Francis silences Gower comeback

In a see-saw encounter, Neath Port Talbot had led 14-6 at the break but with just seconds remaining, they were 16-14 behind. 

A superb individual kicking display by Matthew Aubrey had pulled Gower back into the match, the scrum half booting three penalties and converting a try from inspirational skipper Jonathon Fox.

In the first half, tries from Jack Perkins and Jack Anderson, both expertly converted from the touchline by Francis, had given Neath Port Talbot the lead. Two kicks from Aubrey had been Gower’s response though they were clearly second best.

The second half was a different matter, as inspired by Aubrey’s kicking game, Gower dominated both possession and territory. Wales Under 18 international Fox squeezed over for a try and when Aubrey converted it looked like Gower would take home the spoils.

But with seconds remaining, Gower were pinged at the breakdown leaving Francis a shot at goal. It was far from an easy kick, some 40 metres out, but the young fly half showed no trace of nerves to slot the penalty and secure victory.

With both sides knowing a fair bit about each other due to their connection with the Ospreys, it was always going to be a close encounter. Aubrey had given Gower an early 3-0 lead before Neath Port Talbot showed their talent with Perkins, a late replacement for Adam Beard, crossing the whitewash. Francis converted and with the rain now pouring down, mistakes understandably crept into the game.

Gower then narrowed the gap with a second Aubrey penalty but it was Neath who had the final say before the interval. Anderson was the scorer, using the conditions expertly to slide along the wet surface and score in the corner. Francis again made the difficult conversion look easy for a comfortable half time lead.

Gower had struggled to get going in the first half but the second half couldn’t have been more different. Aubrey’s third penalty narrowed their deficit with another effort from the scrum half striking a post. Inspired by Fox and fellow backrower Max Easey, both of whom carried impressively, Gower were growing into the game despite being second best at the set piece.

Their deficiencies upfront didn’t seem to matter though as Aubrey repeatedly pinned Neath Port Talbot back inside their own half. The scrum half’s sweet left foot gave Gower a number of line outs metres from the Neath line and although the pressure didn’t tell immediately, it wasn’t long before it was turned into points.

Fox got the try his performance deserved and with Aubrey converting, Gower were now ahead. 

But after seeing his side on the back foot and without a point in the second half, Francis took the chance to win it, his long range penalty sailing right between the posts. 

Scorers:
Neath Port Talbot College: Tries: Perkins, Anderson; Conversions: Francis (2); Penalty: Francis.
Gower College: Tries: Fox; Conversion: Aubrey; Penalties: Aubrey (3).

WATCH HIGHLIGHTS OF TODAY’S GAME ON S4C TONIGHT AT 10.30PM.