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With all eyes on Centre Del Thomas following her recent kicking feat, it was actually Lily ‘the unit’ Snape finally got the scalp she craved of a hat trick (plus one) as Gwernyfed Ladies recorded a vital away win by 55 – 0 in the fifth match of their league campaign against Welshpool. The Greens, who welcomed back fellow team-mates El Pigden, flanker Amy Davies and young centre Debbs Martin, earned themselves a deserved victory in North Powys.

 

"We won't be getting carried away with this win," said the Gwernyfed’s Backs coach Gareth East. "We deserved the win and we really fronted up against a formidable tackling side. I cannot fault the commitment and skill of any of our players, we will enjoy this win but it now makes our next game against Barry Ladies, who we all know are a very good side indeed, more important. As if we get something from that game it places us well for the remainder of the season and the forthcoming plate competition.

 

The result was marred by an injury in the second half to the second-row Rosie Jones and flanker Harry Jones, one appeared to damage her ankle and the other her hand in the tackle area with the latter having to leave the field.

 

Welshpool, who were at full strength, never really got a foothold in the game. It took Gwernyfed a while to establish themselves, but when they did strike the tries began to mount.

 

Nicola Haines was tackled into touch just short of the Welshpool line after a slick handling move from Hooker Di Workman and Simone Hodges, but from the lineout the loose head prop Kirsten Bishop picked up the loose ball and fed Lily Snape for an easy try.

 

The Centre Del Thomas added the conversion to put the visitors ahead. Next scrum half and Captain Megan Snape was fed by her sister and Number 8 Lily Snape from a driving scrum to score in the corner. A near copy cat try followed when the No.8 picked up and bulldozed over from 10 metre’s out. But just before the break the Gwernyfed scored their fourth try after a counterattack led by the full-back Ros Price which was finished when the impressive centre Kayleigh Rees who darted in at the corner to give Gwernyfed 29 – 0 half-time lead.

 

After the break Gwernyfed added five further tries following two changes post half time break, on came centre Debbs Martin and scrum half Sain Dyke from injury. Gwernyfed were more than aware of the threat from Welshpool but they got off to a flying start with a quick try pressure from the Gwernyfed Scrum saw the ball squirm out and quick thinking scrum half Megan Snape dived on the ball.

 

The South Powys side continued to threaten in attack and they scored a second try after 10 minutes when Del Thomas took a short ball off Prop Rosie Snape and crashed over.That appeared to rouse the Gwernyfed side and they grabbed their third try on 65 minutes as the unmarked Pigden fed supporting runner Debs Martin who handed off two players to score.

 

Gwernyfed continued to hammer away at the hosts but could not break the unforgiving defence until late in the match. Following some strong carrying by Di Workman, the visitors worked the overlap and their top scorer, Lily Snape, received a pinpoint miss pass from Wing Nicola Haines to score. The final try was scored in fading light for a touchdown in the corner from a Ros Price tackle in the visitors own 22m, the ball moved up field through a dozen phases, maintaining control throughout it was again Lily Snape who drove over the line to score.

Welshpool Ladies (0) v Gwernyfed Ladies (55)