This weekend Ogmore Vale RFC travelled to Whitchurch RFC in the first round of the newly created WRU Shield competition. This was a re arranged fixture which was due to take place two weeks ago only to be cancelled due to poor weather conditions.
Today was to be no different, a wet miserable day followed by a waterlogged pitch hampered any chances of a good running display. Both teams desperate to continue in the cup and the away side to continue with their last performance which saw them pick up vital points away at Rhigos.
It was the travelling team who took the lead. Hard running centre Jonathan Pickett with a bust through the middle of a week defence to set up Outside half Karl Jones to make it 7-0.
Ogmore’s pack proved too strong at the scrum, numerous amounts of penalties awarded as the home pack were being shoved backwards, finally a try from inform scrum half Leon Jones pushed the away side further in front just before half time, 12-0 Ogmore Vale RFC.
Second half was a battle of defences as both teams had chances to increase their score lines. Ogmore Vale RFC with three consecutive penalties deep in the red zone of Whitchurch, destined for a penalty try to be awarded but the referee saw different and somehow awarded a free kick to the home side to everyone’s disbelief.
The only score in the second half come once again from the scrum, a strong shunt upfront allowed replacement number eight Jonathan Tilbury to neatly dab down close to the line. On another day the score line could have been different, but a win allows Ogmore Vale to progress into the second round where they will play their local rivals Pontycymmer RFC at home on November 16th. Final score at full time, Whitchurch RFC 0 – 17 Ogmore Vale RFC.
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