13/12/2025
Match Report
Penlan RFC v Cefn Cribwr RFC
“The Riders Roll On”
The Riders faced one of their sternest challenges of the season this afternoon as they travelled to Penlan , never an easy place to visit.
Having narrowly edged the home fixture earlier in the season by 31–30, Cefn knew this would be a real test. A cold, windy December afternoon only added to the challenge.
Despite a few late changes, the Riders were close to full strength, while Penlan had clearly recruited since the last meeting, fielding a number of new faces themselves.
Playing into a moderate breeze, Cefn started solidly, taking the sting out of the home side early on. Strong line-out pressure and composed handling from skipper Tom Carpenter created the opening score, with centre Ifan Rossiter diving spectacularly into the far corner for a superb try. Carpenter was unable to add the extras.
5–0 Cefn
Penlan responded soon after, working through multiple phases before catching Cefn short on the narrow side to level the scores.
5–5
From that point on, the Riders took control of the game, dominating territory and possession. They will have been frustrated to come away with just a Carpenter penalty for their efforts.
Half-time: 8–5 Cefn
With the wind at their backs, Cefn began the second half strongly but again struggled to turn sustained pressure into points. As the game entered the final quarter, it was another Carpenter penalty that finally settled the nerves of the travelling supporters.
11–5 Cefn
With the home side still within a score, Penlan threw the kitchen sink at the Riders’ defence. The Cae Gof boys were more than up to the challenge. Young Ieuan Allen and Rossiter were rock solid in midfield, but it was the Cefn pack who truly went toe-to-toe with their opposite numbers.
After weathering the mini storm, Carpenter had the final say with his third penalty of the afternoon.
Final Score: Penlan RFC 5 – 14 Cefn Cribwr RFC
It’s been said all season, but these Riders are made of steel, built on a strong team bond. This was a game they controlled from the opening minutes, and on another day they could easily have crossed for a few more tries.
Full credit to Penlan, who fought hard until the end, but they were ultimately no match for the Riders on the day. We wish them all the best for the remainder of the season.
After such a strong all-round performance, it was difficult to single out individuals, as every player played for the badge. The back-row trio of Dylan Jones-Thomas, Lloyd Allen and Lewis Rees were outstanding in defence once again but this was truly a 1-to-20 effort, with bodies on the line across the park.
A huge thank you, as always, to our Away Match sponsors! 🙌
Your continued support means the world to the team. 💪
🏮 Cefn Chinese
⚡ Pro-Volt Engineering Services
🚿 Tals Taps and Tiles
🍻 Justin Rees – The Swan, Aberkenfig
👏 Supporters Man of the Match: Dylan Rocky Jones-Thomas
🤝 Teammate of the Match: Connor Walker
Next up: We welcome Bridgend Sports to Cae Gof, with both 1st XV and 2nds fixtures taking place .
