11/10/2026
🖤Match Report💛
The Riders Secure Comfortable Bonus-Point Win
On a blustery but dry afternoon, the Riders produced a dominant first-half display to defeat second-placed Penlan RFC 33–15 and extend their winning league run to four matches.
Connor Combes and Lewis Anderson made their first starts of the season, while Louis Jarvis returned from injury. David Thomas also returned to the front row following warm-weather training in Greece, and Chadd George made his return from a long-term injury on the bench.
Cefn made a flying start, scoring three tries and a penalty try inside the opening 25 minutes to secure a bonus point and take control of the match.
The forwards provided a powerful platform, with a series of dominant scrums putting Penlan under sustained pressure. After the referee lost patience with repeated scrum infringements, a penalty try was awarded for the open the score.
Louis Jarvis then produced a superb individual effort, collecting the ball 40 metres from the line before showing strength and athleticism to power his way over for Cefn’s next try.
Ifan Rossiter was soon put clear and galloped 30 metres to score, adding another five points to the Riders’ impressive start.
Probably the try of the day followed, as Ieuan Allen combined brilliantly with back-row maestro Lloyd Allen and winger Alex Underhill to finish off a wonderful team move. The flowing attack showcased Cefn’s skill, support play and attacking ambition.
Captain Thomas Carpenter converted three of the four first-half scores to give the Riders a commanding 26–5 lead .
Penlan responded with a fine solo try, but Cefn remained in control for the remainder of the first half, knowing they had a strong breeze at their backs for the second period.
Half-time: Penlan RFC 5–26 Cefn RFC
The second half was far more disjointed, with the home side being forced to go passive at scrum time. As a result, the game lost much of its structure from that point onwards.
Nevertheless, the Riders continued to apply pressure , with Lewis Anderson crossing shortly after the restart. A superbly executed set play created the opening, allowing Anderson to canter over the try line. Carpenter added the conversion to extend Cefn’s advantage.
Credit must go to Penlan, who picked up several injuries during the match but continued to battle away. Their determination was rewarded with two late tries as they refused to give up.
Despite the untidy nature of the second half, Cefn’s dominant opening period had already done the damage. The Riders’ powerful scrum, attacking ambition and clinical finishing had put them firmly in control before the interval.
Final score: Penlan RFC 15–33 Cefn RFC
It is still very early in the season, but there is a real feel-good factor building at Cae Gof this year, with supporters saying it is the best rugby they have seen in many a year.
Supporters’ Players of the Match
The supporters’ Player of the Match award was shared by two outstanding performers.
Louis Jarvis - was recognised among the forwards for his excellent work rate and a wonderful try.
Ifan Rossiter - was also selected after producing a strong performance in both defence and attack. His try capped a solid all-round display .
Thanks to our away man of the match sponsors .
Cefn Chinese
Three Horse Shoes ( Bridgend)
Masons Site Solutions
The Riders now return home next Saturday to host Baglan RFC at Cae Gof, where they will look to continue their solid start to the season .
