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To see all the match photos please click on the photo in the report
Preason Trial Game, Rumney RFC 74pts v Porth Harlequins Trialists 5pts
With coaches Carl Hammonds and Mark Brennan struggling to obtain meaningful trial games, they were happy and apprehensive to travel midweek to division one side Rumney. A large squad assembled and the game was split in three thirds playing two twenty minute half’s and a final 40 minutes.
The 1st half opened brightly with the Porth pack mixed with 1sts and 2nds players and several new recruits and injury returnees taking on their bigger and well drill opponents. The Rumney team used there considerable pace to breakaway for three quick tries in succession and race into a comfortable lead.
The second half was more of the same but the Porth forwards Booth, Parry, Dan Evans, Thomas Harris and Ryan Robertson up to this point had worked tirelessly, The young Porth team was inexperienced in defence committing too many numbers to the breakdown resulting numbers being short against what can only be said to be an extremely fast backline looking to expose their Rhondda opposition. This left the likes of Cutter and David Roberts having to make several try saving tackles, but this was not enough to stop the siege. Rumney raced in several excellent tries but it must also be said against some woeful defence at times. Porth continued to work hard and set piece was improving with every minute and commitment was ever present.
After discussion at halftime and the score line being far from flattering, Porth looked to play there strongest and most impressive players on the night in the last 40 despite some backs having picked up bumps and scrapes tackling their hearts out against a rampant Rumney. The final 40 was too prove a far more competitive match with several players putting their hands up for inclusion in the 1st team selection. Set piece and defence improved greatly with some tremendous hits put in by Booth and Gary Harries in particular making their presence felt. Porth started well and if centre Richard Williams had given a simple pass after a tremendous break then the 1st try of the final half would have been theirs. After this missed chance Rumney turned the screw and Porth were under great pressure for the 1st 15 minutes until a mistake in defense allowed a neat try by the home no 10. This spurred Porth to dominate possession and territory for the next 20 minutes with Jamie Caple and Richard Williams giving the forwards something to aim for and after sustained pressure and two scrums against the head, centre Williams finished off some bulldozing work by the forwards. Porth continued to squeeze the Rumney defense and a cruel bounce off a cross field kick saw the ball bounce in-between flanker Evans and wing Lewis into touch for another missed opportunity. Rumney had the last word and from a turnover they raced up field with good inter-passing to seal the final 40 with a try to make it 74 -5 at the end.
This gave the coaches a good insight into the squads strengths and weaknesses if not a slightly cruel exposure at times, but Porth regrouped and coped well and dominated their opposition for large periods of the final quarter which bodes well for the future. Several front row players put their hands up for what is going to be a very competitive area of the team with Jambo, Wilky, Slade, Perry, Thomas, Weekes and Turkey putting in big performances.
Porth will look for more improvement next Saturday with several boys returning from work commitments with a trip to Aberavon Green Stars away 22nd August |
Preason Trial Game, Porth Harlequins Trialists 35pts v Llantwit Fardre 0pts
 Having had a very good pre-season preparation under a new coaching team of Carl “Smiler” Hamans and Mark Brennan, Porth played Llantwit Fardre of division 2 on an extremely wet night at Llwyncelyn.
Having already held squad trials against Division 1 Rumney, loosing to a late try, and last Saturday at Aberavon Greenstars where Porth proved to be the better team for most of the 3 periods played, Porth now selected their senior squad for this game.
Llantwit came to the game with an impressive playing record, and 2 divisions above Porth, but the home side proved from the very start that they intend to be challenging for promotion from division 4 to overcome the disappointment of just missing out last season.
Porth started the game at a cracking pace, playing all the early rugby and dominating the set pieces. It was therefore just reward when after 10 minutes Porth opened the scoring with a try from new scrum half Richard Carter who showed a clean pair of heels to the visitors defence, allowing winger Richard Davies to continue where he left off last year and add the conversion. It was now all one way traffic with Porth totally dominant and the visitors stunned and scrambling for scraps of possession.
Porth not only looked extremely fit, but also sharp in appalling conditions, and added further tries from number 8 Ryan Robertson and excellent young flanker Dafydd Gristock, with Davies adding 3 penalties to make the half time score 30-0.
