Fixture

Alltwen continued their winning ways with a sound and well deserved victory over big city rivals Pontardawe, in a thoroughly enjoyable game which not even the foul weather could dampen.

Nothing was made easy for the home side as Pontardawe proved a stubborn opponent in an absorbing contest. The first twenty minutes proved something of a local arm wrestle as Alltwen pressed into opponent territory with little effect other than a straightforward penalty converted by inside centre Andrew Roberts. It was co-centre and player coach Jordan Hopkins who provided the decisive moment of the half however, with a scintillating break that took play deep into the Pontardawe 22. From the ensuing breakdown the ball was worked cleverly to the blindside with number 8 Ashley James crashing his way over in the corner. The try was brilliantly converted by Roberts, allowing Alltwen to dissapear into the dry of the half time dressing room with a valuable ten point lead.

It proved a lead the home side was never to relinquish, as the Alltwen pack inspired by a strong scrummaging performamce from their front row of Hopkin, Davies and Evans, gradually asserted dominance. Their efforts were aided by a fine kicking performance from man of the match Roberts, time and again turning hard earned possession into valuable territory and adding three further points with a well struck penalty goal. Fittingly, given the forward effort, it was second row Alex Carne who eventually worked his way over for the decisive second try, again converted by Roberts.

But for the difficult conditions, Alltwen's win might have been greater, as their backs inspired by a midfield which worked well together looked encouragingly dangerous. This win was nevertheless most welcome as the team moves ever closer to claiming a promotion spot. The next game , away against Pontrhydyfen 7th January, should provide another real test for a developing side which looked increasingly fit for the task in Saturday afternoon rugby gear, but a bunch of right plonkers the same evening in assorted Christmas sweaters.