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Today's fun was brought to us in the shape of an away fixture to Tondu. Although they may only be a few miles up the road this would be the first time we have played them in over a year. If past fixtures are anything to go by today's Rugby would be entertaining and of a very high standard.

The first half was a game of two halves within itself, Tondu dominating the first 10 minutes with Porthcawl making all the right noises to finish stronger of the two teams before the break. A very high standard of control from both teams in possession and some great defensive play when both under pressure. All enjoyable to watch, both sets of supporters being treated to a display of skill, bravery and superb Rugby awareness. Not surprising really that the score at half time was all square at 10 -10. Tondu were pegged back from an early 10 - 0 lead to draw the half with two top drawer Tries from our back line.
In the 2nd half the game as it went on to became a rather cagey affair as there were a lot of necessary stops for injuries which just added to the tension as the game couldn't naturally ebb and flow. Porthcawl went in front for the first time and looked like they could push on to win. Tondu on the other hand were not quite ready to roll over and capitalised at the death with a great running try against some very tired legs to level the game at 15 - 15.
From a coaching perspective we picked up from where we left off last weekend and the improvement in our approach was obvious. Our fly half needs to be protected  a lot more and this will be the focus of our training this week as the back line needs to be steeper with more space for him to run into and attack at all times when in possession. The Forwards were class today as they got through so much work that it was not really surprising that as the game neared the end the noise of several players sucking air into their lungs was overwhelming and a very good indication of their work rate today. Training focus for the forwards this week will be around carrying the ball into contact and off loading, controlling rucks and set pieces. Today  we have realised that the forwards and backs need to be separated to train in the very different skill bases now expected at this level, next training session this will happen. Whilst many players were disappointed we lost, this for us is a positive as last year these boys wouldn't really have cared either way. Hard work does become easier to deal with when you get the reward and today I think the penny may have dropped about the effort that's required. A great and worthy performance but no Cigar!

King of the Pack today was Evan Carless who today added winning scrums against the head as a very accomplished hooker to his arsenal.

King of the Glory Hunters goes to Sam Taylor-King (by the smallest of margins) for a solid overall performance rewarded with a brace of tries for all his efforts.

Captains comment.
I thought we were unlucky not to win today with a much stronger performance than last week. If we keep improving this season could see us surprise a lot of teams.

Try Scorers
Sam Taylor-King.  2
Rhydian Phillips.  1