Fixture

Alltwen secured a well deserved promotion spot following a thrilling contest against local rivals Pontardawe at the Recreation Ground.

In perfect sunny conditions and in front of a healthy crowd, both sides served up an entertaining match, which remained in the balance until a late Jason Richards penalty gave the visitors the final edge.

Despite suffering the setback of a late warm-up withdrawal by skipper Dan Madge (neck injury spying a few ladies sunbathing), Alltwen began the match as though intent on evicting noisy neighbours.  Almost from the kick off Jordan Hopkins crossed following a fine break by co-centre Jason Richards and within a few minutes Chris Balfe touched down from a rolling maul to give the visitors a rapid 12 point advantage.

Ponty showed their mettle however and within the space of a few minutes had drawn level themselves with two tries, one a splendid individual effort from their promising young fullback.

Ponty’s effort was helped by a very effective spoiling lineout performance  which disrupted the flow of Alltwen possession. Alltwen were however dominating the scrum contest before a bizarre wrist injury to Pontardawe’s tight head prop, (rumour has it incurred overnight), led to the home side claiming lack of tight head reserve and forcing uncontested scrums. This certainly served to dampen Alltwen’s tight play dominance but not sufficient to prevent Alex Carne from working his way over in the corner to help give his side the half-time edge.

The second half continued in the same cut and thrust manner with a penalty goal from Jason Richards and a second try from man of the match Chris Balfe pushing Alltwen in front each time, only for Ponty to respond with matching scores of their own. With the game in the balance it took a fine second try from Hopkins and the late penalty from Richards to seal the deal for the visitors and secure promotion.

Alltwen will now seek to kick on and finish their season in style with the division title ahead of closest rivals Cefn Cribbwr, beginning with Pontrhydyfen at home this Saturday 2:30.