Fixture

The Piod Pinc made the long journey east to the outskirts of Pontypridd last Sunday to face old rivals Cilfynydd RFC Ladies. Cilfynydd kick off the game with both sides evenly matched and the Piod Pinc showing great structure in their play. The Piod scrum goes well and Catrin Rees’ confidence is clearly growing playing in the number 8 position. The Piod off load the ball and Cilfynydd intercept, attempting to break upfield but the Piod defence is too strong. The returning Phoebe West and Alaw Hughes work together well and put in some great tackles on the opposition. A Cilfynydd kick ahead results in the Piod gathering, however Cilfynydd don’t waste any time in bundling Ellie James into touch. The Piod break through Cilfynydd's defence with Leah Coombes on the charge but unfortunately the ball is knocked on with the resultant scrum awarded to Cilfynydd. The Piod put pressure on their opponents and the forwards begin to dominate the scrums. A dominant scrum allows captain Tina Thomas to get the ball out to Winger Leah Coombes who beats her opposite number to score a fine try. The conversation is missed making it 0-5 to the Piod Pinc. Play drifts from side to side with both teams challenging each other’s defence until Cilfynydd make a break and get on the score board the conversion is missed, 5-5. The referee gives a warning to both teams for the amount of penalties being given away before a Yellow card is given to a Piod Player for not retreating 10 metres. The Piod adapt and cope well with the numerical disadvantage and keep the score at 5-5 going into halftime. 

Half time and due to the 3:15pm kickoff the lights are now on. Cilfynydd dominate the start of the second half and within five minutes they score another try. With both teams keen to keep the ball in play and there’s no let up on the speed of the game. Cilfynydd show great determination to break down the Piod defence and score another try to make the score 17-5. The coaches now make changes and the impact players come on around the 60 minute mark. There is still plenty to play for and both teams are giving it their all but it’s Cilfynydd who cross the line once again, 22-5 no conversion. Mistakes are now being made by the Piod and Cilfynydd capitalised on this when they score under the posts with the final play of the game to make it 29-5.

It wasn’t the result we wanted last Sunday but the Piod Pinc dominated the first half with their opponents coming into the Tumble 22 only twice, scoring in both occasions. The Piod played some good rugby with the pack working hard in pods whilst the backs used the ball well in periods of the game. In fairness the team didn't do that much wrong in second half. Little mistakes cost the Piod dearly with Cilfynydd capitalising upon them and scoring tries.

Forward of the match: Charly Hunter
Back of the match: Tina Thomas

Next game for the girls is Sunday, 1 December where they welcome Taffs Well RFC Ladies to Parc y Mynydd Mawr, kick-off 2.30pm. Come and support the girls.

Ymlaen Y Piod