Fixture

Alltwen and Cfen Cribbwr fought out a terrific contest at Gwyn St on Saturday in a game enjoyed by players and spectators alike.

It was the visitors who emerged as winners, despite having to desperately defend their line in the last ten minutes.

In dry calm conditions after a wet morning, Alltwen began in a positive fashion and could have taken the lead had not a Sam Batty penalty attempt been struck wide.

After weathering the initial storm Cefn Cribbwr began to grow into the game and following an exchange of penalties gained a crucial score, working the ball out wide and finishing well.

With Alltwen largely holding their own at set-piece the breakdowns became fiercely contested with Ross Jones showing something of his old form, well supported by the other Alltwen forwards including a notably encouraging performance from young debutant flanker Logan Walsh.

The full blooded battle resumed in the second half with both sides showing flair but just as Alltwen hoped that they would be able to wrestle the initiative, the visitors responded with a critical try that enabled them to secure a 15-3 lead.

At that point Alltwen began to raise their game, with outside half Sam Parry setting his back-line moving well, with centres Paul Morgan and Jordan Hopkin featuring strongly. The side’s efforts was rewarded with a well deserved try from scrum half Liam Roberts, lively throughout.

What followed was a battering finish as Alltwen pressed hard for an equalising score, with a decision to attack blind when an assault nearer the posts might have been preferable, probably proving fatal. The delight of the visiting team at the final whistle showed their relief at an extremely hard fought win, which to be fair they probably marginally deserved. Although a draw would have been equally fair.

Six Nations rugby now takes precedence until Alltwen’s next scheduled fixture at Pontycymmer 2^nd March