WRU Division 4 East

ST JULIANS 18  GWERNYFED 15

Gwernyfed travelled to Newport for an early International Day kick off and were hampered by a large penalty count throughout the game which saw them narrowly defeated.

The visitors took the lead when a powerful burst by Prop Prys Eckley saw young flanker Lloyd Powell in support to touch down.

Gwernyfed normal smooth lineout was combated by the home team who disrupted well and with a solid scrum performed better than their lowly position in the league suggested.

On twenty minutes good field position saw skipper Craig Parry benefit from a driving lineout the try well converted on the touchline by Gareth Dodds to open up a 12-0 lead.

The next twenty minutes saw the home side dominate as the visitors were penalised heavily  mainly due to high tackles allowing their outside half to slot a penalty and their experienced scrum half took a  quick tap penalty to score wide out. Score half time 8-12.

The second half saw the home nine score his second try to take the lead  Dodds replied with a penalty. Gwernyfed having plenty of possession could not break through a solid and disciplined defence line and again with a large penalty count against leading to three yellow cards were frustrated as the game became very stop start. A crash ball try by the home centre saw the lead retaken.

Will Eckley forced his way over the line only to be held up and with the last play of the game Fullback Will Lloyd broke several tackles to set up their best attack of the afternoon Gwernyfed were kept out  in the corner by the solid home defence to hold on for a deserved win.

With a home game next week hopefully the Greens can work on certain technical areas in training and return to their normal pattern of play to entertain an anticipated large crowd on club Sponsor Day at the Brian Jones Memorial Field.