The second half started as the first had finished with Llantwit having no answer to the attacking power of the home side, but after 10 minutes of play Porth started to make numerous changes to allow all the players to have a game. This interrupted their fluency, and only a single further second half score was achieved when centre Richard Williams crossed in the corner to make the full time score 35-0.
Credit must be given to the players for the quality of play in such poor conditions, but also to the coaches who have seen their hard work come together on the field.
Porth kick off the season with their first game at Nantymoel a week Saturday. |
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Nantymoel 15 pts v Porth Harlequins 20 pts - 5/09/09 - by Brian Minty
 Porth entered the new season hoping to carry their impressive preseason form into the new campaign. Having narrowly missed out on promotion last year, the focus this season is to go one better and at least make the play offs. With this in mind Porth travelled to Nantymoel, who were relegated last season, knowing that this was going to be a testing first game.
Porth started the game in determined mood regaining the kick off and making good ground only for the home prop to kill the ball and give away the first kickable position in under a minute, which winger Richard Davies comfortably converted. Porth gained lots of early possession and showing a willingness to move the ball wide caused problems for the home side. Porth were now playing all the positive rugby and when they were stopped 25 meters out, the ball was passed to centre Richard Williams who showed great determination and strength to cross close in with Davies adding the extra points for a 10-0 lead. Up to this point the home side were struggling to play at Porth’s high tempo and seemed determine to slow the game down at every opportunity, and on 15 minutes a cynically late and dangerous tackle by the home number 8 on winger Davies saw both leave the field, the home player with a red card and Davies through injury, to be replaced by Daniel Minty.
It was all one way traffic with the referee continually penalising the home side, and adding a further 2 yellow cards. This indiscipline saw Porth add a further 3 points from replacement kicker full back Chris Cutter, and then add a further try through centre Jamie Lewis, with Cutter converting to make the half time score 20-0.
The second half started with Nantymoel this time trying to play some rugby, but with the referee looking to stamp his authority on the game he dished out a further 4 yellow cards in the opening 10 minutes. This fragmented the game but a good break by the home backs saw them cross under the posts to bring the score back to 20-7. On 55 minutes they were awarded a further penalty to make the score 20-10. The home side were now in the ascendancy and on 65 minutes scored a further unconverted try, but this proved to be the last score of the game with Porth gaining their composure and running out worthy winners by 15-20.
This was a very good start against a very physical but indisciplined Nantymoel team, but having lost the opening game in the last two seasons Porth will be grateful for the win. This was a spirited team effort, which if continued will bode well for the season. |
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Porth Harlequins 45 pts v Llantwit Major 13 pts - 12/09/09- by Brian Minty
 After an encouraging win at Nantymoel last week, Porth entered this game with confidence high but knowing that the visitors were capable of causing an upset. From the kick off Porth were on the offensive and after a turn over in midfield they gained possession which eventually resulted in a lineout 15 m from the visitors line. After gaining possession through second row Greg Booth they set up a maul which saw number 8 and captain Ryan Robertson burst from the back and drive through several tacklers to score, with full back Chris Cutter adding the extra points for a 7-0 lead.
This was a game of contrasting styles with the home side supplying the power and the visitors running the ball wide at every opportunity, this resulted in a well balanced match but only 3 additional points were added in the first half through a penalty by Cutter, and a half time score of 10-0.
The second half started at a fast pace and Porth were awarded a penalty after 3 minutes which again Cutter converted for a 13-0 lead. Porth now had the upper hand in all phases, and it took only a further 2 minutes before centre Richard Williams collected the ball and beat several defenders to cross under the posts, with Cutter again adding the conversion 20-0.
Llantwit Major refused to give up and from a lineout on the home line, stole the possession to cross out wide, and made the score 20-5. Un-phased by this setback, Porth immediate response when centre Williams intercepted a pass in his own 22 to again outstrip the defence to score out wide, and make the score 25-5
It was now all one way traffic with further tries coming from Greg Booth and the try of the game by winger Gareth Williams which saw the ball run out of their own 22 firstly by Cutter who linked with Jamie Caple, Williams and Dai Roberts with the ball eventually arriving with Gareth Williams who beat his opposite number to touch down. The visitors only second half contribution was a penalty and a late try making the final score 45-13, and with five tries in the bag Porth also gained an additional bonus points.
