Bryncethin on the up.
Bryncethin travelled down the M4 to Briton Ferry last weekend, looking to consolidate second spot in the league against the bottom placed club, who have struggled at times this season.
The home side chose to play up the slope in the first half, and were immediately pressurised from the Bryncethin Kick off, but their defence stayed resolute. After ten minutes the Cherry and Whites scored through outside half Lloyd Bradley, atry that he converted himself.
From the restart, the Ferry threw the kitchen sink at the visitors and 3 minutes later, got themselves back into the match with a converted try from their own fly half. Bryncethin were in a game and complacency could not be accepted.
When Bryncethin claimed another converted try after 18 minutes, scored by centre Dan Howells and converted again by Bradley, the visitors had thought that Briton Ferry would capitulate. But this was a Ferry team that had confidence and tenacity, and they turned the tables on Bryncethin several times. On the half hour mark, with the visitors pressing hard on the Briton Ferry line, Bryncethin captain Gavin Parsons decided to ask Bradley to slot a penalty in front of the posts, a sign of respect for the opposition defence. The half closed 17-7 to the Cherry and Whites.
The second half continued much like the first, Bryncethin looking to attack and counter from most parts of the field and Briton Ferry posing stubborn defence. They started harder than Bryncethin and only resolute defence stopped them from taking a chunk out of the lead. It took 18 minutes before the first points of the second half were scored, and it was Bryncethin that got them through another Converted Dan Howells try. Howells' younger brother Shane at fullback was next on the scorecard as the game went into the last 12 minutes, scoring a bonus point try that Bradley converted again.
The Ferry were still throwing all they could at Bryncethin, trying to get back into the match, but this left them exposed to the counter attack and the match was put to bed by wing Dan Lockyer after the impressive visitors pack secured possession and moved the ball quickly out wide. Lockyer ran in from 40m to score under the posts. Incredibly, MoM Bradley scuffed the extras under the crossbar, spoiling his 100% record on the day.
There were good performances throughout the team, the young front five getting around the park and powerful in all aspects of their play. Pack leader Sam Jervis lead from the front row, ably supported by Leon Sylvester and Ieuan Davies. Will Thomas had another fine display along with Darian James in the boiler room, both to the fore in attack as well as their normal workload. The back row of Lloyd Parry John, Steve James and Mark Thomas were again very efficient, with Thomas defying his years at blindside flanker.
Bryncethin have riches behind the pack too, with strength in depth that was evident this weekend. The Bradley brothers at half back and the Howells brothers outside, sound like a couple of boy bands, but they work effectively with each other. Captain Gavin Parsons, was a bit quieter today, but still gave his usual solid perfomance. On the flanks, Dafydd Jones and Dan Lockyer worked hard but didn't quite get the gaps that the speedsters yearned.
Nathan Morgan came on for Sylvester at hooker, along with Ryan Nolan at prop and both slotted straight in seemlessly. Aled James took over on the wing from Jones and only had defensive duties to carry out for the last 10 minutes unfortunately for him. Sam Shillibier was unfortunate to be yellow carded for allegedy tripping a player inside 10m at a tap penalty, though he still maintains the player crossed his path whilst he retreated. Promising 9, Liam Morgan earned the wrath of the referee, after back chat in the final 10 minutes as Ferry hammered at the Bryncethin line. Bryncethin finished with 13 on the field, though they didn't let the home team in for a score.
You could see the potential in the Briton Ferry team too. If that side had been playing together regularly, like their visitors, then they would possibly not be sat at the bottom of the table. They earned due respect from Bryncethin, the game being finely poised for nearly 60 minutes.
Next weekend Bryncethin visit Cwmllynfell as second (Bryncethin) meets third in the table. It promises to be a humdinger of a battle and could potentially decide which of these two will still be in contention for promotion toward the sharp end of the season. Presently it's 1-0 to Bryncethin.
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