DIVISION THREE EAST CENTRAL B
TYLORSTOWN .............. 5 PENYGRAIG ................ 12
IN a game where four red cards were brandished, you would think that this Rhondda derby was 80 minutes of thuggery.
This was far from the case with both teams eager to win with Penygraig playing some attractive rugby out wide and Tylorstown’s forwards making inroads close to the contact area.
The referee had no option with two of the red cards shown to Tylorstown’s replacement second row and influential scrum half Kieran Richards. Both were sent from the field for overzealous use of the boot when Penygraig players were on the ground.
Penygraig started well and went into the lead through a penalty following a transgression at the ruck by the home team. This was the pattern of the game for Tylorstown. Time and time again they were penalised for offences at the ruck.
Penygraig’s scrum had the edge all afternoon but the visiting pack found it difficult to keep their opposing forwards under wraps with ball in hand. Tylorstown’s captain Chris Lloyd and flanker James Groves made many incisions close to the contact area and provided Tylorstown with good attacking positions.
Tylorstown’s try came from a lineout close to the Penygraig line. Prop Ashley Thomas took the ball on with second row Robert Hemming. Tylorstown eventually scored with second row Craig Miles powering over.
Penygraig had the lion’s share of possession but the home side should be proud with their defensive effort. Full back Michael Melhuish was prominent with some big tackles, ably supported by hooker Jamie Davies, wing Matthew Carter and centres Sam Davies and Jordan Williams.
Nevertheless the penalties given away at the ruck allowed Penygraig to increase their lead with three successful penalties kicked in the second half.
Penygraig had to endure a nervous last 10 minutes where Tylorstown pressed hard to score a converted try to level the match.
Credit should be given to coach Dean Gauvain who at 45 gingerly put on his boots due to player unavailability and played the whole game at outside half displaying good skills and customary stoic defensive strength.
Despite the home side’s valiant efforts Penygraig continued their good run of victories and will be challenging for promotion at the end of the season.