Fixture

So far in 2017, league leaders Tredegar RFC have scored 194 points, and conceded just 29, during an impressive run in WRU Central East North Easterly Division Three and a half. 

However, the most painful points they've conceded are undoubtedly the 3 at the home of Hollybush RFC. Last Saturday the home side recorded an impressive win, albeit with a football score. So as the T's started their warm up in their spangly, smart new tops - the home side looked composed and quietly confident that they could build on their league leader ambush. 

And the first half proved an attritional affair. The well loved, and much lived in Sirhowy Valley pitch added to a number of handling errors from both sides. This played well for T's though, as their scrum proved reliable, and kicking out of hand was exemplary, with Morgan, Flowy and Glennery all pinning Hollybush back. Soon, Ts found themselves powering a maul down the left side, well marshalled by No 8 Trappy, who gratefully took his first try of the day. 

But whereas the scrum proved successful, the T's lineout was a shambles. So the men of Islwyn had a plentiful supply of possession, and following a line break and offload pressured T's into conceding a brace of penalties. 

Things looked finely balanced at the 50 minute mark, so coach Darbo sent on some fresh legs to rejuvenate the pack. Particularly as warhorse James had received a ball in the face at point blank range from Morgan's boot. His modelling agent has been unavailable for comment. 

The changes raised the centre of gravity of the pack somewhat, but that didn't stop the scrum - which delivered a pushover try for Trappy. And with a shade more success at the lineout, a steady supply of ball assisted Morgan in his try, well worked on the right after a fine offload from Donk. (Ed: The author forgets the 3rd try, most probably due to being in the unfamiliar position of a row further forward than normal. Anyhow, another dominant scrum gave Trappy the opportunity to pick up and, in a pre arranged move, feed an onrushing Baz who broke the tackles of three defenders to touch down under the posts.)

With a bonus point secured, T's were quite happy a wind down the clock in a succession of scrums, which proved good practice for an unfamiliar front row.  

In all, T's had a touch more hunger. And perhaps Hollybush were suffering a hangover from their exploits the previous week.

Website Man of the Match: Craig James