Fixture

The 1^st XV made the short trip to old rivals Pontarddulais RFC on Saturday afternoon looking for their first win of 2019 and despite a spirited performance still drew a blank by unluckily losing 19-7. The first half saw the Magpies on top but despite a number of clear scoring opportunities were unable to capitalise, going into the break 9-7 down. Tumble’s points coming from a try to Number 8 Nathan Willard which was converted by centre Steffan Price. Bont hit back with three penalties to take a narrow 2-point lead at the interval.

The second half saw the Magpies again putting pressure on their hosts but unable to get over the whitewash despite the best efforts of Willard who again went close. Unfortunately, the Black and Ambers started to even up the territory as the half wore on and after a prolonged forward drive went over for their first try after 57 minutes. The conversion was missed making the score 14-7. Again, the game ebbed and flowed with both sides having opportunities to score. As the game wore on the Magpies again put pressure on the Bont try line but just couldn’t get the score that their good work deserved. With 79 minutes on the clock Tumble were in the Pontarddulais 22 and trying to build another attack when a lose ball at a ruck saw the ball squirt out for the Black and Ambers number 8 to gather and sprint 80 metres to score wide out on the left. The conversion was missed but the margin was enough to deny Tumble both the victory and the losing bonus point.

Again, this was a spirited performance but not helped by withdrawals and personnel changes late in the week which disrupted the cohesion of the side. There is plenty of ability in this side they just need to get a wining break from somewhere which will up the confidence and belief. There is no game next Saturday due to the Italy v Wales international so the boys are next in action in a fortnight when they welcome Mumbles RFC to Parc y Mynydd Mawr, kick-off 2.30pm

Scorers:

Try – Nathan Willard

Conversion – Steffan Price

Line-up:

15. Ian Rees, 14. Dean Beamish, 13. Steffan Price, 12. Mike Edwards, 11. Aled Price, 10. Morgan Davies, 9. Iwan Morgan; 1. James Stephens, 2. Sam Cavill, 3. Kieron Richards, 4. Rhys Lewis, 5. Gareth Armstrong, 6. Darren Williams, 7. Steffan Owen (captain), 8. Nathan Willard; Subs – 16. Steven Rees, 17. Osian Flint, 18. Dafydd Griffiths.

Ymlaen Y Piod