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Maesteg Celtic 2nds visited Porthcawl 2nds on a miserable Thursday night. The first quarter of the game reflected the conditions, with only a penalty for each team to show for it. As the game developed the whole match came alive with Celtic forwards now starting to win a fair share of ball. There was some fine work at the lineout from Robert Golden and Nathan Adams. Celtic’s scrum got on top, with Matthew Philips, Morgan Reeves and Jay Whelan leading the way, while youngster Lloyd Paget at scrum half really drove the team on.

Porthcawl responded with some fine running from both their left wing and inside centre. Their No 6 also proved to be a handful when in possession. For Celtic Matthew Jones had a number of storming runs, well supported by Rhys Bevan Jones, whilst Callum Bowen was now clearing out and tackling like a man possessed. Behind the scrum Lloyd Jenkins showed his class with some fine touches and linked up really well with centres Matthew Harris and Gavin Joseph, and Rhodri Thomas at full back.

Just before half time Matthew Harris kicked another penalty. Then Lloyd Paget started a lovely move, before passing to Rhys Bevan Jones, then Matthew Jones and on to Kyle Buckley which ended in a penalty fifteen yards out. It was quickly taken by Rob Golden for a very sharp try which was converted by Matthew Harris.

The second half started with a bang, with both wingers Scott Wilkins and Kyle Buckley, along with centre Gavin Joseph, getting plenty of running opportunities before being denied scores short of the line. Porthcawl came back with a penalty, but now it was Celtic in full flow, and following numerous inter-passing movements including backs and forward Celtic surged ahead with Matthew Harris scoring twice in quick succession. The second one followed a great dummy from prop Matthew Phillips.

On came the replacements making great inroads again. Mike Coombes at tight head, and Nathan Jenkins came on to play in his favourite position at loose head. They enjoyed some storming runs. Nathans brother Kristian slotted in at scrum half, sending out a stream of sharp passes and supporting with strong running. More enterprising play saw Scott Wilkins make another fine break which led to Callum Bowen scoring a really fine try. Porthcawl never gave up and put in some big tackles right to the end. The final try went to Celtic when sub Jonathan Davies scored wide out and left Matthew Harris with a difficult kick to finish with a 100 percent success rate of 7 from 7, a great display.

It was an excellent all round performance from everyone, playing some great rugby, it was a pleasure to watch and it turned out to be an excellent workout for both teams.