v Heol y Cyw 33 - Sept 24th 2011

After a good start to life in Division 2 East Cyw travelled to the Rhondda valley side who have also enjoyed a good start to the season. Both teams had early penalty chances, but it was Cyw who came close to scoring the first try of the game after a mistake on half way by the home team and a barnstorming run by hooker Darren Oram he off loaded to second row Rhys Eskins but somehow he was held up inches short of the line. Cyw did get their try after 26 minutes by scrum half Rhys Owen converted by their outside half Mike Huckridge. After good ball possession play Huckridge extended Cyw's lead with a penalty, from the restart Cyw went on the attack with a fine run from No 8 and Captain Adam O'Driscoll which led to an infringement at the ruck and Huckridge extended Cyws lead to 13 nil.

From the restart the home team put Cyw on the back foot and scored their first try of the game by flanker Ricky Thomas which was converted by srum half Greg Rees, from the restart bwl were penalised and Huckridge stepped up to extend Cyws lead to 7-16 but on the stroke of half time second row Ricky Somers was yellow carded after coming in from the side of a ruck and Cyw were down to 14 men.

Ynysbwl took full advantage and scored their second try through centre Sean Ireland which was again converted making the halftime score 14-16.

Cyw started the second half strongly and were awarded a penalty which was converted by Huckridge 14-19, from the restart the Cyw pack put the home team under pressure and an off the ball infringement was spotted by the referee and Huckridge put over the penalty from just inside the half way line 14-22. From the restart O'Driscoll took a clean catch but was left isolated and was penalised for holding on, Rees converting to make the scores 17-22 it was from this point Cyw seemed to lose their way and the home team gaining the upper hand, a long range penalty from Rees made the score 20-22, with the momentum now with the home team they applied pressure to a Cyw scrum inside Cyw's 25 and forced the error which allowed flanker Oliver Rees to score Bwl's third try and take the lead for the first time in the game 25-22, from the restart a Cyw attack led to a penalty but on this occasion Huckridge failed with his shot at goal and Bwl cleared their line with a strong run from their impressive No 8, a loose kick out from Cyw was fielded on the halfway line the home teams backs moved the ball and seemed to ghost past Cyw tacklers to score a fine bonus point try to make the scores 30-22 and with a penalty late on by Rees making the final score 33-22 and Cyw leaving with nothing to show for a game that could have gone either way.

Next up for Cyw is a home game against Rhymney and they will be looking to keep their 100% home record.



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.




Heol y Cyw 62 v Pontycymer 0 - Oct 29th 2011

In a rearranged league fixture welcomed a Pontycymer team who were unable to field a specialist from row and started this game with passive scrums. From the kick off Cyw attacked through forwards and backs and were to dominate the game but credit must be given to the Pontycymer team for their spirited defence.

Cyw's pack were rampant and No 8 Shaun James continued his try scoring exploits collecting another 3 try's to go with the 7 he score the previous week, veteran hooker Ceri Roberts was prominent throughout with ball in hand and his work in the tight, Man of the match Flanker Chris John was in superb form, turning the ball over in contact and making yards time and time again with ball in hand. Again the whole squad should be applauded for their efforts in providing a feast of running rugby in atrocious conditions.



Heol y Cyw 78 v Brackla 7 - Oct 22nd 2011

After a number of weeks inactivity Cyw welcomed Brackla to Greenfield's for this league fixture and took out all their frustrations on the visitors, Cyw's back row of Jordon Jones, Rhys Pope and Sean James were in outstanding form with No 8 James scoring a club record 7 tries and Pope bagging a brace, full praise must be given to the starting 15 and their replacements in what was an outstanding display of running rugby and a treat for the home support.



Heol y Cyw 19 v Llanharan 17 - Sept 24th 2011

After an impressive start to the season for Cyws 2nds with wins against Maesteg Quins and Tondu with their only defeat away to a strong Aberavon Quins side, Cyw entertained their neighbours Llanharan at Greenfields which always proves to be a feisty affair with bragging rights up for grabs it was Cyw who ran out 19-17 winners scoring a try through prop forward Chris King converted by outside half Gareth Howe who also slotted over 4 penalties.

Man of the match was awarded to the ever impressive Chris John with his dynamic play on the flank.



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.





Archived Reports

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