News

May the Fourth be with you, they said, and it was, with a forceful Rhymney display in attack and defence against a very spirited Aberbargoed side bringing a deserved four-try triumph and promotion to Division Three East A for Liam Davies’ side. A lovely day brought a big crowd, a tough clash and a lovely result, with the Evans brothers, prolific scorer and hooker Tyler and strong centre Corey each grabbing a first half touchdown. Corey went in and out: Tyler went straight! After a Bleddyn Corns penalty, those stretched the first half lead to 17-0 with the wind, fly-half Corns converting both. On the turnround, though, Aber hammered away through their determined pack and got a converted touchdown after many phases, with some of the Brewers’ tackles for once not low enough. There were other chances, too, but home handling errors, very committed Rhymney defence and turnovers where lineout ace Chris Richards or others suddenly emerged with the ball will have pleased coach Jon Hughes, and they kept the Brewers ahead. There was a great spirit about the side and on the strong bench in a hard but clean game with just a yellow apiece. There were some fine effective Brewers’ scrums, too, which helped ease the pressure and allow Corns and Davies to get some kicks away. When Rhymney did get back into the home half, a super burst by prop Rhys Watkins (he HAD had ten minutes’ rest to help!!) brought him a great score improved by Corns, and though Aber were in no mood to give up, when the Brewers’ subs came on with fresh legs, flanker Callum Merrick made a great long break from his own half. Tackled just short, his mates piled in to win the breakdown and fittingly it was Callum himself who stretched over for the bonus point score, again converted by Corns. The Brewers still had to defend and Aber got a penalty try to reduce the deficit, but on the final whistle there was promotion clinched, with plenty of smiles and spraying and a home game against St Julians to be fixed to see if Rhymney can go up as Champions. New Tredegar host Llanhilleth on Saturday, with a Llan win or draw putting them up and condemning Chepstow to third place, but the top spot is in the hands of ‘Chopper’ and Co. if they can win the last League game. There is also, apparently, a Ben Francis Plate final against Usk or Hartridge at a neutral venue to be arranged. Well done you Brewers! Akky.