News

BREWERS MAKE BONFIRE OF THE FORM BOOK…

Rhymney 20 Markham 15

The Brewers would have been hoping to build on the fine result at Rogerstone a week earlier, but even the most optimistic of fans might have doubted that unbeaten leaders Markham could be turned over in the season’s third local derby. So it tuned out, though, with a deserved battling win which might hopefully consolidate confidence for the challenges ahead. Coach Sean Murphy had been pleased with training numbers and attitude and Rhymney started well, though after 15 minutes of point-less pressure the visitors’ sharp 12 broke to set up a try wide out against the run of the action. The Brewers again showed their spirit, rallied well and the rest of the game was a good contest whilst being a bit feisty at times. Some half time changes helped the cause in the long run: flanker Callum Merrick on for Keaton Pardoe, Alex Thomas for Callum Ryan at No.9 and Jamie Rowlands for Kyron Moss after a head injury, with Scott Davidson moving to the wing. Ten minutes later Corey Evans came on for No.8 Chrissie Richards, and the last change came with 20 minutes left when Dan O’Brian replaced Davidson. Both sides had three yellows for clashes and head high tackling might have earned the visitors more. Young Joe Kahl played a full game and did well at prop. Fly half Liam Davies is back in full action and in the points, bagging all 20 on the day, including a try brace: one well worked off a burst from flanker Connor Gregory, the other was a cheeky 5-yard tap penalty, both under the posts. He converted both and one of his pair of penalties was a monster from the halfway line. It looked as if the score line would flatter Markham a little as coach Murphy felt his Brewers pack regularly had the edge, with the visitors’ game plan to get it wide as quickly as possible - that brought their other unconverted try. Rhymney, though, ended the game with 13 players with one still in the bin and sub Merrick going off with what looked a nasty ankle injury after being dropped in the lineout. However the hosts had by then used all five subs, so had to finish the game short on numbers, but they dug in deep to cap an excellent performance which, with some wiser decision making and less kicked ball away at times could have been yet more impressive. There is a blank date on Saturday and efforts are being made to bring the trip to Brynithel forward to Friday night the 17^th, the day before the Wales Australia match. Watch this space, and also, we are told, the South Wales Echo this Tuesday evening, when a small feature on Rhymney RFC is due. Cheers, Akky (and I wasn’t even there!)