Fixture

Alltwen encountered a highly motivated promotion chasing Baglan at Gwyn St Saturday 22^nd April and in a bruising encounter refused to take a backward step as the visitors edged the contest by one try to nil.

In warm sunny conditions the opening salvos were restricted to an exchange of penalty goals, with Alltwens Paul Morgan replying to an earlier effort from the opposition.

It was Baglan who began to look the more threatening with some sharp interchanges in their threequarter line, continuously threatening and sometimes piercing the Alltwen defence. But for some excellent midfield tackling from centre Morgan, a couple of timely ankle taps from the covering Jason Richards, an intercept and some excellent recovery work by wing Gareth Ireland near his own line, the visitors could have easily moved a couple of tries ahead.

Eventually the try came however when an eventual lapse in home side concentration near their own line enabled Baglan to break Alltwen’s cover and score near the post.

A second penalty goal from Morgan enabled Alltwen to turn around 10-6 in arrears at half time and still well in the hunt, aided by the welcome return of Dan ('‘it hurts everywhere”) Madge early in the second half.

Perhaps the pivotal moment of the game occurred before the hour mark. After another period of remorseless defence with James, Carne. Owen and substitute scrum half Beynon featuring strongly, an Alltwen conterattack attack led to a penalty in front of the opposition posts. With everyone assuming the easy kick would be taken, quick thinking by Morgan threw a long pass to wing Liam Roberts who did well to finish despite hitting the corner flag in the process. Unfortunately among those deceived into thinking a kick would be taken was Alltwen’s own legendary touch judge Brian (“the Rocket”) Thomas, reduced instead to interested spectator. Without a line judge to confirm the score, the referee gave Baglan the benefit of the doubt despite even their vociferous supporters acknowledging the try had seemed legitimate.

Taking advantage of their good fortune the visitors then stepped up the ante and despite continued valiant Alltwen defending pulled themselves clear of danger with a couple of penalty goals, to gain on balance a deserved win. Alltwen however, well led by Ceiron Daniel should be proud of this effort and now seek to finish the season in style with a double over Crynant at home (18:30 KO) on Wednesday and Saturday away (KO 14:30).