Gwernyfed 22 Illtydians 27

GWERNYFED entertained a rejuvenated Old Illtydians side from Cardiff and despite leading for most of this WRU Division 3A East Central match went down to a narrow defeat.

On a glorious day it was Gwernyfed who took the lead with a Gerwyn Williams penalty but it soon became clear that at every opportunity the Cardiff side wanted to spread the ball and soon crossed for try wide out.

Williams replying with a coolly slotted penalty after which it was Gwernyfed who benefited from a Sam Stephens charge down in the in-goal area as outside half Jimmy Griffiths pouncing on the loose ball for a converted try the home side taking a 13-5 lead.

The Old Illtds forward were a real handful in an area where the home side normally dominate and some hard driving play close to the line saw an unconverted try and some slick hands by forwards and backs resulted in another try - again the extra points were spurned. Williams who was to have an outstanding afternoon with the boot replying with a long-distance penalty to take the score to 16-15 at half time.

Thoughts that the away side might tire in second half did not materialise and for most of the second half they held field position with Gwernyfed’s defence holding reasonably firm.

Some strong charges out of defence by home no.8 Craig Fuller raised the tempo but some handling errors spoilt any chance of clean breaks and with a lot of injuries to the away side also slowing the game, the home side were thwarted.

Some fine running behind saw the Illts take the lead by a point as their powerful centre crashed over but Williams cemented two long distance penalties for a perfect six out of six kicks allowing Gwernyfed to enter the last five minutes leading 22-20. However more powerful surges by the visitors’ forwards resulting in them taking the lead with their fifth try.

With minutes left home centre Zack Skyrme powered over the line. However, the ref adjudged the ball was held up and with the two final scrums of the match tension was high as Gwernyfed went for the push over.

The Ilts forwards held firm as the final whistle blew much to their delight.

Nobody could argue with the result and the home crowd were well entertained in this tit for tat match.

Gwernyfed will hope for a much-improved performance as they entertain Bettws in the second round of the cup next Saturday.

Elsewhere, the Athletic put in a fine effort to take away the Abergavenny Quins unbeaten record at Bailey Park.

Some exhilarating rugby was on show with both sides giving their all. Rhys Jones, Levi Phillips, Will Lloyd and the evergreen Darren Roe went over the white line, Lloyd and Dale Jones adding the kicking points to cement a 28-17 victory.

There were strong performances throughout the green, white and black ranks well marshalled by skipper James Evans.