This was an excellent performance against a very unpredictable Llantwit Major team, the forwards gained the upper hand in all set pieces early on giving plenty of possession to the backs which allowed them to demonstrate some very slick handling, taking their opportunities well and showing that Porth have an all-round game which will hopefully add that additional dimension this season.
Next week Porth travel to unbeaten league leaders Dowlais, and will be looking to avenge a defeat inflicted in the first game of last season. |
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Dowlais 25 pts v Porth Harlequins 0 pts - 19/09/09- by Brian Minty
 Porth travelled to Dowlais looking to redress the balance after the heavy defeat suffered here last season. Having made numerous changes from the Llantwit Major game, Porth started with great determination, but the first points of the afternoon went to the home side when a Porth back was adjudged to have deliberately knock on. 3-0. Porth tried to battle back but the home side showed themselves well organised both in attack and defence and on 20 minutes extended their lead when they moved the ball across the back line before crossing wide out to make the score 8-0. Porth were now struggling to gain any clean possession and when they managed it the attacking moves broke down through poor passing.
The home side were now well on top and visions of last year returned, and when Dowlais were awarded a kickable penalty they refused the points opted to kick for the corner and from the resulting line out scored a well worked try under the posts and added the conversion to make the half time score 15-0.
After the coached had put over their points during the half time break, the second half started well for Porth, but 6 minutes in Dowlais were awarded a penalty for a high tackle and further extended their lead to 18-0. A further change had to be made on 50 minutes when winger Dai Roberts seemed to sustain a nasty leg injury and had to be replaced, from here Porth started to exert some pressure but while attacking deep in the Dowlais half had a try scoring pass intercepted which resulted in the final 7 points of the game going to Dowlais.
This was a very difficult game against good opposition. Porth seem to struggle with the altitude at Dowlais as this can be the only excuse for such a lacklustre display by a team that played well at home last week. On this display Dowlais must be one of the favourites to gain promotion this year. |
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Porth Harleqins 14 pts v Taffs Well 21 pts - 26/09/09- by Brian Minty
 After a disappointing display against league leaders Dowlais last week, Porth were looking to quickly bounce back and regain some of the ground lost to the unbeaten teams at the top of the table.
However the game plan seem to start to unravel when at the first scrum they had a man yellow carded, and from the awarded penalty the visitors to an early lead. Porth battled back and were awarded their first kickable penalty when a visiting forward was caught offside at a ruck which allowed full back Chris Cutter to reply with 3 points. The game was now very evenly balanced with the visitors, utilising many new players from last year, marginally gaining the upper hand. This was reflected in the penalty count and on 15 and 20 minutes they extended their lead to 3-9, before Cutter again replied on 23 minutes to make the score 6-9.
Just as Porth began to gain the upper hand, poor defending in their own 22 allowed the visitors scrum half to jink his way over the line and with the added conversion extended their lead to 6-16. Undaunted Porth again showed some determined attacking and just on half time were awarded another penalty which Cutter converted to make the half time score 9-16.
Porth started the second half at a good pace and began to force the visitors into numerous mistakes and doing well at the set pieces. But 4 minutes into the half some off the ball action saw both teams reduced to 14 men, with a red card for Porth and a yellow for the visitors. The game continued with some very physical challenges, and from one of these incidents Porth were further reduced to 13 men on 65 minutes. Taffs Well now used their numerical advantage well and on 74 minutes moved the ball across the line to make their overlap pay and add a further 5 points through the try. Now trailing 9-21 Porth were fired up and putting the visitors under great pressure, but a further altercation saw Porth further reduced to 12 men with 5 minutes remaining. However this seemed to spur on the remaining players and with 2 minutes remaining, Porth scored a try through captain Ryan Robertson which made the final score 14-21 and gain Porth a loosing bonus point.
Taffs Well came to Porth with a much changed team from last year, and looked a stronger outfit with their new players. However indiscipline let Porth down in a game that with equal numbers they could have won. They showed some good handling and excellent forward play, and the try at the very end while 3 men short showed the great spirit there is in this team.
Our best wishes for a speedy recovery go to Dai Roberts who sustained a broken leg last week at Dowlais.
