Gwernyfed Athletic 7 - Rhayader 40

RHAYADER RFC have endured a tough couple of years but have shown impressive form to win all three of their league games this season.

The club recorded its fourth victory of the season by breaking its six year losing run in the Mid Wales Cup.

The rampant Rams brought a winless streak, that stretched back to 2012, to an end in emphatic fashion posting up 40 points during the away trip to Gwernyfed Athletic.

Among the Rams to shine, in the muddy and wet conditions at Talgarth last weekend, was Gareth Dodd who has been a stalwart of the Gwernyfed first team for many years. But the classy back has stepped down from the demands of playing for a Division Three East A side to play in the D league with Rhayader.

Good work from the forwards, especially player coach Danny Davies, however set up Rhayader’s victory.

Lock Davies powered over to open the scoring and added his second try, which involved some slick moves from the backline, shortly after the restart. Dillon O’Leary converted both scores.

Dodd, on his return to his old stamping ground, made his first telling contribution from centre when he set up Steve Boore to touchdown under the post, making it simple for O’Leary to add the extras.

Two further tries, from both Rhayader wingers, followed before half time and the teams changed ends with the hosts trailing by 35 points.

Gwernyfed’s coaches rang the changes for the second half which they started the stronger.

Jonny Davies finally got the home team on the scoreboard when he touched down in the corner and former Builth man Dale Jones converted well.

O’Leary, who had enjoyed an impressive day with the boot and in controlling the game, then set up Harry Summers for the final try with a 20m pass that allowed the Rhayader man to run in under the posts with five minutes remaining.

Player coach Davies and captain Steve ’Spike’ Boore are among the players who will be eagerly awaiting the next round of the Mid Wales Cup, when Rhayader face their former club Llandrindod Wells RFC.

On Saturday, October 20 Rhayader return to league action when they host Cwmcarn United in a 2.30pm kick off.