After a four-week period when a combination of weather and opposition unavailability saw Gwernyfed without a game, the news that New Tredegar’s pitch was unplayable threatened a further lay-off. However, the persuasive efforts of Fixture Secretary Ian Hill saw the fixture reversed, underlining the invaluable work that behind the scenes volunteers such as irrepressible Hill put in to keep our national game in a healthy state.

GWERNYFED 37 - NEW TREDEGAR 13

WRU DIVISION 4 EAST

REPORT BY PETER WEAVERS

Even The Brian Jones Memorial Field was a little damp! Nonetheless, former green, white and black prop and grounds keeper Mike Lewis deemed it playable, marked the lines and enabled what turned out to be a splendid game notwithstanding the conditions.

New Tredegar fielded a huge side, inevitably concentrating upon the drive down the middle. The early onslaught was efficiently dealt with, Lewis Bowen, Sam Stephens and James Brute to the fore in cutting down the big men. The visitors had taken a three-point lead, but once the main source of attack was blunted, Gwernyfed took the initiative with some positional kicking by Zack Snape putting the home pack on the front foot.

The first try was one straight out of the Gwernyfed playbook, Ashton Barrell’s line out throw finding Stephens with the resultant maul proving unstoppable, impressive Andrew Norris touching down. 

It was a day built for forwards. Impressively, all five of the tries succeeding Norris’s five-pointer came from the backs, the most impressive of which was the second touch down by Corrie Phillips out wide. The Bronllys youngster showed a good turn of speed in completing the move, rather reminiscent of father Alun who performed with huge credit at Gwernyfed and Ebbw Vale - though perhaps with not quite as much speed. The try saw the ball pass through the backs, centres Jack Williams and Will Powell making great progress before releasing Phillips for a glorious try.

As the half-time break beckoned New Tredegar did break the shackles and ploughed over for a try that suggested that the game may be close – the second period proved otherwise.

From the start Gwernyfed deployed the drive to suck in the defence with Luke Eckley and fly-half Snape then releasing the backs. The results were impressive in terms of both the expansiveness of play given the conditions and the outcome. Eckley himself increased the lead when spotting a gap, diving over the ruck to touch down. 

Calum Fergusson donned the 15 shirt for the first time and in doing so demonstrated both speed and dexterity with two splendid tries in quick succession. For the first the youngster chipped over the defence 30 metres out and in overtaking the opposition controlled the ball soccer-style to touch down. For the second smart interplay with Powell and Phillips saw Fergusson outwit the defence to extend the lead further.

New Tredegar, to their immense credit, never gave up and reaped the reward of their efforts with a late try. However, Gwernyfed were not done and a smooth move across the back line, late sub evergreen Gareth Dodd timing the final pass the perfection, put Phillips in on the right to complete both the scoring and a memorable afternoon.

One of the features of an afternoon that spoke highly of grassroots rugby was the presence of family units. including so many Gwernyfed RFC alumni. The Phillips family was well supported, father Alun, Mum Carole and Uncle Carwyn there to support Corrie. Lisa and Mark Eckley looked on as lads Luke and Will played in green, wite and black with distinction. Mom Rose and Clara were there for Zack Snape, Luke Fergusson is an ever-present on the sidelines supporting Calum. Ieuan Thomas had the support of Mom and Mike Lewis. Fathers Terry Bowen and Rob Stephens watched their lads perform with aplomb and Andrew Norris scored in front of his parents. Prys Eckley made his Gwernyfed debut in front of father Stuartand Mom Simone watched young Ashton Barrell. All in all, a wonderful example of the principles and approach that underpin Gwernyfed Rugby Football Club.