Pesda proved their worth as a top five team with this convincing 6 tries to 2 win. It was 27-3 at the break after Pesda had enjoyed a purple patch in the 2nd quarter of the match. Their balanced use of backs and forwards was a joy to watch in the 1st half as Cefni`s defence got overstretched and outflanked on 5 occasions. Cefni won the 2nd half 12-7 , but the damage had been done in the 1st half !
Pesda took full advantage of a lineout on the Cefni 22 on the 5 minute mark: after a break in midfield going right , the ball was qickly switched left for Gwion Williams to fly over in the corner, 5-0. Cefni`s poor kicking game and a few misfiring lineouts early doors gave Pesda the territory which led to the 2nd try , scored by elusive centre Steffan Owain: 10-0.
Pesda`s confidence was soaring and they ran the k.o. back at Cefni. With backs and forwards interpassing skilfully, the 3rd try fell to prop Jack Owens, who had been lurking in the wide left channel: 15-0. Cefni then showed what they are about as their driving forward play off quick rucks took them from their 22 into the home 22. After being stopped short a few times , they finally took the penalty for 3 points courtesy of pivot Richard Foulkes. Pesda responded quickly: a long clearance kick by Rich Foulkes was fielded by the tricky Pesda 15. He made good ground, the move went through countless hands before Paul Thomas charged over wide out on the left: 20-3.
Pesda were rampant at this stage, and their halves Carwyn Williams and Gerwyn Thomas were making good decisions. After Cefni had held up 2 would be scorers near the right flag, the Pesda 9 moved theball out resulting in a 2nd try for Gwion Williams on the left flank. This time Gerwyn Thomas was able to add the extras for that 27-3 half time score.
Cefni started the 2nd half brightly, as their driving forward play took them 70 metres upfield. When they were counter rucked in the home 22, they stuck to their guns, and minutes later Rich Foulkes` short pass allowed captain Tom Owen to crash over near the posts for a try that Foulkes converted: 27-10.
From the k.o. Cefni had time to kick long but they chose the collision and were turned over. There followed a long period of Pesda attacking in the Cefni 22, and also some outstanding defending by the visitors. Cefni were finally undone when a short pass on a good angle gave no 8 Arwyn Griffith the chance to go over near the posts. Gerwyn Thomas made it 34-10 with the boot.
Cefni were far from finished as they used their driving maul to good effect as they drove to within 5 metres. Pesda infringed once too many and a card yellow card was given. Cefni finally released the ball to the backs where Gethin Andrews did very well to force his way to the line: 34-15.
Cefni`s were not at full strength and had to field an unfamiliar mid field, who acquitted themselves very well as the game progressed. Their general work rate, line speed and driving forward play were all impressive in the 2nd half . However, they need to box more cleverly at times and develop a kicking game which can put the opposition under pressure.
Next Saturday, Cefni have a crucial home game against Denbigh !