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Gwernyfed (11) v Tonyrefail (14)
To lose 1 prop is unfortunate, but to lose 2 by 2.31 pm on a Saturday could be regarded as careless.
This is exactly what happened to Gwernyfed on a cold windy Talgarth afternoon as they entertained Rhondda Valley side Tonyrefail; loosehead Will Griffiths was injured during the warm up and replacement Lee Hammond only lasted 33 seconds before leaving the field with a nasty cut above the eye.
In the circumstances Gwernyfed did well to get a losing bonus point, but it was a game they looked like winning during the final quarter, when a great defensive effort by Tonyrefail kept them out.
Gwernyfed started badly and still seemed to be getting used to their third loosehead
of the day, James Handyside, when a strong run by the Tonyrefail fullback, after
5 minutes play, resulted in a try which was converted. Tonyrefail continued to attack
for most of the first half but the home defence stood firm. After 30 minutes the
excellent referee, Kelvin Short from Taffs Well, penalised Tonyrefail for tackling
without using arms (presumably in celebration of Thanksgiving) and Gareth Dodds kicked
for touch; the resulting lineout 22 metres out was claimed by George Barden and the
driving maul was executed to perfection to allow Steve Harley to touch down; the
conversion by Gareth Dodds hit the post . Gwernyfed finished the half strongly but
some uncharacteristic handling errors meant they did not cross the tryline; being
aware of this captain Danny Skyrme kicked a magnificent 30 yard drop goal to ensure
Gwernyfed went in at half time leading 8-
Both teams pressed in what was an exciting second half. Dodd increasing the Gwernyfed lead when Tonyrefail transgressed at a ruck , before the Rhondda side took the lead with a well worked converted try by their scrum half after a scrum 5 metres out.
During the last ten minutes the home side attacked from all areas of the field but were thwarted by a solid defence. The Tonyrefail line was crossed after a fine 25 metre run by Chris O'Brian, but the ball was held up. Sadly during the last five minutes Tonyrefail requested passive scrums, strange when it was Gwernyfed who had suffered two prop injuries , and the wind was taken out of the home team sails.
Final score Gwernyfed 11 Tonyrefail 14.
For the first time for many games neither of the locks Tom Davies or Dai Roberts started for Gwernyfed; it was fitting therefore that second row Jordan Curran was named man of the match.
Gwernyfed Coach Colin Rees said "Gwernyfed were the better side but Tonyrefail took their chances and turned Gwernyfed ball over to nullify possession".
There is no game next Saturday because of the Wales/Australia game at the Millennium Stadium.
However, a Gwernyfed development XV will play at Rhayader on Friday evening (2 December). On Saturday 10 December Gwernyfed are at home to Division 3 East leaders Garndiffaith in a SWALEC Plate match.
