Fixture

Maesteg 13 Brynaman  9

Although Brynaman’s first ever visit to the Old Parish ended in a narrow defeat, the home side were more than a little relieved to hear the final whistle having been pushed all the way by hugely committed effort by the Greens. In a contest where clear cut opportunities were at a premium, Bryn would later rue a golden opportunity early on when after some good approach work by Chris Bartholomew and Gethin Bugler almost led to wing Owain Sullivan  squeezing in on the wide right. Maesteg cleared temporarily but another break by outside half Craig Jones supported by Dafydd Hopkins was then cut short by a lazy offside defender. A penalty by Dafydd Jones gave Bryn an early 3-0 lead but this was scant reward for what could have been. An untidy restart gave Maesteg the opportunity to draw level at 3-3 before another barnstorming run by Dafydd Hopkins forced the homesters to concede another penalty. Dafydd Jones once again landed successfully as Bryn edged ahead 6-3. The lead barely lasted  five minutes before Maesteg levelled with their second penalty at 6-6. Undaunted Bryn were soon on the attack once again and a penalty by Craig Jones gave Bryn an attacking lineout just outside the Maesteg 22. This time a magnificent catch and drive developed as the Greens pack marched forward towards the Maesteg try line. With a score seeming inevitable somehow or other the home defence managed to hold out as centre Paul Taylor was denied just inches from the whitewash. A penalty offence finally put paid to any further phases and with half time swiftly approaching Bryn opted for the kick at goal again landed by Dafydd Jones.

Half Time – Maesteg 6 Brynaman 9

After the turn around Bryn continued to dominate territorially and when Dafydd Hopkins set off on another  trademark charge deep into Maesteg territory it seemed Bryn would finally unlock the home defence. Disappointingly however some uncharacteristic errors by the Greens let the homesters off the hook and following  a rare counter attack Bryn found themselves penned in their own 22. A series of five yard lineout drives developed as Maesteg finally applied some concerted pressure. With Bryn unable to break free the penalty count soon mounted and sure enough the first yellow card was produced by the referee. Despite the immediate numerical advantage Bryn’s heroic defence refused to buckle and continued to frustrate the homesters driving maul. Further frustration soon followed as  Bryn’s dogged determination not to allow Maesteg to cross the line resulted in the referee brandishing another 2 yellow cards as Bryn were reduced to 12 men. Simultaneously with third yellow card, a penalty try was also awarded and this allowed Maesteg to take the lead for the first time at 13-9. Remarkably Bryn conceded nothing further despite being significantly under strength and with barely five minutes remaining a penalty on half way gave Bryn a foothold in the Maesteg 22. This time however it was the homesters’ turn to spoil attacking possession and as Bryn’s last efforts faded Maesteg edged home to claim the spoils.

Full Time – Maesteg 13 Brynaman 9

Brynaman scorers :

 3 Penalties  by Dafydd Jones