Newcastle Emlyn 13 Betws 2nds 8

 With 5 changes to the named team, Betws seconds travelled to Newcastle Emlyn with just 14 players.  Within the 14 there were a number of players playing out of position and it is therefore a credit that they managed to put up such a competitive performance.

Betws even managed to take an early lead through a Richard Thomas penalty and were able to frustrate the home side throughout the match.  NCE were unable to break the line until a quick tap penalty provided a chink in the armour and they scored wide out.

At times the Betws backs were a little hesitant when dealing with kicks and this allowed NCE the break for their second try – giving them a 10 – 3 lead.

The Betws team can be proud that this wasn’t the end of their resistance and they continued to tackle bravely with fantastic commitment shown.  They got just rewards when Glyn Thomas finished off a dynamic move, crossing in the corner.

Steffan France’s sore hamstring saw him move into the pack further disrupting the lineout which meant Betws found it very hard to get field position, especially with Gwilym throwing in.

Both sides struggled with some of the referee’s interpretations but even Cellan managed to stop swearing by the end.

With Betws unable to get out of their half NCE piled on the pressure and after several attempts to get a score from scrums or tap penalties were forced to kick the points required to secure the win.  Throughout the game Betws had their chances, Rich Thomas narrowly missing an interception (not as quick as Mark) and Simon Jenkins having to be instructed on the off side laws.

With a number of players set to be available again next week Betws are still well placed to challenge for honours.  Gwilym Lewis was named Man of the Match by Ron Gun and congratulations to Alan Smith on the occasion of his 1st game as linesman.  Alan would like to thank Ron Gun for all the advice and support he gave him throughout his ordeal.

Betws lVX: Cellan Davies, Steffan France, Nathan Jones, Richard Thomas, N.E.B., Lee Moulton, Glyn Thomas, Simon Jenkins, Gwilym Lewis (Cpt), Paul Jones, Luke Stratford, Freddie Morris, Mathew Jones, Emyr Thomas, Gethin Harris