“Wind of change at Ogmore Vale”

Ogmore Vale 0 Bridgend Sports 14.

“Wind of change at Ogmore Vale”

This Ogmore Vale side did not look the side that lost 53-0 at the Bandstand Field in November. They held off intense pressure from the Sports, playing with the wind, in the first 25 minutes and were rewarded with a series of penalties which allowed them to gain territory in the Sports half. Ogmore could have taken the lead but Gavin Diamond missed with a penalty from the Sports 10 metre line and the visitors resumed their pressure.

After 35 minutes good passing from Nathan Townley and Geraint Lewis put Michael ‘Mitch’ John away to score in the corner. Townley converted with a fine effort. 0-7. This was to be the only score
of the half and when the teams turned around for the second half ... so did the wind. The Sports
finding the wind behind them once more! For most of the half Ogmore did not really threaten the
Sports line but they defended well with Rhos Davies tackling the ‘crash ball’ that Townley kept
giving to Geraint Lewis.

The Sports back row had a good game with captain Matthew Channel leading Gary Punter and
Anthony Isaac by example. His ground ball play was of the highest quality. For Ogmore Vale,
Gareth Powell, their young scrum half, looked good and brought out the best of the Sports defence.
It took an inspired piece of running from Leigh Evans, the Sports winger to seal the game when he rounded the home defence after good vision from Townley and quick ball distribution from ‘Mitch’ John. Evans scoring under the posts with 5 minutes left. Townley converted to make the final score 0-14. This win takes the Sports to third in the league.

Mention should be made of the warm welcome extended to the visitors by this fine club. They may be struggling in the league but to see the loyal band of wives serving coffee and bacon rolls on the sideline was a rewarding sight and shows that rugby is about friendship and loyalty. Of which they have plenty.

Photos today are:- 1. Gary Punter taking lineout Ball. 2. Nathan Townley converting second try. 3. Leigh Evans ‘rounding defense to score under posts.