Cwmgors RFC produced a dominant display on Saturday, running in nine tries in a comprehensive Division 4 West (Central) victory away at Pontardawe RFC.
The Cherries were in relentless form throughout, with Gethin Battenbough delivering a standout, man-of-the-match performance.
Pontardawe kicked off, but it was Cwmgors RFC who struck first. After just five minutes, slick passing and incisive running carved open the home defence, allowing Rhodri Bradley to cross for the opening try, converted by Jordan Smith.
The hosts responded with a converted try of their own, but from that point on, the first half belonged almost entirely to the visitors. Smith added a try himself, capitalising on a kick return, before an impressive passage of handling and offloading – combined with clever footwork from Sion “Carre” Phillips – sent Jac Evans over in 20 minutes.
Cwmgors secured the bonus point soon after. A deft kick over the top from Iestyn Liles was expertly chased down by Smith, who grounded the ball for another score. Battenbough then got in on the action, finishing off a flowing move that began deep inside his own 22, underlining the visitors’ attacking confidence. Although Smith’s conversion initially appeared successful, it was controversially ruled out by the referee.
The pressure didn’t relent. Liles’ sharp awareness set up yet another try for Smith following a kick-through, and the fly-half added the extras to stretch the lead to 34 – 7. Just before the break, Shaun Watkins powered over after a clever sidestepping run, capping a devastating first-half display.
Pontardawe showed greater resilience after the interval and came close to scoring, only to be held up over the line. Their persistence eventually paid off with a well-worked converted try, offering some reward for their efforts.
However, Cwmgors quickly reasserted control. Owen Davies crossed for the visitors’ eighth try, with Liles converting from the touchline. Bradley then grabbed his second of the match with a strong finish in the corner, bringing up the half-century for the Cherries.
Pontardawe had the final say with a late consolation try, but it did little to diminish an emphatic performance from the visitors.
With just two games remaining, Cwmgors now turn their attention to a trip to Briton Ferry RFC next Saturday, before closing out their season with a return fixture against Pontardawe at Parc y Werin on May 2.