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Ferndale 8 pts v Porth Harlequins 41 pts - 03/10/09 by Brian Minty
 Porth needed to restore the winning habit after two disappointing loses, and travelled to local rivals Ferndale on their open field with the wind gusting from all directions. This however didn’t matter to Porth who started the game with great determination which the home side were unable to match. Porth were exerting all the pressure and it took only 4 minutes for them to score the first try of the day when captain Ryan Robertson broke from a maul to crash over with full back Chris Cutter adding the conversion. It was all one way traffic with Ferndale even struggling just to clear their 22, and this constant pressure paid off when after 25 minutes the ball arrived with outside half Greg Morris who made an excellent outside break to beat the defence and score under the posts for a wonderful try, with Cutter making the score 14-0. Ferndale had no answer to the power of the Porth forwards or the silky running and wonderful handling of the Porth backs, and the next try came on 35 minutes when scrum half Richard Carpenter, returning to his old club, chipped over the defence, collected and fed winger Anthony James who outstripped the defence to cross out wide and add a further 5 points 19-0. Porth were by no means finished and on the stroke of half time winger Richard Williams received the ball and crashed over in the corner, and gain a bonus point at 24-0. Ferndale were now desperate for the half time whistle to sound to take some respite from the battering they were taking and held on without further conceding and additional points.
The second half started with Porth again on the offensive, but the first points of the half went to the home side when they were awarded a kickable penalty in front of the posts to bring the score to 24-3.
Normal service was resumed on 50 minutes when Morris again made the decisive break before feeding Cutter who crossed for the try and converted to make the score 31-3. Porth scored a further try on 60 minutes when promising young flanker Dafydd Gristock touched down from a rolling maul. Ferndale did eventually score a try when a mix up in the Porth defence saw the ball go loose and touched down for a moral boosting score of 36-8. Porth weren’t finished and when Ryan Robertson crossed for his second of the game the final score was raised to 41-8.
Porth needed the win and the bonus point to help reduce the gap at the top of the table, and this good display will hopefully see confidence restored for the home game against Pontyclun next week.
Special praise must be given to Dean Lloyd who managed to finish his first full game in four years. |
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Porth Harlequins 32 pts v Nantymoel 15 pts - SWALEC Bowl - 10/10/09 by Brian Minty
 Porth having already beat Nantymoel in the league the first game of the season, started full of enthusiasm, and it took only 6 minutes to score their first points when good possession was gained by the forwards and moved along the backline until it arrived with centre Richard Williams who left the fullback flat footed to cross under the posts with fullback Chris Cutter add the conversion (7-0). From the kick off Porth re-gathered the ball and put pressure on the Nantymoel defence but when the ball was lost in contact the visitors quickly moved the ball through the backs and the right wing dived over in the corner to close the score to 7-5. Undeterred Porth still tried to play open rugby and when the ball was kicked long to Cutter he comfortably beat three defenders to cross under the post and added the conversion to extend the home lead to 14-5.
With 30 minutes gone Nantymoel again ran the ball along the line and this time the left winger crossed in the corner for a try which was also converted to make the score 14-12. With the first half running out Porth were awarded another penalty that Cutter again converted and made the half time score 17-12.
The second half started as a very low key affair, but after 8 minutes Porth extended their lead when from a line out they setup a maul from which captain Ryan Roberson broke from the back to cross wide out ( 22-12). Nantymoel were again awarded a penalty after 50 minutes which they kick to make the score 22-15, before running out of front row forwards and the game went to passive scrums. This altered the complexion of the game but could not stop Porth adding a further 2 tries, the first after a good break by centre Williams before passing to prop Thomas Harris who drove straight through the full back to score. The last points of the game came when the ball was again moved across the back line for winger Gareth Williams to cross in the corner to make the full time score 32-15.
Porth never hit top gear during this match but still had more than enough to comfortable beat the visitors and move into the next round of the cup.
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Cardiff HSOB 33 pts v Porth Harlequins 24 pts - 10/10/09 by Brian Minty
 Porth travelled to Cardiff missing several of their regular players, but this didn’t seem to matter as they started the game well, creating lots of pressure in the home half of the field. They came very close to opening the scoring on 5 minutes when a good forward drive close to the home line was penalised for not releasing the ball. The Old Boys were living off scraps of possession, but as with previous years the slightest chance would see them kick long up field and chase. This exact tactic saw them score the opening points when a Porth back was caught in possession and concede a penalty in front of the posts for a 3-0 lead. Porth were undeterred by this setback and continued to win good possession and when the ball arrived with outside half Daniel Minty he found full back Chris Cutter at full pace who left the home defence flat footed to cross for a wonderful try under the posts, he also converted to take a 3-7 lead.
