Fixture

Report by Terry Potter - This was a game which both sides were targeting to win after Taff’s Well had taken the honours earlier in the season. Abercynon kicked off with the aid of a very strong wind which paid dividends early as they pressured the visitors but Taff’s Well line looked organised in defence. Taff’s Well full-back Ronan Barratt made the first decisive incursion but the pass wasn’t up to spec with the ball taken back downfield and an indecisive kick into the gale saw the ball caught and ran back. With a speculative kick over the top causing havoc, Abercynon were presented with a gift which saw the opening try but the wind made a mess of the conversion.

Missed clearance kicks and pointless penalties at important times were going to be the tune for Taff’s Well in this half, so with TW driving out of their 22 and conceding another penalty, the ball was run wide for another touchdown in the corner and a 10-0 lead for the home side. Despite a half influenced by the elements, the Taff’s Well pack looked up to the task and their efforts were rewarded with several forays in the home half but the first 40 belonged to Abercynon who ultimately were kept out by a heroic defence.

First Half Score: Abercynon 10 - 0

Despite the score, there was great optimism from the side-lines as Taff’s Well had fought well and defended stoutly and with the forwards gathering steam with a strong scrummaging display, the game was still definitely on. With a bit of savvy needed and the need to set up a platform, it was surprising to see the ball ran from deep but full-back Barratt was it again as he bemused several defenders only to run out of support and the danger averted.

With several clearance opportunities missed, the visitors managed to create enough pressure from an attacking lineout for No.8 Max Watkins to burst through the defence but as a try looked certain, the pass went astray to kill any hope of opening the scoring account. Taff’s Well were now on top but still had to get on the scoreboard which came about as result of the pack charging up the middle to give outside-half Matthew Hurley the opportunity to put three points on the board thanks to a penalty; 10-3 and the fight-back well and truly on.

The pack were now well and truly on top but there were too many errors thwarting their efforts. It took a number of shoves from the scrummaging platform to rile the ref and award Taff’s Well a penalty-try to tie the score at 10-10 and there seemed like only one winner from here, especially as the pack were gaining penalty after penalty but frustratingly - not a card in sight.

With mistakes from both sides starting to play a part, Taff’s Well maintained their pressure and were rewarded with another Hurley penalty which seemed to put the writing on the wall for the home supporters but they hadn’t allowed for a self-destruct button being pressed not for the first time this season. Abercynon were about to profit from a penalty-won lineout which saw the ball swung wide and a missed tackle allowing the home side to re-take the lead with a converted try.

With minutes remaining, Taff’s Well regained the momentum to create pressure on the home line and the result seemed in the bag as second-row Daryl Mota crashed over – but the referee blew for an infringement which saw Abercynon take the spoils in yet another frustrating loss for a side which should be taking the points. This was definitely another one that got away and with points at a premium, the next two games will be vital. Poor game management and the wrong tactics were probably some of the reasons for the defeat for a side that continues to give its all but need to learn how to close games out and play to the conditions.

Final Score:  Abercynon 17 v 13 Taff’s Well

Great 22-17 win for the 2nd XV over Llandaff despite an early red card - details to follow...