Swansea Uplands RFC

Match Report By Roger Gadd. Team Manager. 18th Dec 2011.



So much rain had fallen during the week that the 1st XV pitch was declared unplayable. This meant switching to the local community pitch, which was little better. The gelatinous quagmire underfoot more or less ruled out the fleet-footed style of play normally adopted by Uplands and allowed the heavy visiting pack to control much of the game. Technique and skill were not at a premium where studs could not gain purchase and sheer weight dominated the tight exchanges. However, some parity was achieved in the line-out, with Matt Crimp able to pick off some good ball.

With bitter cold and a following breeze, Uplands managed to attack well from the start while there was still some surface to grip and an early attack was well sustained, until the ball appeared to be grounded by Dan Holohan after 5 minutes, but this was not given and a penalty was awarded instead. This went wide, as did another just a minute later. From then on, Fishguard kept up a heavy attack and nearly managed a pushover against the head. The resulting 5 metre scrum ended with a penalty try being awarded and then converted after 18 minutes. Uplands hit back with some excellent traditional play when James Edmunds broke and slipped to RHYS WILLIAMS, who drew his man and passed to wing Harri Lees, who crossed in the corner to allow Tom Edmunds to kick a fine conversion.

A few minutes later, a slipping foot spoiled a clearance and in the ensuing ruck a dubious offside decision gave the visitors another penalty, which they converted. TOM TURNER was replaced, following a knee injury, by James Brannigan. The worsening surface was helping the opposing forwards, but the line-out continued to function well. The constant Fishguard pressure was met with outstanding defence to prevent further damage before the break.

HALF TIME SWANSEA UPLANDS 7 FISHGUARD 10

At half time, the referee warned both sides against further indiscipline at the breakdown and promised that action would be taken. Vaughan Davies came on for Dan Holohan, to face his old team-mates. An exciting break from James Edmunds was stopped just short of the line and a thrilling maul and drive to the away 22 showed that there was fight still in the home side. The referee backed up his warning by yellow-carding the Fishguard tight head and their hooker just two minutes apart, but Uplands wasted several good positions while they had superior numbers and the advantage was lost. Dai Lees replaced Matt Crimp and Uplands continued to try without reward. However, when one of the home backs received a yellow, the resultant short penalty saw the visitors scramble over for a converted try. When KYLE PERKINS left the field with an ankle injury, there were no further replacements and scrums went ‘passive’.

Despite the terribly churned ground, Uplands continued to try to attack, but to no result. A third yellow card was issued to Fishguard – this time for the outside half – for obstruction, but they still managed a late drop goal to seal victory. We hope for a firmer surface for our next game away to leaders Nantgaredig on the 7th January, where there will be a bus and spectators who wish to travel should reserve places.

FINAL SCORE: SWANSEA UPLANDS 7 FISHGUARD 20

Team: RHYS WILLIAMS, Alex Withers’ Siôn Edmunds’ PAUL BECK, Harri Lees, Tom Edmunds, James Edmunds, TOM TURNER, Dan Stephens, ian lewis (Capt) Geraint Davies, Matt Crimp, Dan Holohan, Lee Howells, KYLE PERKINS. Subs: James Brannigan, Dai Lees, Vaughan Davies, Tom Pugh