Fixture

A last gasp try by Ceri Davies and an ice cool conversion by young debutant Liam Byrne, saw Alltwen gain a thrilling win at Cwmllynfell and get their season off to a great start.

In mild dry and slightly windy conditions, Alltwen began by weathering the anticipated early storm of a confident home side. Once ridden however it became clear that the visitors could match their opponents, as led by Daniel Owen and with prop Ross Jones again turning in a man of the match performance, they began to work their way into Cwmllynfell territory.

With their first foray into the home sides 22 Alltwen struck a vital blow with Jordan Hopkin working a scissors move with co centre Paul Morgan, to race unopposed under the opposition post. Jason Richards added the extras to give the visitors a seven-point advantage.

Hopes of retaining the lead to half-time however, were dashed when a Cwmllynfell maul edged dangerously close to the Alltwen line and was adjudged to have been deliberately collapsed. The resulting penalty-try saw the scores tied at the interval, with the home team rapidly disappearing into their changing room, presumably to relieve themselves.

The second half further demonstrated how well matched were the sides as the otherwise stalemate contest developed into an impressive penalty kicking dual between the home side goalkicker and Alltwen’s fly-half substitute Byrne. Neither flinched or missed but when the home side managed to stretch their lead to six points courtesy of another late successful kick, the writing seemed on the wall for Alltwen.

With only a converted try now sufficing, Alltwen set siege to the home line. Urged on by vociferous home support Cwmllynfell succeeded in repelling each attack, until with the very last move of the match a quick tap penalty led to Davies crashing over, mid way out. Showing nerves of steel young Byrne sealed his debut with the winning kick for his home village, to the great delight of teamates and supporters.

Coach Amir Hussein will now want to ensure winning momentum is maintained as Alltwen take on visitors Pontrhydyfen at Gwyn St next Saturday. All support welcome.