Match Reports 2010/11
Tredegar (23) Mountain Ash (30)
Oct 23rd 2010
With the league leaders locking horns at the Recreation ground a seven try extravaganza provided the perfect rugby advert for this top of the table clash.
For Tredegar, Dan Haymond's eighteen points just shaded the visitors Josh Lewis haul of fifteen points, but the Old Firm had enough nous and experience to come away with that all important win.
Tredegar got off to the perfect start with Haymond slotting the first three of his points within minutes of the kick off but urged on by the visiting supporters Chris Edmonds early try put the visitors ahead. Tredegar regained the lead with another well struck penalty by Dan the man only to see a Josh Lewis penalty edge the visitors in front.
With the Old Firm's tail up a bout of sustained attack saw Tredegar pressurised but following a turn over Tredegar broke away in their own twenty two and with a certain try begging were thwarted when that man lewis intercepted and strolled over unopposed and his conversion put the visitors nine points ahead.
Haymond hit back with the first of his two tries to reduce the lead but the power of the visitors pack took its toll when they managed to get the ball over the tryline following some excellent defence. Lewis slotted the conversion to see Mountain Ash lead 22 to 11 at the interval.
Following the restart Craig Lloyd made good ground and number eight Alan Jenkins put Aaron Quick in for a well taken try but when flanker Ron Kynes was dispatched to the bin Tredegar conceeded a penalty and when Craig Evans scored the bonus point try for the Old Firm Tredegar faced their first home defeat of the season.
Dan Haymond saved Tredegar's graces and secured a losing point with a last minute try and conversion and Mountain Ash went home with a five point lead at the top of the division.
Whilst Tredegar's defence stood up to the challenge they need to address the lineout as losing five consecutive throw-ins put them at a disadvantage and if this aspect can be put right then the attacking prowess of the Tredegar threequarters will ensure sucess.
Next saturday both Tredegar and Tredegar Ironsides have a bye in the cup so will play each other in a friendly on the Rec at 2.30.