Fixture

Tumble came away with a bonus point win in this local Gwendraeth Valley derby. The early exchanges saw the Magpies attack from the outset and, following an infringement by Cefneithin, Tumble were awarded a scrum on the away ten metre line. The ball was sped out quickly and some silky running by centre Steffan Price enabled him to beat three players to touch down in the corner for the opening score after four minutes play.

Tumble’s forwards looked strong with ball in and only some stern defence by Cefneithin coupled with some poor choices in attack prevented any further early scores. With wings Mike Edwards and Sam Jones looking sharp wide out Tumble were posing threats. Added to the lineout work of stalwart Gareth Beynon and Ryan Lewis, Tumble’s next score came after thirty six minutes. Gaining ground in opposition twenty two, the Magpies mauled their way forwards and despite stern defence, man mountain Nathan Willard got the ball down on the foot of the posts for a try which Steve Hewitt converted.

The restart saw Tumble offside and Cefn’s full back Richard Watts knocked over the penalty. Another mistake by Tumble in their own twenty two saw them lose a lineout and smart running by Dion Thomas saw him go over unopposed in the corner for an unconverted try.

Steve Hewitt slotted a penalty on the stroke of half time to restore a seven point lead for the Magpies.

The second half saw Tumble maintain their dominance in the scrum through some good work by Osian Flint and carrying work of Mike Powell. Flanker tom Miles foraged all afternoon and with the Magpies gaining territory in Cefneithin’s twenty two, pressure was building. Tumble’s replacements made an impact and the charging and abrasive James Stephen added impetus to Tumble’s attack. With fifty six minutes gone, the home side got their third try when, following a loose kick in their own twenty two, Rich Davies gathered the ball, turned and had support. A maul was set, Iwan Morgan ripped and run thirty metres into the corner for an unconverted try.

Tumble searched for the fourth try and a bonus point but Cefneithin repelled all attacks. Tired legs meant Tumble was dominant but, another silly mistake allowed Watts to kick a second penalty. They were now chasing a losing bonus point and pressed at the Magpies, Willard and Owain Davies tackled ferociously to keep the visitors out.

The game drifted towards its conclusion but, almost on the stroke of full time, Tumble gathered the ball, sped upfield. Transferring out to wing Michael Edwards, he sidestepped the on rushing defence and sped over in the corner for Tumble’s fourth and the bonus point.

A close run thing for man of the match between the work rate and ball carrying of No. 8 Nathan Willard and the silky skills of centre Steffan Price who was a constant pain in Cefneithin’s side all day. The marginal decision goes to Price.

Tumble's next game is home against high flying Laugharne in the round of last 16 Specsavers National Bowl next Saturday, 2.00pm kick-off. Your support can make a difference to spur on the boys to a quarter final berth. 

A copy of today's match day programme can be found at the following link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xYLBvP7bNDumTnLxaqUbGShgKQ7br3_p/view?usp=sharing

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