Fixture

Any reservations on whether newly promoted Alltwen RFC could thrive in their new division were dispelled as Alltwen first home encounter saw them overcame undefeated Vardre, in a display full of character and grit.

In fine, sunny conditions with little breeze, Vardre began the stronger, establishing good early territory, enabling them to convert their first penalty attempt.

As much as the visitors tried to extend their lead however, they could get no change from an Alltwen defence that continually forced them into handling errors, particularly in midfield. With a more fortunate bounce of the ball some of the enforced mistakes could easily have led to Alltwen counter scores.

Further counter pressure then saw prop Johnny Evans charge over for a well deserved try following excellent support work in the loose from front row colleagues.

It was a lead that Alltwen were unable to retain until half time however as further Vardre pressure was rewarded with a converted try that saw the visitors turn around with a narrow 10-8 interval advantage.

The second half continued in the same pattern with Vardre attacks breaking down under pressure, allowing Alltwen to counter. Some useful territory gains by fly-half Dan Batty eventually enabled him to restore the home side’s lead with a well taken penalty kick.

Further Vardre pressure allowed them to find a small gap in an otherwise excellent home defence and the converted try saw the visitors regain the lead. At this point they might have assumed that they could pull clear in the last quarter. Instead, from good field positioning a series of well taken penalty goals from replacement fly half Jason Richards retook and then stretched Alltwen’s lead to six points.

In a thrilling finish Vardre threw everything at the Alltwen defence, which refused to budge until the relief of the final whistle and well deserved celebrations.

It would be unfair to single out Alltwen contributors when everyone made such a valuable commitment. The side will be buoyed by the fact that the pack in particular were short of a few key individuals due to return shortly. So mention in despatches must go to young scrum half Jack Beynon who rallied behind his forwards well, Rhodri Lewis who deputised in the back row before returning to full back and pulling off some crucial last ditch tackles. Also his backrow partner in crime Nicky Chart, making a hurried home village return whilst Thai police seek his whereabouts.

Next challenge, a visit to Rhigos Saturday 30^th Sept 14:30.