Fixture

Penlan were hoping for a win on Saturday as they were on home turf and spirits were high but Aberavon Green Stars, who had only won one game so far, had other ideas.  The result was a close nip and tuck exciting game which saw the score at a draw 5 minutes before the end.

Referee Mr. Daniel Harries got the game underway at the earlier time of 1.30pm with conditions ideal for rugby.  Once again there had been unavoidable changes to the Penlan side which took them a time to adjust to.   In fairness though, in the initial 5 minutes, Penlan put Aberavon under pressure by getting to their line but they were held at bay The visitors returned the pressure and at just 6 minutes set up a push for the Penlan line which got them over for a first 5 point try.

Just 6 minutes later Penlan secured a lineout on the Aberavon 5 metre which was won by second-row Luke Brooks and led to a powerful Penlan maul for the line and allow flanker Adam Glover to land a firm try for a 5 all tally.

Another 6 minutes later Penlan had a second lineout near the visitor’s 5 metre.  Hooker Dean Davies made a long throw which was safely gathered by second-row Kurt Velardo.  An excellent well timed fast past to flanker and Captain Robert Green as he sprinted through took the defence by surprise and he safely landed Penlan’s second try for the 10 – 5 lead.

At 25 minutes Penlan were on a roll and another lineout saw them set up a push again for the Aberavon line which allowed Rob Green to land his second try which, when safely converted by No. 10 Dafydd Pritchard, gave them a 17 – 5 lead.

Penlan supporters dared to start thinking about a possible fourth bonus winning point try but they had not bargained for the Aberavon Star’s determination.  Within 5 minutes of the half time whistle they scored a fine try after some fast passing across field from their lineout on the Penlan 5 metre.  A safe conversion narrowed the Penlan half time score to 17 – 12.

The close game in the second half continued with both sides having their chances until at 20 minutes Penlan handed the visitors 3 points from a penalty for 17 – 15.

Just over 5 minutes later Aberavon were successfully putting Penlan under more pressure on their 5 metre. 3 scrums followed as Penlan managed to keep them at bay until some fast cross field passing opened up their chances leading to them crossing for a try at the corner.  This gave them the lead again by 17 – 20.

The to and fro continued for some time until at 35 minutes Dafydd Pritchard safely secured a 3 point penalty with a fine kick to put the score at 20 all.  Possibly a draw might have been the fairest result but regrettably a last minute Penlan conceded penalty saw Aberavon finish the game with a close win at 20 – 23 with Penlan having to settle for a one point losing penalty point.

It was a welcome win for Aberavon Green Stars and an achievement away from home as both sides now turn their attention to the Swalec Plate first round game next Saturday when Penlan travel away to Aberystwyth.

As ever great thanks to our resident photographers, Colin Rush – and you can see his pictures on our gallery and Mike Evans whose pictures will be uploaded in due course on his website www.mike322.com

All Division 2 West Central results are currently reported as –
Aberavon Quins 0    Cwmavon 10
Brynamman 43    Nantymoel 0
Neath Athletic 13    Cwmllynfell 43
Penlan 20    Aberavon Green Stars 23
Ystradgynlais 24   Maesteg Celtic 8
Cwmgors v Taibach was postponed, possibly because of the Wales game.