Fixture

For our first league game of the season we traveled not far down the road to Bryncoch. In a completely different contrast to the repeat fixture last year the sun was actually shining and in the end made the difference between the 2 sides. 

The game started with some good forward plays from both sides with our set price trying to get itself sorted. As the minutes ticked by some good forward carries created some open space and some lovely hands by Hodge and the rest of the backs created some space for Dewi on the wing. A brilliant try saving tackle by the Bryncoch fullback was in vein when the goat hit a brilliant angle off the corresponding ruck to burst over from 5 meters out. The angle was a much better angle than the one seen in Jack Holland's middle pattern hair style which looked worse than Al Dans' receding hairline. 

Not long after Bryncoch hit back as the ball shot out of their attacking scrum 15 meters from our line leaving our flankers stranded and their nippy 9 shot over for their first try. 
True to last season the infamous Bowdy string struck again as Dewi limped off quickly like he should have been competing in the race walk in Rio rather than being in Bryncoch.

Our second try again also came in the first half after some fine defense resulted in an attacking scrum on the halfway. A solid scrum gave our back line some good ball and a beautiful set piece move sent Cellan free and the goat followed up to run around for a try under the sticks. Whilst all this was going the crowd were treating to the undercard of tonights boxing as the front 5 were getting to know each other after the scrum. Our boys even made a few friends from the Bryncoch fans. This just 1 example of the passion on show from both teams. 

Just before the break concussion meant Ding spent the rest of the game on the touchline. Which he is used to after last season. Just this time the club won't be fined for it. This meant the youngster Rhodi, on permit, moved to hooker and the versatile Shaver moved to 6. We now had the biggest flankers in the league with JD or "John Daniels" to Taxi on the other side. The first half came to an end with us leading 15 - 7.

The second half started much the same as the first sith neither side making meaningful breaks.
However, just as it seemed to be looking like our day some poor tackling led to Bryncoch breaching our 22 and a last ditch effort from Rhys Williams saved a sure try. The tackle was something out of the WWE handbook and meant Mr Williams spent a LONG 10 minutes in the bin! Still camped in the 22 though bryncoch eventually got their try and it made it 15 - 14 with about 20 minutes to go. 
Another penalty from Bryncoh 5 minutes later meant we were behind and chasing the game.
Straight from the kick off winger Mathew Jenkins was out of the blocks like Usain bolt in the 100 meters chasing and by putting pressure on the outside half as he sliced it into touch. 
This lineout on their 10meter line lead to our final try from captain marvel himself who lead from the front all day (but after his speech he had to!). Starting at 8 today and jumping like something out of the Olympics he gathered the ball from a pin point throw from Shaver. Coming down Taxi (yes you read it right, Taxi!) used his experience to nudge doc forward instead of starting the expected drive. Doc rampaging like a young Scott Quinell was like a raging bull running at the poor winger who must have been planning his funeral while waiting for the inevitable. Doc didn't even break stride while running over him and duly dotted the ball down for our 3rd try. Hodge added the extras from a difficult kick which put us 5 points ahead. 
Some stern defense and brilliant resilience helped us withstand a bryncoch enslout and the 
fitness showed in the end and the work rate even the Marine would be proud off shone through.
Final score 
Bryncoch 17 - 22 Abercrave