Fixture

 The top of National League Division 3 West Central is becoming a tight affair with all of the top 6 sides still in contention for promotion. Bryncethin last weekend, extended their unbeaten run to 8 matches by overturning a dogged Rhigos on their own patch, keeping them in second place.

 The early pressure from Rhigos set them up for a penalty to open the scoring, and from the kick off they exerted pressure again. Bryncethin's defence this season has won games for them and it was this dogged defence that allowed a turn over three minutes later and some deft handling and exceptional footwoork from outside half Gruff Davies, saw him dance across the try line. He converted his own score and Bryncethin looked to be on their way.

 Rhigos had other ideas and they continued to press, harry and kick for territory. This paid dividends when the normally stern Bryncethin defence could not do enough to stop the Rhigos wave and they scored a try from the back of a training pitch lineout. This went unconverted and the half time score was 8-7 in Rhigos' favour.

 With renewed energy, Bryncethin ran the ball at every opportunity, the ploy paying dividends with a further 4 tries being scored. Dan Howells, back at Bryncethin after a few years away, scored a hat-trick, the pick of the bunch being an 80 metre weaving run that left defenders dumbfounded at his ability to change direction at such pace. Two were converted, one by Liam Morgan, the other by replacement fly half, Lloyd Bradley.

 Bryncethin take on leaders Baglan next at home on March the 2nd, in a match that has huge significance for both sides. It is the first time they've faced each other this term, and it could go a long way to deciding whether either will be in the same position come the close of proceedings at the end of April.