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Rhymney 52 Blackwood Stars 3

Eight tries, three of them from skipper and centre Liam Davies in his personal 27 point haul and a quickfire brace from sharp-finishing sub wing Jack Donegan, as a Brewers' side who looked fow a while as if they might let the brave bottom side Stars off the hooksnapped into gear and ran in some scintillating scores. Early touchdowns for Davies and a first for wing Jonny Lewis, improved by the captain, saw a 12-0 lead in no time, added to after several missed chances when imoressively consistent hooker Tyler Evans crossed for his second in two games. Some needless looking for contact and missed passes prevented further pre-break scores and allowed the Stars to get corner pressure and a penalty, but there was good home scrummaging and tackling. Callum Merrick (until cramp. a bump and a yellow card slowed him), and Connor Gregory were to the fore there, while Chrissie Richards and welcome sub returnee, ex-skipper Sam Williams, enjoyed their charges, as did Andrew Barnett late on, while Cory Burton gave 100% behind a solid front row. Rhymney had needed a sharp second half start and as halves Alex Thomas and Ollie Highes spread the ball, got it, with a rapid double from Liam Davies, 'Johnny on the spot' snapping up a pair of chances after good home moves. Other subs included Lloyd White and Joel Edwards, while Donegan celebrated his own arrival by racing over from distance in characteristic style from a lovely inside ball planned move and then speeding home after an overlap. Joey Buckley almost added another, but then there was a lengthy stoppage as the vsiiting scrum half had a heavy head knock. Mercifully he seemed ok after careful treatment and all good wishes go to him from the Brewers.There was still time for a nice move to release full back Ieuan Breen for a crowning corner try, fittingly converted from the touchline by Davies, who did not miss from anywhere in the second half. A great show then, to mark the first anniversary of the tragic passing of the Brewers' young teammate Dylan Williams after whom the Clubhouse Lounge is now named: never forgotten. One of Dylan's last appearances was against New Tredegar last September, and now after just a fornight's gap since Rhymney's win down there, Mulldoon's Men come to the Park for another gentle local derby in the WRU Bowl on Saturday. Don't miss it! Nor should you miss the President's Dinner 2019, a Real Rugby Night with great characters and rugbymen Peter Jackson, the honest voice of Scrum V and veteran journo, and World Cup Final but down-to-earth referee Derek Bevan (the Nigel of the Nineties!) as guest speakers at the Club on Friday evening October 26th. Reserve your places now, £30 a head and all welcome, from Dale Zdzieblo 07867 586181 or Phil Atkinson 07813 459743. Should be a real cracker.