From the outset Whitland played some awesome rugby but failed to break down a committed Pencoed defence.
It actually took 20 minutes before the first points were scored. After series of drives by Beca Norris, Delyth Davies and Ali Griffiths, the defence splintered to enable Angharad Williams an easy walk in to touch down. From fairly wide out, Norris added the extras with a cracking drop kick. Shortly afterwards Norris added a penalty.
The last 10 minutes of the half belonged to Pencoed as they battered away at the Whitland try-line but some excellent defence from Lowri Morgan, Elin Hywel and player of the match Mari Griffiths kept the line intact. However the concerted pressure was always going to result in points and the two kickable penalties awarded were well converted by Sam Tricky.
The second half saw the Borderettes throw everything into attack but some poor handling saw them squander several chances. Back to route one and after a series of drives towards the Pencoed line by Vicky Owens and the Norris sisters, up popped Davies to power over from short range.
Griffiths was next on the score sheet and after Emma Summons at scrum half whipped quick ball away for Alice James at fly half to release her back line and some slick handling saw her out sprint the cover defence to touch down.
Pencoed are not a team to give in and a penalty by Tricky and a well taken try by Jade Mullen after Whitland were caught napping in defence gave Tricky an easy conversion to bring the score to 14 -20.
Pencoed weren’t quite done and a cracking break by the left wing looked like they were about to sneak a win but a fantastic try line tackle jackal by full back Cath Davies resulted in a Whitland penalty. From the ensuing line out a sweeping backs move resulted in centre Abi May Williams timing her pass to perfection to put Griffiths through the hole to score her second – and fourth – in two games.
The extras were added by Norris to end a highly entertaining game.
Whitland’s next game is home to Llandaff North, Sunday 21st September, kick off at 2:30.
