Rugby: Cefn cup run is over

Oct 11 2007 by Our Correspondent, Merthyr Express

Cefn Coed 12 Ferndale 13

A RED card put paid to Cefn’s chances of making it through to the next round of the Mid District Cup.

Starved of possession at both the scrum and line-out, Cefn found themselves playing in defensive mode for most of the game.

Cefn did not help their cause by losing their share of line-out ball on their own throw-in, while injuries to Huw Williams and Andrew Taylor further hindered their chances of victory.

A missed tackle let Ferndale centre Rhys Williams glide through the Cefn defence for an opening try which wasn’t converted.

Daniel Coleman kicked a penalty for Ferndale following some unforced errors, but Cefn rallied well.

A good pick-up by Scott Edwards from a scrum on the visitors’ line and a slick feed put Jason Wilkes over at the corner to keep Cefn in touch at 8-5.

Young Malachi Mullins made the most of his opportunity with an impressive display at centre, culminating in a try converted by Ross Turner to ease Cefn into a 12-8 lead.

With Cefn deploying their running skills, the home side looked to be the more probable winners.

However, a retaliatory punch and some inopportune back-chat gave the referee Peter Young no alternative but to reach for his red card.

Defeat came as Ferndale turned over ball from a Cefn penalty to score the match-winning try to run out winners 13-12.

With a bigger and more buoyant pack, Cefn should account for Ferndale in the important league fixtures, but they have been warned that this is a much-improved Rhondda Valley side who have emerged from WRU junior union status.

On Saturday, Cefn will be at home to league leaders Aberdare.