Georgians edge out dogged Premiership XV

Welsh Premiership XV 32 Georgia Representative XV 36

A LATE penalty from the boot of Georgia’s Saba Nikolava sealed a win for the tourists in their clash with a select Premiership XV at the Brewery Field in Bridgend.

The hosts fought bravely but were outscored by five tries to one as the Georgians won the first of two matches they’ll play in Wales.

“The match was very well fought and was an excellent spectacle to watch,” said Premiership coach Simon King. “I thought it was a tough game but a good performance from the boys who have only had four sessions together.”

Premiership captain and man of the match Haydn Pugh, who plays for Carmarthen Quins, added: “They were a very physical side, especially up front, and the backs were very quick.

“It was an excellent performance from the lads and I hope we can do this again with other nations like Germany and Romania as this shows the potential that the Premiership has to offer.”

Cross Keys fly-half Steffan Jones helped kick the hosts into a 22-21 interval lead with five penalties and the conversion resulting from flanker Matthew Llewellyn’s try.

Many thought Georgia would overpower their hosts from the start but they were rocked into action when the Premiership side flew out of the blocks. They scored first-half tries through hooker Shalva Mamukashvili, lock David Chitidze, and George Katcharava.

Replacement outside-half Jamie Davies from Aberavon slotted a 50-metre penalty after the restart to make it 25-21 but Georgia hit back and centre Irakli Chkhikvadze had an easy run in under the posts.

Second row substitute Kaba Kikvidze drove over from the back of a scrum but despite Nikolava missing the conversion the tourists led 33-25. But the Welsh side battled on and Sam Soul gave them hope when he crossed with five minutes left to reduce the deficit to one point.

However, Nikolava spoilt the party when he successfully converted a penalty to put the game out of reach.