Betws 34 – Pontardawe 14

This was a game of two contrasting halves, with Betws piling on the pressure and points in the first half but having to defend desperately in the second as Pontardawe put in a storming performance. The home team started strongly and was unlucky not to score when after just two minutes into the game, outside half Phil Saunders broke through but knocked on in the act of scoring. Saunders however kicked Betws into the lead shortly after when he converted a penalty after suffering a high tackle in front of the posts.

Continued pressure by the home team meant that a try was bound to come and it did when full back Mathew Rees found the gap from short range. The ensuing conversion by Saunders gave Betws a 10-0 lead. This was increased when turnover ball on the half way line saw Saunders set up centre Gary Davies who after a strong run found co-centre Cellan Davies in support to score the try. Saunders duly kicked the conversion making it 17-0.

Second-row Iestyn Williams provided good line out ball throughout the half and with the home forwards applying the pressure in the set pieces, Betws stayed in complete control of the game. Further tries followed when speedy wing Rhys Williams classily rounded the full back after a 60 metre run and Mathew Rees scored his second with another well-timed entry into the line. The half ended with Betws holding a commanding 27-0 lead. 

The second half was a different story and it was unclear whether this was as the result of Betws relaxing or Pontardawe finding another gear. They reduced the deficit after just 5 minutes with a try from outside half Justin Carter after a quickly taken short range penalty. Carter converted his own try to make it 27-7.

The visitors then continued to apply pressure but Betws’ defence held firm. Pontardawe stuck to their task and were spreading the ball wide from all areas of the field. This proved to be their undoing when with just 5 minutes left, a spilled pass was worked wide to wing Mark Thomas whose strong run and inside pass led to Saunders scoring. His conversion made the score 34-7 to Betws. The visitors did not give up and were awarded with a penalty try when Betws prevented them from taking a quick penalty.

Although frustrated at Betws sitting back on their lead in the second half, coach Mark Davies was happy with the 34-14 bonus point victory. This coming Saturday sees the first VX facing Amman United away in a CC Evans Cup fixture.

Following the match, the players retreated to the bar where a formal welcome was made to new signings Daniel Howells and Rob Grey. Both were given a complimentary drink which they consumed with gusto! Full back Mathew Rees also joined into the swing of things when he was presented with a drink in gratitude for his display of unique handling skills during the game!