Fixture

RHYDYFELIN v PENALLTA - Division 1 East

After two wins to open the season against Brynmawr and Brecon, we were under no illusions as to how tough this fixture would be to maintain the winning start to the season.  Having lost to Penallta, 3 times last season and something like the last 8 or 9 on the bounce in all competitions, nothing but a near enough perfect performance would do.  The pre match build up hadn't quite gone to plan when no8 Kieron Phillips was called away to be at the birth of his son, meaning a late call up for Sam Studley and Lewis James took the spot on the bench.  We did however start brightly and and got an early try following a turn over and 50m sprint by Jordan Rees.  A couple of successful penalties by Dai Gratton extended the lead while the Pitmen hit back with a try of their own.  Both sides were fairly evenly matched up front and it wasn't until the stroke of half time when an over thrown lineout gifted a chance to Kyle Perry, who marked his return to the side with the try.  Unfortunately shortly after, Kyle picked up a knock to the shoulder to be replaced by Lewis James who made his league debut for the club following his transfer from Llantwit Fardre in the summer.

HALF TIME 18-5

The second half began with Penallta testing the Rhyd defence, but the door was held firmly shut with some superb defending not allowing the visitors to get a foothold back in the game.   Before long a 3rd try came courtesy of a charge down and the pace of Jordan Rees, scoring his 5th try in 3 games so far this season.  The Rhyd pack then began to get on top with the pick & go tactic become more and more effective around the breakdowns.  This allowed the backs to opperate more freely and around the hour mark Dai Gratton scored his first try since his return to the club, the 4th of the afternoon.  With Levi Knowles taking over at no10, and the visitors having changed a number of players, the game opened up in the sunshine and another couple of tries followed.  First Luke Rees crashed over for his 2nd try of the season before Sam Studley rounded off the try scoring.  Penallta did rally and came close to grabbing a consolation but once again the home defence held firm. 

FINAL SCORE - RHYDYFELIN 42 PENALLTA 5