Fixture

The Sharks moved up to second in the league after this defeat of one of their closest rivals in a full blooded encounter. Prop forward Gerwyn Morris made a great catch at the kick off allowing Lloyd Davies to put up a useful box kick. A well timed challenge by wing forward Rhyan Williams regained possession for his side as they moved forward purposefully.

However it was the seasiders who mounted the early pressure using their big forwards around the ruck area and getting the better of the early exchanges at the scrum. Full back Jamie Higgins put in a number of well-judged kicks using the slope and  stiff breeze to full advantage. Despite hammering away at the line they could find no way past a determined and fully committed Sharks defence in which forwards Jake Hurley, Jamies Caviel and Luke Price were prominent in stopping the big ball carriers at source.

With the siege lifted Ynysowen moved the ball down field. An attack started by Gerwyn Davies and carried on by Williams then saw the ball moved to the left. Centre Richard Addis broke the defence and his off load saw Gavin Richards up in support and he crossed at the posts and then added the conversion. Caviel and Lewis Hughes then made ground down the middle as the visitors began to enjoy more possession. Great work by Morris at the break down earned his side a penalty. Sully’s kicking game was pinning the Sharks into their 22. They employed a number of pick and drives close to the line but each time the attacks were repelled by a very strong defence around the fringes. Defensive pressure resulted in the ball becoming loose which the Sharks won on the floor. The ball was quickly shipped left and Hughes found his brother Thomas on the outside with a good pass. Thomas accelerated away from the cover to score an excellent counter punch try. Richards added the extras with the final kick of the half.

Ynysowen dominated the second period with their scrum getting stronger and the pace of their three quarters causing the home defence problems. Right wing Mathew Evans collected a kick and beat his opposite number embarking on a run that took play 40 meters. He swerved inside and set up a ruck just inside the 22.Quick ruck ball reached outside half Richards who danced through the defence to score a fine try. Lewis Hughes converted.

The visiting pack were now on top with Andrew O’ Keefe getting through a tremendous amount of work. They set up a driving maul well organised by Caviel which took play deep into opposition territory. A quick tap penalty by Davies exposed a tiring defence and allowed Lewis Hughes to crash over near the posts for a try he also converted.

This was a good performance by the Sharks who showed tremendous resilience in defence as well as a potent attacking threat from all over the park to maintain their unbeaten record this season. Next up is the eagerly anticipated 5^th round of the SWELEC bowl which sees the Sharks travel to Nantymoel where a large following of travelling fans are expected to make the journey. Kick off time is 2 pm.