Bryncethin welcomed second placed side Rhigos for their latest Division 3 West Central B match, knowing that only narrow losses against other sides had them pinned at the bottom of the table.
The match started with both sides intent on running the ball and this set the stall for a highly entertaining game, enjoyed by the large crowd. The game ebbed and flowed while both sides tried to get the upper hand, and it was the higher placed team that opened the scoring, after some 18 minutes of play.
Ten minutes later, the cherry and whites pack found that they were dominating scrum time, with the youthful front row of Ryan Nolan, Gareth Evans and Shane Jones showing maturity and strength beyond their years. No 8 Rhys Hosey powered off the back on the next set piece taking two would be tacklers over the whitewash with him.
The home side, now playing with confidence, took control of the game, but found themselves behind at the break following a rare Rhigos foray into their half and a successful penalty for offside at a ruck.
Playing down towards 'Mason's Corner' Bryncethin regained their poise and control of the ball, veteran outside half Gareth Pearce dictating where the game was being played. Eight minutes into the half saw the youthful pack pack secure clean, quick ball which was fired out for Centres Nathan Hawkins and captain Gavin Parsons to mesmerise the visitors midfield, Parsons cutting back to supply wing Ryan James with the scoring pass, which Liam Morgan converted.
Parsons himself scored the next for Bryncethin on the hour mark after replacement fly half Lloyd Jenkins cleverly put Hawkins through off a short pass, who his co centre to stroll through unopposed. Morgan again converted putting the home side well in control at 19-8.
Seven minutes later, Lloyd Parry John took clean ball at a line out inside the Rhigos half and powerful driving play from the forwards sucked in the defence. The ball was quickly moved across the full width of the field, Tyler Thomas rounding off some fine handling in the top corner.
Rhigos never gave up, showing why they are in the top half of the table, with some bullocking forward runs, and scored their second try with ten minutes left. The conversion made the score 24-15 and gave the home side something to think about.
Impressively Bryncethin went on to shut out the game, the squad departing the field knowing they had given their all.
Gavin Parsons lead his team from the front, deservedly named Man of the Match, while there were others pushing for the accolade. Notable displays came from Shane Howells at full back and second rows Will Thomas and Ellis Andrews.
This Saturday sees the Cherry and Whites, who have risen three places, visit Banwen in their quest to climb even higher in the table.
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