DIVISION 1 EAST CENTRAL

PORTH HARLEQUINS 16 DOWLAIS ..................... 27

DOWLAIS achieved their second double of the season in this away victory at Porth.

Staight from the kick off Dowlais showed their intent with a sweeping move invloving all the backs and putting Tom Griffin in at the corner, Lloyd Hynes converting. They then lost their hooker for a technicality and 10 minutes in the bin. Play was end to end with both sides spreading the ball and both defending strongly. Dowlais increased their lead with a Lloyd Hynes penalty, they then went through a quiet period and allowed Porth to take the iniative.

A Clements missed an easy penalty but later found his range adding two penalties and when the Dowlais No 8 lost possession going forward Porth took advantage and scored a good try wide out by Scott Thomas to make the half-time score 11-10 to the hosts.

The second half saw Dowlais increase their intensity and take the game to Porth. Dowlais went back into the lead with a monsterous penalty by Lloyd Hynes from the halfway line.

Dowlais were putting the pressure on Porth but unable to cross the line due to a strong Porth defence. Dowlais were in the home 22 and the pack driving Porth towards their line, the ball broke free finding prop Rhodri Martin sprinting through like a winger crossing in the corner, Lloyd Hynes adding the extras.

Dowlais were now dominating proceedings and scored their third try by wing Marcus Clyne who used his strength to force his way over, Hynes once again adding the conversion.

Dowlais were now going for a bonus try which they should have secured but indiscipline and another yellow card cost them.

With the game drawing to a close and the game won Dowlais lost concentration and allowed Porth to score a consolation try right at the final whistle.

This was a good performance by the pack and the backs and showed a continued improvement with man of the match Lloyd Hynes having his best game this season, and nailing every kick and the one from the half way line took the steam out of Porth and helped Dowlais on their way.