VALLEY COUGARS 26 ALL GOLDS CLS 12

CONFERENCE LEAGUE SOUTH SEMI-FINAL

VALLEY COUGARS 26 ALL GOLDS CLS 12

By Ian Lovell at Treharris RFC

Valley Cougars qualified for their third Conference League South final in a row after a workmanlike win over a hard working Gloucestershire All Golds side on a warm early September afternoon.

Cougars set their stall out early doors and after winning a penalty in midfield, the ball worked its way out to Liam Watton to cross on the left. Mike Hurley’s goal attempt drifted wide.

Ten minutes later Watton crossed for his second try in a similar position to his first, this time Hurley was successful in adding the goal.

All Golds fought hard to get into the game but despite having a lengthy spell of possession couldn’t conjure up a scoring opportunity.

Cougars added a third as Jamie Marsh to score in the right-hand corner following a 50 metre break by Ethan Coombs, again the goal kick was missed and the teams broke for half time with the home side 14-0 ahead.

All Golds refused to lie down and were rewarded when Jack Uren crossed out wide, Archie Gibbs adding the extras.

Unfortunately for the visitors this was the catalyst for their hosts to step up their game and two tries in quick succession by Dean Higgs both goaled by Hurley put the Cougars in the box seat.

All Golds didn’t give in and scored the try of the game as Callum Merrett caught a high ball close to his own try line and ran the ball back through a tiring defence to cross for a try, Gibbs adding the extras.

With the game won discipline from both sides evaporated as a few minor scuffles broke out before Cougars’ Shane Lee was yellow carded for an alleged tip tackle with three minutes left to play.

It mattered not as Cougars had done just enough to book a final against London Chargers next Saturday.