Walters try seals it for Sports (From Penarth Times)

Walters try seals it for Sports

SULLY SPORTS 12 GIRLINGS 10

GIRLINGS had first advantage of a strong wind and took the lead in less than four minutes, using their jumbo pack to drive over from a five-metre lineout.

The visitors held the upper hand throughout the first half at the set pieces, but in the loose, things were more even.

But their greater possession and territorial advantage enabled them to find a way through the home defence for a second unconverted try after 20 minutes.

Sully Sports, although not threatening too often, still looked reasonably secure in defence and reached the break without conceding any further scores.

In the second half, it was a different story, with the home pack slowly taking control up front at the set pieces, the Sports three-quarters having the better pace and cutting edge, and it was Girlings who were forced to spend long periods in defence.

After ten minutes of pressure from the restart, a concerted assault by the home pack eventually set up a half chance for scrum half Martin Young, who quickly slipped through a small gap for a try.

Both teams tried to spin the ball and play expansively when the opportunity appeared, but it was the pace of the home backs that paid the better dividends.

Entering the last quarter of the game, and having halted a rare incursion into their 22, Sports chose not to use the wind and kick for position.

Young found outside half Doug Powell, who ran out of defence and found centre Graham Mathews with a miss-move.

He passed to winger John Thomas, who turned the ball inside to supporting full back Lee Walters, who crashed and jinked through the covering defenders on a 55-metre run to the posts. Powell added the conversion.

This score not only put the Sports in front, but seemed to knock some of the resolve out of the visitors, as they spent most of the remaining 20 minutes desperately - and sometimes fortunately - keeping the rest of the game scoreless, although the result was just about the right reflection on the whole game.

Despite the cold, blustery conditions, both sides played good, hard rugby and the large number of supporters were kept well entertained right up to the finish.

It was difficult to pick out any individuals above the rest as the whole squad played with a great commitment, skill and effort.

* Training numbers have been good since the restart after Christmas, but everyone who is not turning up regularly, or any additional players who wish to play for the rest of the season, are encouraged to train on Mondays and Thursdays at the Sully Sports Ground, starting at 6.45pm.

The club is seeking a pool fixture for Saturday, January 15, and players must check arrangements with the club on Thursday evening if they are unable to train.

Plans are being made to hold a reunion smokers' evening for late March or early April, which will be used as a fund-raiser for the club's forthcoming tour to Prague.

Tickets will be on sale by the end of January, available from Mike Stafford - phone 01446 401886 - or at the clubhouse.

The club wish to extend a welcome to all former members who are rarely able to attend games or functions.