News

On an atrocious evening, on a neutral ground at Kenfig Hill,  Maesteg Celtic RFC entertained  Division Two (West Central) side  Porthcawl RFC, in the Semi- Final of the inaugural District Cup competition.

With a very strong wind blowing directly across the field, the game began with the Celtic pack immediately putting pressure on the Porthcawl defence, with No 8 Peter Kehoe leading the charge forcing the first few penalties of the game. Matthew Harris missed with his attempt in very trying conditions, but then set up a golden opportunity with a fine kick to the corner. Unfortunately what followed was a sign of things to come as Porthcawl pinched Celtic`s line out, and the chance was gone. The set scrums were a big bonus for Celtic with the front row of Matthew Phillips, Morgan Reeves and Sean Lambert continuing to dominate. Conditions were making life difficult for both teams, especially throwing -in, but gradually Porthcawl were looking more confident as the game went on, with the forwards competing well and the backs looking dangerous. The reminder of the first half continued to be dominated by the kicking tactics from both teams, with few chances created by either side, Half time  0-0.

The second half brought with it worsening conditions, with swirling rain, dropping temperature and fog, Celtic made some surprising substitutions and Porthcawl took advantage of a silly penalty in front of the post, which was converted by their N0 10  G White. Celtic seemed to step up the pace and  after a few dominant scrums, should have been allowed to carry on a drive over Porthcawl`s  line, but the Ref blew up and awarded Celtic a penalty instead. A short one was taken, which was stopped five metres from the line, but the Porthcawl centre won the ball on the floor, and raced away from 90 metres out to score under the post, converted by G White.

Celtic showed plenty of desire and pressed for a score but with little joy as Porthcawl with their controlled  kicking game and  offensive tackling kept them at bay, but shortly another penalty, this time with a Yellow Card was given away and once again White kicked a simple goal to put Porthcawl in the driving seat with fifteen minutes to go. Celtic pressed once more and Porthcawl`s composure was rattled, and they were lucky not to concede a few more penalties, as a number of off the ball incidents were now evident as they fought to keep Celtic out, but hold out they did. A few more unsavoury moments resulted in a flurry of Red and Yellow cards issued on the instigation of the touch judge, were to bring the game to a disappointing close, with Porthcawl just about the worthy winners, at 13pts to nil.