Fixture

Brynaman  37 Aberavon Quins 10

Bryn bounced back in style from the disappointing reverse at Maesteg last Saturday to record a resounding victory over 3^rd place Aberavon Quins. Prior to the kick off a minute’s silence was observed for Life Member Derek Noble who had passed away earlier in the week. As a former player he was also one of a select number to have made over 500 appearances for his beloved ‘Greens’. It was fitting therefore that the present team gave a rousing display of which he would certainly have been proud.

Earlier in the week the Greens also suffered another setback with back row forward Gethyn Bugler suffering a recurrence of a serious knee injury which will surely rule him out of action for a significant period. Hopefully he will back as soon as possible having made a huge impression this season.

Having lost away at Harlequin Road earlier in the season it was clear that Bryn would need to be at their best against a side that had edged above them into fourth place over the last few weeks. In bitterly cold conditions it was Bryn who started the brighter and after an electric break by scrum half Dafydd Jones, slick passing along the three-quarter line led to outside half Craig Jones squeezing over for a try on the wide right after a neat wrap around pass by Josh Ferriman. With the touchline conversion marginally astray Bryn led 5-0. A penalty for offside then saw Bryn edge further ahead at 8-0 as Dafydd Jones landed his first kick of the day. A disorganised re-start saw Bryn edge offside and despite the conditions Quins landed a successful penalty at 8-3 which was very much against the run of play.  At this stage it was all Bryn and but for some dogged defensive work by the visitors the Greens would easily have been further ahead. Eventually what looked like a golden opportunity for Bryn was cut short by a deliberate knock on and the referee had no option than to produce a yellow card reducing the visitors to 14 men. Mindful of the strong wind at their backs Bryn opted for the kick at goal and Dafydd Jones duly obliged as the Greens led 11-3. With the Greens visibly increasing in confidence an inch perfect chip by outside half Craig Jones found wing Trystan Lewis scorching along the stand side touchline and with a mesmerising side step the Bryn flyer rounded the visitors rush defence. Having drawn the last defender he then offloaded superbly to full back Josh Ferriman who raced clear for a wonderful try. Dafydd Jones added the extras as Bryn led 18-3. Seizing the initiative Bryn roared back onto the attack but yet again they were denied by a deliberate knock on. With a sense of déjà vu Quins were once again reduced to 14 men. This time however Bryn opted for a scrum instead of a penalty goal and with a huge surge by the Greens’ front row of Dafydd Hopkins Richard Davies and Dewi Slyman Quins were driven back at a rate of knots. Quick release then allowed fullback Josh Ferriman to cut the angle superbly and cross for Bryn’s third try. With Dafydd Jones’ successful conversion Bryn led 23-3 at the interval.

Half Time: Brynaman  23  Aberavon Quins  3

With the all-important ‘bonus point’ tantalisingly within reach for Bryn the visitors redoubled their defensive efforts and tried to maximise field position by utilising the bitterly cold wind to their advantage. However a loose clearance kick failed to find touch and was then gathered eagerly by wing Trystan Lewis just inside the Bryn half.  What followed was a magnificent solo effort as Bryn’s dazzling winger weaved in and out of at least half a dozen would-be defenders before touching down near the posts for a memorable score. Dafydd Jones converted once again as Bryn powered further ahead at 30-3. As the arctic conditions worsened to their credit Quins did not give up and eventually a converted try reduced the deficit to 30-10. Fittingly however Trystan Lewis was destined to have the last word and rounded off a ‘man of the match’ performance with his second and Bryn’s fifth try. This time Kieron Bennett converted as the Greens ended up winners by 37-10.

Full Time : Brynaman  37  Aberavon Quins 10

Brynaman scorers:

Tries: Josh Ferriman (2), Trystan Lewis (2), Craig Jones

Penalties: Dafydd Jones (2)

Conversions: Dafydd Jones (2), Kieron Bennett (1)