Match Reports 2008/9
Tredegar (36) Abercynon (23)
March 20th 2009
Video Highlights of Tredegar v Abercynon
Tredegar RFC's five try drubbing of Abercynon saw the Division Two leaders extend their lead at the head of the division by fourteen points with one game in hand over their nearest rivals. Abercynon raced into a seven point lead with an early touchdown from Damien Withey following a Tredegar mistake with the visitors Matt Turner being eventually succesful with five shots at goal.
Tredegar scrum half Matt Taylor soon reduced the deficit and scampered over for their first try of the evening following a charge down giving Greg Jones the easiest of conversions on a crisp clear night. With Tredegar exerting pressure up front the visitors were constantly on the back foot and when hooker Daniel Horseman stormed through the midfield ripping the opposing centres to shreds Tredegar's second try was well converted by Jones who has now passed the hundred points so far this season. With the Tredegar pack dominating, Abercynon were forced to continually feed the scrum crookedly and took advantage of the referees inability to penalise them.
However Tredegar patiently built up phase after phase and Jamie Henthorne made a welcome return to the score sheet without using his exceptional pace when he was put over in the corner when Abercynon were unable to stem the mesmerising attacking pressure of the home side. Greg Jones third conversion of the evening saw Tredegar amass twenty one points but Turners second penalty reduced the lead by three points at the break.
With Tredegar enjoying territorial advantage Sims and Dawson in the powerhouse ensured Tredegar's possession at the lineout whilst Steve Knight and Joe Campbell fought for everything on the ground.. Darryl Carter's immense tackle on his opposite number ensured the visitors were well shackled and Tredegar's immaculate defence is a credit to the coaches.
With an extended break during the interval Tredegar were late to the restart and allowed the visitors to claw themselves back to within five points with Turner adding another two penalties. If Tredegar were sublime in the first half they were absolutely fractious in the second half and played in fits and starts. Whilst reduced to fourteen players Jamie Henthorne bagged the second of his tries following a kick and chase showing that he is probably one of the quickest finishers in the league. Damien Smith tried hard on the other flank but needs to vary his game and should kick for advantage when the situation requires it. However in fly half Darren Pearce Tredegar have a gem of a general whose astute play and reading of a game are conducive of an old head on young shoulders.
Although Abercynon never threatened the Tredegar try line ,on the rare occassions they ventured out of their half they managed to come away with points and Gareth Davies' try converted by Turner saw them pull back to within three points. Tredgar then spurted back into champion chasing mode and when number eight Dave Ford motored over Abercynon's heads went down and Tredegar sealed a bonus point victory. Greg Jones converted and with his final penalty of the night Tredgar extended their lead at the top of the division winning by thirty six points to twenty three, scoring five tries in a thoroughly entertaining game. With an away match at relegation facing Treherbert next week Tredegar will not take the fixture lightly and will look to further enhance their position as league leaders.
In addition to the league campaign Tredegar have now also progressed to the semi final of the Ben Francis Cup and await their opponents and venue and relish the challenge of still being in the hunt for silverware in the two competitions.