Fixture

Spectators were provided with another entertaining encounter as despite a brave effort Alltwen succumbed to a marginally stronger Glyncorrwg 31-20 at a sunny Gwyn St.

With Glyncorrwg performing strongly in the league this season, the signs looked ominous for Alltwen as the visitors began by laying siege to the home team’s line. Despite stubborn resistance the home sides defence was eventually breached, as Glyncorrwg took a five nil lead.

Any thoughts the Afan Valley side had of running away with the game were rapidly dispelled as Alltwen quickly turned the early deficit into a 10-5 lead. Firstly home fly half Sam Batty struck a beautiful 45 metre penalty. Then in their next foray into the visitors 22 lock Tom Wright did well to force his way over from close range for Batty to add the points.

It then became Glyncorrwg’s turn to wrestle back the lead with a quick brace of tries, the second of which was a soft effort from a kick off which caught the Alltwen defence napping in the spring sunshine.

Incredibly it was then Alltwen's turn to hit back with yet another pair of scores, courtesy of a penalty from Batty and try from hooker Aaron Burford, his fourth in as many games, well converted by Batty who’s goalkicking was proving impeccable.

Any hope that Alltwen could take their hard earned 20-17 lead into the interval was then wrecked as Glyncorrwg hit back one last time. Despite having justifiable claim to twice having crossed the home whitewash, the visitors to their credit took the referees decisions without complaint and their discipline was eventually rewarded with a try out wide, which with the conversion gave them a 24-20 half time lead.

The second half continued in the same highly enjoyable and competitive vein with both sides showing impressive defensive physicality combined with ambition in attack. For Alltwen the handling, passing and kicking skills of fly-half Batty were particularly commendable, as courtesy of some helpful set piece ball and outside a good service from scrum half Liam Roberts he strove to keep his side in the game.

A key turning point came however when returning Help for My Heroics campaigner Dan Madge discovered that the one last unbroken bone in his body in his ankle was  in fact just as breakable as the rest, leaving the field on his custom-made stretcher. A converted try from Glyncorrwg was enough to push them two scores clear as time ran out.

Alltwen made every effort to secure a late losing bonus point and did well to push deep into the visitor half with the last move of the game and gain a penalty through a high tackle. However poor and unnecessary verbal indiscipline which would have disappointed coach Amer Hussein, saw the penalty decision overturned and allowed Glyncorrwg to place the ball safely into touch for match conclusion.

Alltwen’s next encounter is now away to Bridgend side Bryncethin, Saturday 30^th March