Rock solid Rocks are now nine out of nine Local rugby
RYAN Matyas paid a flying visit to former club Tondu last week to meet up with his old Waterwheelers teammates.
The 27-year-old back from Tucson, Arizona has already been capped by the USA a dozen times, and took his place among the Eagles’ replacements for Saturday’s 57-14 defeat by Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
But not before a quick return to Pandy Park and while he was there he presented them with his shirt, which will take pride of place on the wall in the club.
“It was wonderful to see my old friends again, I have great memories playing for Tondu and always keep an eye on their results from the States,” he said.
“I wish I could have spent all day with the guys. I’m proud to have worn the badge and will never forget what the club has done for me.”
Tondu head coach Matthew Tatchell said: “It means a lot to the club that Ryan made time to visit us,” while team manager Rob Dyke added: “I will never forget the sensational try Ryan scored for our seconds, to help us win the 2011 Enoch Lewis Cup Final against Wick.”
Meanwhile it may not be too long before he meets his old mates again, as Tondu are due to tour New York and SOMETHING had to give when the top two teams in Two East Central met at the Harlequins Ground last weekend and it was St Peter’s who remained rock solid to extend their lead at the top of the table.
It was tense, it was tough and, at times, controversial, but skipper Kris Barry and his side’s 24-15 home win over Abercwmboi made it nine games without defeat this season and moved them eight points clear at the top of last season’s Three East Central A champions.
There were three red cards and three yellows in a game that fizzled from start to finish, yet never contained the sort of malice that those statistics might suggest.
“It as a proper, physical and competitive match in which both teams tried to play rugby.
“There were no complaints from either side afterwards,” explained St Peter’s head coach Dai Griffiths.
“We knew Abercwmboi would present us with a big challenge and that is Philadelphia next year.
Matyas now plays his rugby in California for San Diego Legion.
Tondu could certainly do with some of the old Matyas magic with the current crop struggling near the foot of the One West Central table.
The Waterwheelers suffered their sixth defeat from eight league matches this term when they went down 39-8 at Glynneath on Saturday.
Brogan Lloyd, Jordan Griffiths, Owen Nesbitt, Alex Burton, Craig Tennant and a penalty try were on the scoresheet for Glynneath. with Jack O’Reilly booting two conversions and a penalty.
Next up for Tondu, who are second from bottom, is a trip to Maesteg Celtic this coming Saturday before a home clash with basement boys Aberavon Quins the following week.
In other action, Glamorgan Wanderers went top of One East Central with a 26-13 win at Cambrian Welfare.
Wing Will Adams-Jones was at the double for the Wanderers with both tries converted by fly-half Luke Fish who also booted three penalties and a drop goal.
The win took Martyn Fowler’s side two points clear and back above Rhiwbina, who had led the way heading into the weekend but postponed their game with Gilfach Goch. exactly what we got. We may have won our first nine games, but we will be going up there in some trepidation for the return match.”
With the visitors down to 13 men and the home side at 14, the game was eventually sealed by a solo try at the posts from outside half Ed Poynter that he also converted.
It came from a scrum 35 metres out in front of the posts with his coach screaming at Barry to take the three points.
It ended up being a good decision in the end as Poynter cut back against the grain to waltz through a tiring defence to score. That stretched the gap from a mere two points to a far more comfortable nine.
“I was at the other end the pitch and was shouting for them to kick for goal. What do I know? I’ll always back to captain’s judgement, especially when he gets it right like that,” admitted Griffiths.
“I only came in at the start of the season after Mark Ring and Matthew Lloyd stepped down.
“I’ve made a few changes and the players have reacted brilliantly.
“If I’m honest, my three-year plan didn’t really include winning the first nine games of the season, so we are ahead of the game.
“I was looking for a 60 per cent success rate, but things have just kickedon after some good early wins at Cilfynydd and Aberdare.
“The defence has been sound, we’ve got some real depth up front and there is confidence and mental strength about the team.
“What we mustn’t now do is get ahead of ourselves or get arrogant.
“There are lots of tough games coming up and there is still a long way to go before the prizes are handed out.”
Among the innovative changes Griffiths has made this season are getting the players to clean the dressing rooms after every game, sitting down to a meal cooked by a player after training on Tuesday nights and gathering for breakfast together before big matches.
With the Dobbs brothers, Harry and Ed, combining with Ryan Spriggs in the front row, the St Peter’s pack is built on solid foundations.
All Griffiths wants to see now is a bit more depth in his back line.
“I’ve set up a senior players’ group that meets regularly to discuss tactics, coaching and selection and I’ve been using the first XV players to mentor the youth players to create a link between the junior and senior sections,” added Griffiths.
“St Peter’s is a big name in Cardiff & District rugby and should be able to sustain a team in Division One.
“That is the ultimate goal and I’ve been very pleased with the progress we’ve made so far this season.”