The Old Boys now started to win some quick ball, and on 30 minutes their lively hooker made good ground into the corner before passing inside for the scrum half to crash over, and retake the lead 8-7. Playing down the slope HSOB relied again for the long kick option and this again paid dividends when Porth lost the ball in front of the posts and the home team extended their lead to 13-7 with a further try. 2 minutes later the lead was again extended to 16-7, when Porth were penalised for handling on the floor.
Porth desperately needed a reply, and this came with seconds left when excellent work by the forwards saw then stopped just short but scrum half Simon Hennesey pick up and dived over out wide with Cutter adding the conversion for a half time score of 16-14.
The second half started with Porth knowing they had to stop the home team gaining any loose possession for their dangerous backs to use, but 6 minutes into the half this is exactly what occurred and they score a long range converted try for a 23-14 lead. This was further extended through another penalty, but Porth again replied with a well taken try of their own when a loose ball arrived with winger Anthony James who beat 2 defenders before sprinting for the line for a try wide out, 26-19. Porth were now in bonus point territory, but when they tried to run the ball out of their own half the home hooker again intercepted and he crossed under the posts. With only 3 minutes left and needing a fourth try for a bonus point, superb interplay between all 15 players saw the ball arrive again with winger James to cross out wide and make the full time score 33-24.
This was an extremely entertaining game on a very wide pitch which allowed the home team to play to their strengths and run the ball at every opportunity. The Porth forwards worked tirelessly with some outstanding performances, unfortunately too many turnovers cost them heavily. |
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Porth Harlequins 22 pts v Rhiwbina 6 pts - 24/10/09
 Seventh placed Porth Harlequins hosted sixth placed Rhiwbina at a very wet and windswept Welfare Ground, Llwyncelyn.
With the strong wind at their backs Porth had the majority of the early territory thanks to the excellent line kicking of Daniel Minty and Christian Rees. However Porth could not initially capitalise on their field position due to some fragmented play and a strong and cohesive Rhiwbina defence. After 20 minutes the Porth pack finally turned this territory into points when they came into their own with a big effort to produce a push over try from a set scrum which was touched down by their young flanker Dafydd Gristock. Chris Cutter converted to make it 7 -0.
Rhiwbina rallied and with a number of penalties going their way managed to spend some time in the Porth half and converted penalties on 24 and 32 minutes to pull the score back to 7-6. Chris Cutter narrowly missed a penalty just before halftime and the teams turned round with Porth having the slenderest of 7-6 leads.
Porth had not made the most of the first half tail wind due to a lack of cohesive play and faced an uphill battle against a very strong wind in the second half. They set about this challenge with a new found vigour keeping the ball tight and playing to their forward strength and four minutes into the half won a lineout near the Rhiwbina line from which prop Tom Harries drove over for Porth’s second try to extend their lead to 12 – 6.
Porth continued the second half in the same style and after a succession of driving mauls flanker Dafydd Gristock dived over for his second try, 17 - 6.
Rhiwbina continued to use the wind to gain territory and Porth repelled this by keeping possession and driving their way up field through their forward power, now eager to secure a bonus point through a fourth try. Porth were rewarded when club captain Ryan Robertson came off the bench, to take over at No.8 and touched down following another push over scrum 22 - 6.
Rhiwbina were beaten by now but did not give up. Porth had to defend their line from a determined Rhiwbina attack for the last few minutes of the match.
After failing to make the most of the wind in the first half Porth adapted to the conditions in the second half to gain an impressive and well deserved win that lifts them, above Rhiwbina, into fifth in SWALEC League 4 SE. This was a good team effort but players worthy of individual mention were Christian Rees and Daniel Minty in the backs and Greg Booth and Dafydd Gristock in the forwards.
