DIVISION ONE EAST

PENALLTA ................... 21 DOWLAIS ..................... 15

DOWLAIS can feel unfortunate to come away from Ystrad Mynach with only a losing bonus point especially after outscoring the Pitmen three tries to two.

Dowlais was put under pressure early in the game but their defence kept the home team at bay.

The first entry into the Penallta half saw Dowlais score a gem of a try, a pinpoint kick by Lloyd Hynes to his right wing saw Daniel Butler gather the kick and using his pace raced away to touch down wide out.

This was followed by an identical move this time Lloyd Hynes kicked to his left wing allowing Nathan Pritchard to pluck the ball above his opponent’s head and touch down in the left-hand corner.

The game was end to end and Dowlais just missing out on their third try, two penalties by the home No 10 kept the Pitmen in the game.

Dowlais received a double blow just before halftime when they lost outside half Lloyd Hynes and centre Tom Griffin.

The second half started with Penallta looking to add to the troubles for the visitors, and they did with a seven-pointer and the lead.

Another penalty and a try put Penallta ahead 21-10, but Dowlais were not finished and with the home line under pressure Dowlais scored their third try when from a lineout Daniel Snape powered over.

Dowlais had a chance to win in the final 10 minutes, but blew their chances with a missed penalty to touch, and two lineouts going wrong.

Dowlais can be pleased with their performance against unbeaten Penallta, but the loss of their No 10 and their centre was the turning point, and one can only wonder what if, but the spirit of the team augurs well for the rest of the season.

Saturday sees the visit of Nelson, kick off 2.30pm.