Fixture

A season’s double over Tonna, both bonus point wins, saw Alltwen move into top position in Division West Central C, this weekend.

In dry conditions following days of persistent rain, Alltwen got their game off to a perfect start. A midfield break by fly half Kyle Roberts was well supported by centre Gareth Ireland. Receiving the ball thirty metres out, Ireland showed tremendous finishing skills in beating several defenders to score, with Jason Richards adding the extras.

Tonna were intent on proving they were not at Gwyn St to make up the numbers however and responded with real attacking intent. Only a fine tackle by wing Liam Roberts prevented the visitors from posting a quick reply, enabling Alltwen instead to recover and then counter with their second try. This time Kyle Roberts crossing the line himself, the try again converted by Richards.

Once again the visitors responded, some good handling saw them working their way over for a corner try. Whitewash on a Tonna boot may have hinted of a foot in touch en route, but despite polite Alltwen requests the referee declined to ask his fourth official for a video re-run and the try stood.

With the game back in the balance, it then took a moment of inspiration from ever- alert Alltwen back-row forward Chris Balfe to provide the game’s critical turning point. From a maul on the opposition 22 Balfe spotted a blind side gap and pounced, racing home untouched. Roberts again converted to give the home side a decisive 21-7 half time lead.

The second half continued in the same entertaining cut and thrust vein, with Liam Roberts again doing some excellent covering work, earning him the man of the match award. Gradually however, the all-round fire-power of the home side took its toll.  Up front, Chris Balfe capped an excellent display with the vital bonus point try. Further well taken tries from full back Rhodri Lewis and flying wing deputy Alex Carne saw Alltwen decisively home, sending a powerful message to the rest of the division.

The win takes Alltwen to top of the league by one point having played one game less than main rivals Cefn Cribbwr. Fixtures in the run-in include two with unknown Ogmore Vale, showing good recent form themselves. With six games of the league season remaining however, the title now lies in Alltwen’s control.

Not wishing to spoil Wales viewing figures against France next weekend, Alltwen’s view from the top continues away against Fall Bay on Saturday 25^th March.