Next week Porth are in action in the SWALEC Bowl competition against fellow Division 4 team Pontyclun at the Welfare Ground, Llwyncelyn ko.2.30 pm. |
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Porth Harlequins 18 pts v Pontyclun 17 pts - 31/10/09 by Brian Minty
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 Porth played Pontyclun in the second round of the bowl competition having beaten Nantymoel 32-15m in the first. This was always going to be a tough encounter with Pontyclun having made a good start to the season and Porth showing good home form. From the start this was a very even contest, but the home side opened the scoring from an early penalty converted by full back Chris Cutter. The Porth forwards were now starting to get the upper hand and supplying the back with some good quality possessions where newcomers Adam and Jamie John in the centre and Callum Rowe on the winger always looked dangerous. The score was increased on 28 minutes when after good pressure close to the visitors line the ball was collected by captain Ryan Robertson who fed winger Anthony James to cross out wide with Cutter adding the conversion. Pontyclun responded well but the home defence were more than able to contain them, but they were eventually rewarded when on 39 minutes they were awarded a penalty which was converted to make the half time score 10-3.
The second half started with Porth in the ascendancy, and after continuous pressure were awarded the first points of the half from a penalty at a ruck which Cutter converted to make the score 13-3. On 65 minutes Pontyclun hit back when they breached the home defence from a scrum and made the score 13-10. Porth responded right from the kick off when flanker Daniel Evans stole possession which allowed Callum Rowe a straight run to the corner for a well worked try and increased the lead to 18-10. With only 5 minutes remaining Pontyclun again collected a long kick from defence and ran the ball back to score close to the posts and added the conversion and make the score 18-17. This however was the last score of the match and saw Porth narrowly win this hard fought encounter and progress into the next round. |
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Porth Harlequins 7 pts v Wattstown 6 pts SWALEC Bowl Rd. 3 - 12/12/09 by Brian Minty
 This was a long awaited match between Porth and Wattstown, and is the first game in over 6 years between these local rivals. The game started at a good pace with both teams winning ample possession and securing their own set piece ball. However it was the home team that put that possession to the better use and looked dangerous in the early stages showing good handling skills particularly in the backs. From some of this early possession gained at a line out, the ball was moved to centre Jamie John who broke the Wattstown first line of defence and fed winger Anthony James who was forced into touch just short of the line. On ten minutes, and against the run of play, Porth gave away a penalty at a ruck which allowed a good kick by Wattstown outside half Jarvis to open the scoring for the visitors. 0-3.
This did not deter the home side who stepped up a gear, and when second row Greg Booth stole Wattstown line out possession, they attacked from deep and were only stopped short by some desperate defence, and were awarded a scrum 20 meters out. From the resulting scrum the ball was collected by scrum half Gareth Lewis who used his power to burst through the defence and score wide out, with the conversion being superbly struck by full back Chris Cutter. The remainder of the half was littered with missed chances which meant that the visitors arrived at half time only trailing 7-3.
The second half started well for the home side who maintained the pressure on the visitors, and slowly gained the upper hand in the set piece and the majority of the loose possession through flankers Dafydd Gristock and Daniel Evans. Porth put together some good attacking phases but a misdirected last pass, or ill-discipline cost the home team dearly, with a series of penalties given away at crucial times. With their failure to take full advantage of scoring opportunities this allowed Wattstown to remain within one score, and the margin was further reduced when Porth again gave away a needless penalty for the visitors to move to within a single point on the 60th minute. During this game Porth were reduced to 14 men on three occasions but were more than able to defend their line and reduce Wattstown to attempt long range drop goals on three occasions, all luckily missing their mark. With the final whistle, the well deserved victory allowed the home side to progress into the next round, but if there is a determination to go further in this competition discipline must be improved.
This was a enjoyable game played in a good spirit between two well matched teams, with the outcome in doubt until the final whistle, Porth had the upper hand in possession but a constant stream of penalties could have been far most costly.
Porth return to league action next week travelling the short distance to another local rival Tonyrefail. |
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Bridgend Sports 11 pts v Porth Harlequins 5pts - 30/01/2010 by Brian Minty
 Awaiting Match Report
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Porth Harlequins 30 pts v Ferndale 5pts - 23/01/10 by Brian Minty
 After disappointingly exiting the bowl competition last week, Porth made several changes to the team to face Ferndale, and the changes seemed to make a difference when after two minutes the Porth backs took the game to the visitors and were awarded a penalty for offside, which has converted by Chris Cutter for a 3-0 lead. Porth were now gaining lots of possession with the forwards in total control in the loose and the set pieces, and their attacking play was further rewarded when they were awarded a second kickable penalty on 10 minutes again converted by Cutter. Winger Cutter was also heavily involved in the first try of the match, when he collected a long downfield kick and returned it from his own 22, firstly chipping a defender before collecting and feeding flanker Gareth Lewis who beat the last defender and run in from 30 meters, with Cutter adding the extra points. Ferndale were now totally on the back foot, and they had to produce some desperate defending to keep the score down. However on 35 minutes the forwards started a rolling maul 40 meters from the visitors line which finished with flanker Chris Weygood diving over and being awarded the touchdown, to make the half time score 18-0.
