Match Reports 2008/9
Pill Harriers (5) v Tredegar (41)
December 20th 2008 - Swalec Cup 4th Round
This fourth round Swalec cup tie provided little Christmas cheer for Pill as Tredegar proved to be too big, too fast and too fit for the 3rd division outfit.
Tredegar soaked up all the early pressure but continually infringed and gave away penalty after penalty. However Pill could not capitalise on the visitors indiscretions and Tredegar drew first blood when live-wire scrum half Matt Taylor took a quick tap penalty and dived over following Damien Smith being illegally held back by the desperate defenders preventing him scoring.
Pill immediately penned Tredegar back in their 22 but following a turnover and some fine interplay between Rob Smith and Jamie Henthorne, the superfast winger outpaced the covering defence to get yet another touchdown. Some impressive handling in the heavy conditions saw Rob Smith and Henthorne combine again to outfox the former Division 2 team and Henthorne added his second try of the match to his impressive seasons tally.
Greg Jones converted and knocked over a penalty to see Tredegar hold a comfortable 20 point lead at half time. With the Tredegar forwards dominating the second half, Chris Orum put in a man of the match performance and his efforts were rewarded with a try after his barnstorming run that saw the Pill defence shatter. Jones added the conversion and minutes later number eight David Ford broke through to get on the score sheet
As the home pack faded Tredegar took control of the game and were well marshalled in midfield by Darren Pearceand Darryl Carter put in some deft kicks to ensure Pill were on the defensive . Tredegar gave Pill an early Christmas present by having Damien Smith, Chris Orum and Wayne Simms all yellow carded and when down to 13 players allowed opposing winger L Mcdonald to score a solitary try, to breach an otherwise water tight defence.
Rob Smith capped an excellent attacking performance and his try in the dying minutes converted by Jones sent Tredegar into the 5th round of the cup and put paid to Pill's cup aspirations. On Saturday Tredegar resume league fixtures with Bedlinog who have been the surprise package in his Division having being promoted last year.
