Match Reports 2008/9
Brynmawr (10) Tredegar (16)
January 17th 2009
Tredegar resumed league duties after a few weeks lay off with an impressive forward performance away at Brynmawr.
With Brynmawr being the only team in the league to lower Tredegar's colours so far this season, the visitors were determined to exact revenge and cement their position at the top of the table. Firing on all cylinders the pack provided the platform that saw the boot of Greg Jones prove to be the difference between the two sides as both sets of threequarters were nullified by the heavy going and conditions.
Kicking two penalties immediately from the start saw Jones nudge Tredegar into a six point lead Jones third effort from way out yet again emphasised his value to the team effort and promotion campaign. With a war of attrition taking place upfront the ref had a field day handing out five yellow cards, 3 to Tredegar and 2 to the home team with a double yellow to Matt Taylor resulting in his sending off.
Tredegar's defensive effort whilst down to 13 men showed the character in this promotion seeking team with Brynmawr rewarded only with a solitary penalty try, converted by M Bow . Brynmawr failed to capitise on their superior numbers and were unable to turn pressure into points whilst Tredegar were depleted.
With a two point lead at the interval Tredegar got off to a flying start in the second half when David Ford crashed over and Jones penalty increased their lead to 16 points. With a ding dong battle taking place upfront, Bow fired over a penalty increasing their score to 10 points but Tredegar never looked likely to lose this one, gaining sweet revenge for the defeat suffered earlier in the season.
Upfront Paul Edwards led by example with Wayne Sims putting in another accomplised performance. Brendan Sullivan added to the Tredegar cause and the heavy conditions suited the dogged performance of Steve Knight who entered the fray as a second half substitute.
Next Saturday Tredegar resume Swalec Cup duty against Rumney in Cardiff and the first division team will need to be at the top of their game in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.