The second half started with a similar pattern , and Porth continued the scoring when after good work by the forwards the ball arrived with outside half Dafydd Morris who placed a well weighted cross kick which Cutter collected and beat the full back to score in the corner and add the extra points for a 23-0 lead. On 65 minutes Ferndale managed to gain some possession and decided to run out of defence only for the pass to be intercepted by Cutter for a straight run to the line and again adding the extra points to make the score 30-0. Porth were now in a very comfortable position and started to make several substitutions, and this linked to being reduced to 14 men by a yellow card, allowed Ferndale to score a consolation try on 78 minutes to make the final score 30-5.
This was a much better display from Porth who totally dominated the game in all phases from start to finish and never looked under pressure, unfortunately the next scheduled game is now several weeks away, and hopefully this enforced international break will not affect the team’s continuity. |
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Porth Harlequins 47 pts v Cardiff HSOB 26pts - 06/02/10 by Brian Minty
 Porth entertained the league leaders at the Welfare ground with the visitors having a clear 6 point lead at the top of the table, and the home side trying to play catch up on the games lost over the last few months. Porth realised that they would have to be at the top of their game if they were to achieve anything from this match.
However the visitors made the perfect start when after 8 minutes a loose ball was collected by their centre who crossed under the posts almost unopposed for a 0-7 lead. Things got progressively worse for the home team as in the space of 5 minutes they gave away two penalties for offside and allow the visitors to open up a 0-13 lead. After 25 minutes Porth started to put together some good phase play, and from a scrum 20 meters out, number 8 and captain Ryan Robertson broke from the scrum before feeding centre Richard Williams to crash over under the post with winger Chris Cutter adding the conversion for a 7-13 score. Porth were now hoping that this was the start of a fight back but with 35 minutes gone it was the visitors who continued the scoring. The first a try where the centre again burst through some weak tackling to cross under the posts, and then on the stroke of half time a well taken drop goal from the outside half which made the halftime score 7-23.
Porth now had to step up through the gears if they were to salvage anything from this match, and the fightback began from the kick off when the visitors outside half collected the restart only to find winger Cutter there to charge down his kick, collect the ball and cross under the post for a try he also converted 14-23. This seem to have the desired affect with the Porth forwards taking the game to the visitors and providing plenty of possession for the backs to use. With Porth now on the front foot it was the visitors who were now being caught offside and on 50 and 53 minutes Cutter further eroded the visitors lead with a well taken penalty. The game was now being turned on its head and it only took a further 5 minutes for Porth to take the lead, when the forwards took play into the visitors half the ball arrived at winger Anthony James who beat the first line of defence but was stopped just short of the line and when the ball was recycled it arrived at outside half Jamie Caple who crashed over near the posts with Cutter adding the conversion for a lead of 27-23. Porth were now in control in all phases, stealing ball at the scrums and lineouts and the ball using the possession excellently. On 65 minutes the visitors were awarded a kickable penalty to reduce Porth’s lead to a single point,27-26, but Porth weren’t finished and replied with their own penalty to again extend the lead to 4 points 30-26, and then on 70 minutes scored the try of the game when Caple broke from defence and fed full back Greg Morris, it then went through several hands before arriving again with Caple who was stopped just short, when man of the match Cutter gathered the ball to cross under the posts and convert for a 37-26 lead. With 5 minutes remaining and the visitors being run off their feed Cutter added a further penalty, and Robertson a final try which Cutter again converted for a final score of 47-26.
This was one of the most remarkable comebacks ever witnessed at the Welfare ground, and was totally unpredictable after a lacklustre first half display. Porth totally deserved this victory on the second half display for which the league leaders had no reply, with Porth winning the second half 40-3, with Chris Cutter picking up 32 points in total.
After the disappointment of the defeat away to Pontyclun in the last league game, this proved the ideal tonic, all we have to do now is shake off the Welsh disease, and play for 80 minutes. |
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