WRU NATIONAL PLATE ROUND ONE

DOWLAIS ..................... 21 YSTRAD RHONDDA ... 18

WHAT a terrific, rip-roaring cup encounter this was, and a wonderful showpiece for Mid District Rugby.

With the lead changing hands four times and the result in the melting pot right up until the final whistle, the large crowd certainly had their money’s worth.

Dowlais started brightly and should have taken the lead early on but two try chances went begging. Ystrad entered the Dowlais half and immediately took the lead with a Cory Sheperd penalty, and this was quickly followed by a try from Thomas Jevons, to give Ystrad a well-deserved eight-point lead.

Dowlais knew the next score had to be theirs to keep them in the game, and they hit a purple patch with some scintillating rugby.

First the forwards had the Ystrad eight on the back foot driving them into the corner and centre Bleddyn Rees crossing the white wash, Steve James converting from a difficult angle.

The next attack saw all the three quarters involved and full back Tom Griffin running a great line to outpace the covering defenders to cross under the posts for Steve James to add the extras. That left the half time score 14-8 to Dowlais.

The second half started with the former cup winners in 2015 Ystrad Rhondda determined to make it into the next round putting Dowlais under tremendous pressure, which Dowlais faced with a determined defence, led by captain Adam Cullen, aided by his fellow back row colleagues Matthew Llewe- lyn and Lewis Alyling, who needed to be at the top of their game to keep the strong Ystrad side at bay.

Dai Kelly and Craig Lynch were controlling the lineouts, but the Ystrad No 8 was having a tremendous game and had to be put down early on his runs.

The changes Dowlais made seemed to affect their momentum and this allowed Ystrad to take the lead through a try by Nathan Hughes converted by Cory Sheperd, and a slim one-point lead.

With time running out Ystrad extended their lead with a penalty from Cory Shepherd which seemed to be the winning score at 14-18 to Ystrad.

Dowlais showing great grit and determination launched one final attack and Kristian Owen found himself out on the wing and using all his experience was able to beat two defenders and cross in the corner, Steve James once again added a difficult two points and the lead at 21-18.

Dowlais saw the game out defending in their own half where a couple of yellow cards, made it uncomfortable, but an Ystrad last chance passing movement was halted by full back Tom Griffin who cleared into touch and the final whistle, and the rapturous applause from the home supporters.

This was a first ever Dowlais victory against a strong Ystrad Rhondda side.

The Dowlais coaches must be well pleased with the team spirit and neversay-die attitude of their squad and the confidence they show in their own ability.

It is back to the league on Saturday with an away trip to Cardiff Quins, the coach leaving at 12.15pm.