Wanderers and Glynneath blow off the summer cobwebs
Glynneath Pre-season friendly
Despite both sides missing a number of squad members the Wanderers and Glynneath played out an entertaining pre-season friendly over three periods with both sets of coaches getting some valuable pointers for the season ahead.
“Its good to finally see some of the new faces on the field in a competitive game. You cannot replicate a match in training” commented head coach Martyn Fowler.
New backs coach Cai Milsom added “We’ve certainly got some strength in depth to work with. It should be an exciting season”.
Taxi driver, Ball boy, Linesman, Waterboy and team Manager Mark Gould commented “ I feel that the club could get more out of me. If I wear a bodycam I can video the game at the same time!”
A bright sunny day welcomed both sides and there was a fair breeze on the backs of the home side. The late inclusion of reality star Danny Douthwaite, fresh from his appearance on Love Island, gave the Wanderers some welcome experience to the starting line-up. As one would expect players were a little ring rusty but the session was very competitive especially at the breakdown. A lovely step by young outside half Tom Francis set up a Wanderers try for Ryan Nunes only for Glynneath to respond just before the first break with a neatly taken try of their own. The second session saw the visitors alter their approach taking a more direct line on attack. The Wanderers were forced into a spell of defence and when an attempted clearance kick was caught by the wind the Germans (Glynneath nickname for those of you not aware) gathered the ball and crossed for their second try. It was then the Wanderers turn to rally and after a spell of pressure of their own a loose ball was gathered by Cameron Gibbon who cut through on the defence to level things up just before the second break. The last session saw the home side eventually ease ahead and a lack of bodies told on the visitors. Glynneath scored early in the session but as bodies tired the Wanderers were able to keep some fresh legs and that was a telling point in the final outcome.
All in all a good pre-season run out with both sides looking to further friendlies next week.
Wanderers Scorers
Tries: Tom Hughes (2) , Ryan Nunes, Cameron Gibbon, Ioan Lewis
Cons: Tom Francis (3)
Glynneath Scorers
Tries: Alex Burton (2), Luke Weaver
Cons: Dylan Francis (3)
Pics on flickr https://flic.kr/ps/c7gzd