Fixture

Brynamman RFC | 1st Team 35 - 12 Maesteg Celtic RFC | 1st Team
Matthew Harris
2 Conversion
Mark Hillier-rees
1 Try

Match Report
24 February 2018 / Team News

Super Greens Stun Campaign Rivals

Saturday 17th February 2018

Brynaman 35 Maesteg Celtic 12

In what was one of their finest home displays for many seasons, the Greens served an emphatic notice of intent to all their close rivals with this accomplished display that will surely ensure a thrilling climax to this year’s campaign.

With neighbours Ystradgynlais also toppling overnight leaders Nantyffyllon, this section is fast becoming too tight to call with just one point separating the top four at last night’s close of play.

Maesteg Celtic’s huge pack looked an ominous challenge in the early exchanges but following a raking kick by outside half Craig Jones Bryn finally gained a foothold in Celtic territory. A striding charge by second row Daniel Page then stretched the home defence before a smart off load by Coach Kieran Brooks launched a sizzling scissors instigated by Steffan Duggan resulting in a super try for wing Matthew Murphy. Dafydd Jones converted as Bryn took an early 7-0 lead.

With play disrupted for some time due to a front row injury suffered by the visitors Bryn looked a little off the pace as Maesteg Celtic levelled the scores with a converted try from a five yard lineout drive 7-7.

Buoyed by their success the visitors ramped up the pressure but after some solid defence by the Greens turnover ball was secured. Quick thinking by wing Matthew Murphy caught the visitors on the hop and a penalty ensued for not retreating.

From the ten yard line Captain Dafydd Jones slotted effortlessly as Bryn moved ahead 10-7. Another similar effort followed as Bryn’s sublime place kicker punished Celtic ruthlessly at 13-7. By now Bryn’s backline was putting enormous pressure on the visiting three quarters and it was no surprise when centre Steffan Griffiths powered through the outstretched defence for Bryn’s second try just after half time. Inevitably Dafydd Jones added the extras as Bryn took control at 20-7.

Any concerns the Greens may have held with regard to the potency of the visiting back row were comfortably allayed as  Osian Evans Richard Davies and Cerith Gibson downed their significantly larger opponents with great determination. Prop Dan George also featured prominently with some bone jarring tackles as the visitors found each avenue of attack blocked at source.

With the visitors looking increasingly frustrated number eight Joel Spurway again upped the ante with some intelligent driving play which gained significant yardage. Eventually a trademark tap and go led to break by outside half Craig Jones and with Celtic once again forced offside Bryn were awarded another penalty. With Dafydd Jones having left the field Craig Jones slotted comfortably as Bryn increased the lead to 23-7.

Celtic’s backs were by now resorting to long speculative passes in an attempt to outflank the Greens but alert defence by wing Jonny Escott snuffed out the threat on each occasion. As the contest approached the last quarter, a smart move by the Greens, relocated prop Dafydd Jones to number eight for an attacking scrum on the Celtic ten yard line. Sensing that the visitors defence had  drifted infield, Hopkins then picked up from the base on a rampaging blind side charge before putting Caron Jones clear on the wide right for a well taken try at 28-7.

Undoubtedly keeping the best till last Bryn’s bonus point try was testament to the excellent teamwork witnessed all afternoon. Although accomplished centre Steffan Duggan was the ultimate beneficiary the play must have passed through at least a dozen Greens players before the former Greens’ skipper touched down emphatically. Craig Jones converted as Bryn led 35-7 with full time approaching.

With time swiftly ebbing away the undaunted visitors summoned up one last effort and were finally rewarded with their second try cutting the deficit to 35-12 as the final whistle blew.

 

 

     

 

  

 

 

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