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Rhymney 37 Llanhilleth 22

This sun-soaked see-saw struggle saw the Brewers battle, tackle and attack to finally wear down previously unbeaten Llan and find Liam Davies’ boys staying in contention at the right end of the table after a deserved five-try bonus-point victory. A bright start delivered only two Davies penalties to one by the visitors, and as confident Llan raan the ball back there was desperate cover defence at both flags. Kyron Moss was busy, only a slip stopping him from getting all the way there after a typical run, then a magnificent saving tackle preventing what should have been a visitors’ try. By then though the captain had put over fellow-centre Corey Evans at the posts from a neat move, converting as well; but loose kicking ahead was keeping strong-running Llan in the game. When the referee ruled that a visiting player had been held up over the tryline (though the tackle threw him a yard into touch in goal) they got the attacking scrum and though the Brewers kicked clear it was only to let Llan counter attack and get an overlap try. 13-8 and hard work by the break. Big shifts were being put in all round by Rhymney, and the scrum stood up well while Callum Merrick was sending back a string of lineout ball. There were also willing carriers, Chris Richards, Tyler Evans and Scott Smith all in action and fittingly, after a good pick-and-go session, lively half Lloyd White broke and galloping lock Andrew Barnett was over for Davies to add the conversion. The visitors were very much up for it, though, and notched a converted score of their own for 20-15. The subs started to come on - Rhymney's were Sam Williams, Rhys Davies, Callum Ryan, Morgan Davies and Keaton Pardoe - and it was hard-charging Williams who got over to make the brewers look safer. That clubhouse corner was proving a second-half magnet for the Brewers, and next to crash over there was prop Joel Edwards, later yellowed for his pains. The conversion hit the post and stayed out. That was the bonus point secured, but as uncontested scrums came into force Llan came again with noisy support and a neat move saw them under the sticks for 30-22. When the home pack surged upfield, though, skipper Davies chipped neatly ahead, wing Jonny Lewis gleefully grabbed his first touchdown and Davies improved it. That was enough, but a late flurry saw a near thing, a knock, a scuffle, a stoppage an an apparent home dismissal right on the whistle. Super efforts all round again, then, with terrific spirit to please the coaches ahead of Saturday's hosting of Dolgellau in the WRU Bowl Round 3. The trip to New Panteg in the League will be rearranged. Hope to see many of you in the President's Dinner on Friday at the Club. Cheers, Akky.