DIVISION THREE EAST CENTRAL B
TYLORSTOWN ............ 34 WATTSTOWN .............. 11
THE keenly anticipated local derby between the Rhondda Fach sides of Tylorstown and Wattstown was convincingly won by Tylorstown with a bonuspoint victory.
Wattstown started the game strongly and clearly had the edge up front in the first 10 minutes earning two penalties for their efforts to lead 6-0. Stung into action, the momentum of the game was with Tylorstown who completely dominated the rest of the game with the front row of Aidan O’Donaghue, Jamie Davies and Ashley Thomas being too powerful for their counterparts from Wattstown. From this substantial platform the rest of the pack had the capacity to drive through the visiting forwards and provide quick ball for Tylorstown’s exciting backs.
This dominance up front enabled the outstanding open side flanker, Marcus Chapman to batter into the Wattstown pack with powerful runs that ended in a try. This try was quickly followed up by a try from young second row Ryan Shewell who pounced on a mistake at the Wattstown lineout.
Tylorstown were clearly the more powerful team with prop Thomas popping up to be a credible ball carrier along with second row Robert Hemming and the outstanding back row of Chapman, captain Chris Lloyd and the dextrous player coach Dai Hefford, orchestrating proceedings at No 8. With the second half approaching Tylorstown pulled away again with Chapman scoring a gem of a try involving forwards and backs where the ball flowed from side to side with Tylorstown showing good handling skills. Outside half Chris Harris converted. With the play entirely Tylorstown’s, Wattstown did well to keep the score down to 17-6 at the interval.
The second half was a tremendous spectacle for the home supporters with the result in no doubt and Tylorstown playing with style. The scoring started with the reliable boot of Harris stroking over a penalty. Unfortunately the game stopped for 20 minutes when a Wattstown player sustained a nasty neck injury and had to leave the field. All connected with Tylorstown hope the injury wasn’t as serious as first thought and the player will be back in action soon.
On the resumption, Tylorstown’s backs got on the scoresheet with two lovely tries. Centre Jordan Williams scored a superb solo effort with a strong, jinking run started on half way that left the Ducks defenders leaden footed, providing the home side with the much-needed bonus point. Again Harris added the extras.
Scrum half Kieran Richards was able to dictate matters in tandem with his industrious back row and Tylorstown were keen to run in the backs. This attitude paved the way for wing Matthew Carter to touch down after good handling from the Tylorstown players. Harris converted.
To their credit, Wattstown showed tenacity and scored a try to end the game.
This was a very good performance for Tylorstown against a good Wattstown side and other teams in the division will look up and take notice of this result. Coaches Mark Davies and Dai Hefford will have an interesting selection meeting this week with many places up for discussion.
Next week Tylorstown are again involved in a Rhondda derby, travelling away to Penygraig in the Mid District Cup.