Fixture

Rhigos RFC | 1st Team 10 - 7 Alltwen RFC | 1st Team

Match Report
02 October 2017 / Team News

Rhigos 10 Alltwen 7: Alltwen come unstuck in the Rhigos mud

Alltwen can consider themselves unlucky to have slipped to a narrow defeat at a rain-swept Rhigos this weekend.

On a day of intermittent and sometimes torrential downpours, the resulting muddy conditions ensured that for two evenly matched sides a low scoring contest was inevitable.

It was the home side that took the lead with a successful penalty kick, whilst Alltwen’s Jason Richards was unfortunate not to equalise, as his well struck effort shaded the post

With both sides showing great resolve in defence and with handling conditions far from perfect , there was always the sense that a single try could possibly end up winning the game

So when Alltwen number 8 Pete Ermit crashed over from the back of a five-metre scrum late in the first half, converted by Richards, the omens were good that the visitors could become the first side to overturn Rhigos this season.

Alltwen will rue a second half however in which they were unable to convert their share of possession into sufficient territorial advantage. In one foray, a penalty kick from Richards unluckily struck the post. Had it been successful, it would have extended the visitors lead, at a crucial point.

Buoyed by their escape and helped by a string of conceded penalties, Rhigos eventually secured good position close to the Alltwen line and were able force their way over for a vital converted try and lead.

The final few minutes saw Alltwen throw everything at the home side but despite gaining good attacking position were unable to penetrate the home defence, who’s discipline held firm. The delight of the Rhigos team at the final whistle was testament to their relief at winning a contest that could easily have gone the other way.

For Alltwen it would be difficult to pick stand out players, as most ended up unrecognisable in the mud,  albeit even recognisable none would ever win a beauty contest. Ross Jones was a prominent figure at the breakdown, whilst Gareth Ireland was a persistent threat behind, despite the conditions. A special word for young scrum half Zach Beynon who showed great spirit in rallying his side’s final attacks, despite hobbling with a foot injury.

Alltwen now have the opportunity to further prove their genuine competitiveness in this division with the visit of Ogmore Vale on Sat 7th October KO 14:30. All welcome.

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