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Rhymney 20 Blaina 22

Frustration for the Brewers in an entertaining, error ridden, sun-kissed last home game as Blaina led only in the first five minutes and at the last second, when their penalty sailed over to grab the spoils. Then referee played not a second of injury time and Rhymney were left with only a losing bonus point and regrets over some lack of clinical finishing in the second half, too many penalties for holding on and the occasional failure to pass with teammates better placed. unluckily amd unusually, Liam Davies' renowned kicking ability deserted him somewhat, too, with his newly shaven head, so Rhymney had no cushion when battling Blaina, their bigger pack and their speedy winger countered in the last ten minutes.

That forward weight had given old rivals Blaina their first try, a pushover, but although Davies was off beam with early penalty shots, a great combined team attack saw wing Jack Donegan, dangerous all day, sprint clear for a try before patient pressure and a lovely angle from Corey Evans also brought the young flanker a splendid try. Davies kicked it then added a penalty. It seemed that one more score at 15-5 might do it, for though Blaina were stronger up front they struggled with some of Rhymney's sharpness in the loose.

However, a comedy of home errors from the restart (a poor feature of the game for both sides) and a quick tap penalty saw the visitors awarded a corner try, well converted for the Brewers to lead by only three at the break. No 8 Chris Richards Had shown up well on the charge for Rhymney from No 8, and Andrew Barnett, Joey Buckley and Ieuan Breen also stretched their legs on more than one occasion, while Liam Davies was always trying to vary the play from No 10.

Chances continued to go begging, though, the penalty count mounted and bumps began to take their toll. Lively scrum half Lloyd White twisted a knee and the front row suffered to the extent of passive scrums. All four subs, Keaton Pardoe, Connor Thomas, Ryan Breen and Carl Samuel got on, versatile Corey Evans switched to No 9 and when Liam Davies did well to put Ieuan Breen over for an unconverted try the win again looked likely. A blindside thrust from halfway brought a fine Blaina try, again converted from out wide, though, and it was nip and tuck for the last ten minutes.

Kyron Moss was not having the best of finishing luck, and Davies could not land a penalty chance from 40 metres. When Blaina got a straight chance from about the same distance they made no mistake, and although the hosts were hoping for at least the apparent few minutes of injury time, the ref called NoSide to the delight of the visiting support. A good effort, and some more experience and learning for the young home side (and Steve Quinton!). It's scheduled to be trips to St Julians in Newport on Sat 15th, Aberbargoed on 22nd, Tredegar Ironsides on 29th with Rogerstone away to be arranged. Cheers, Akky.