Porth Harlequins 26 Gwernyfed 19.

GWERNYFED travelled to top side Porth Harlequins who are unbeaten in the league this season and put in a much improved performance as they put up a hard challenge to the Rhondda Valley outfit.

From the kick off Gwernyfed employed some strong running directly into their opponents back line with centre Mike Jones and No 8 Ben Barrel making good yards especially over the gain line to put Gwernyfed on the front foot. With scrum half Nathan Roberts being supplied with quick ruck ball, the first 20 minutes saw play in the home half.

From two resultant penalties Hooker Craig Fuller landed two penalties and it was against the run of play that on their first visit Porth due to a missed tackle recorded forward try off a line out peel.

From the kick off again Gwernyfed pressed and when another penalty was given on the towards touch on half way line Fuller landed another monster penalty from a good 50 metres and as the half finished it was the same man who benefited from a powerful line out drive to secure the try which took Gwernyfed into a 14-5 lead at the break.

The Porth coaches had some stern words for their side at half time and for the first 20 minutes of the first half reversed their fortune as they dominated position, two penalties and two unconverted tries saw them take the lead at last but Gwerrnyfed with full back Lewis Cooke always looking dangerous on the counter attack made their chances.

The last quarter of the game saw some fine Rugby for the crowd, Scrum half Roberts going close after a sharp brake from the base of the ruck and Porth spreading the ball wide with some fine cover tackling by the Gwernyfed backs.

Another try for the home side was equaled when second row David Roberts ploughed over in the last two minutes for Gwernyfed to yet again take a much deserved bonus point away with them.

Gwernyfed coaches Billen and Skyrme were very pleased with the performance on the back of a Mid District Cup Game in midweek against Penycraig which saw them reach the semi final.

Ben Barrel notched two tries from two scrums and a further penalty try saw Gwernyfed go through on a three to one try count in a 19-19 all draw. Next weeks fixture sees the Green and Blacks at home to bottom side Treherbert where hopefully the home side can carry on their improved form.