Fixture

The Magpies made the long journey to north Carmarthenshire to play Llanybydder RFC at a sunkissed Parc OJ and took part in a 120 point try fest, finally running out victors by an amazing score of 56-64. Tumble started the game off well putting pressure on the Llanybydder try line before a drop pass saw the Green and Reds gain possession and drive into the Magpies 22 where after five minutes they were awarded a penalty for a Tumble transgression. The kick was missed but Llanybydder only had to wait three more minutes to get on the score sheet when they broke through after a dropped pass in midfield. The conversion was added to make the score 7-0 to the home side. After 10 minutes the Magpies drew level when blindside flanker Darren Williams grounded the ball from a driving maul, captain and outside half Steven Hewitt slotted the conversion over to make the score 7-7. Six minutes later Tumble took the lead for the first time in the game when a try for hooker Dafydd Humpheys and a conversion from the boot of Hewitt made the score 7-14. A few phases of play later Llanybydder where back on level terms 14-14 when they went over for a converted try. The game was now resembling seven a side with both sides looking likely to score when in possession and one had to check the programme to ensue it was Tumble wearing the famous black and white hoops and not the Barbarians! On 23 minutes Magpies scrumhalf Iwan Morgan sprinted over for his first try of the game wide out on the right with Hewitt, who was in fine form from the tee adding the extras. It only took 9 more minutes for Tumble to secure the bonus point when Humphreys grounded the ball from a forwards drive on the five metre line. Hewitt added a fine conversion to make the score 14-28 to Tumble. Tempers where now boiling over and following a skirmish under the Magpies posts Llanybydder were awarded a penalty which made the score 17-28. On 38 minutes Hewitt added a penalty of his own before Morgan went over for his second try on the half time whistle. Hewitt slotted over another beautiful conversion from the right hand touchline to make the score 17-38 at the interval.

The first 13 minutes of the second half are difficult to explain from a Tumble perspective but from being 17-38 down at halftime Llanybydder turned the score around to a 48-38 lead. Their 31 unanswered points coming from four tries, three conversions and a penalty. The Magpies were now on the rack and had the choice of total capitulation or fronting up to the home side who were now totally on top. Fortunately they chose the later and brought the score back within three points 48-45 after 18 minutes when hooker Humphreys drove over for his hat trick try from a lineout drive. Hewitt was again precise with his conversion attempt. Tumble were now putting pressure on the Llanybydder scrum and the referee had no choice but to award the penalty try when the scrum was wheeled with the try line beckoning. The score was now an amazing 48-52, with only 63 minutes having being played. The Red and Greens were however not finished with an unconverted try and penalty goal seeing them back in the lead 56-52 with only six minutes left to play. With only five minutes of the game left the Magpies lifted their game once again through their forwards with vice captain Steffan Owen diving over in the corner following a front lineout peel to give Tumble a one point lead, 56-57. The Magpies however left the best until last when an interlinking move involving both backs and forwards saw winger Mike Edwards go over under the posts for a try straight out of the Barbarians play book. Hewitt slotted over the conversion to complete the scoring and secure the victory for Tumble with the amazing scoreline of 56-64!

The Magpies are back in action on Wednesday night when they welcome Fishguard & Goodwick RFC to Parc y Mynydd Mawr for a rearranged Division 2 West fixture. Come and support the boys, kick-off is at 7.00pm.

Ymlaen Y Piod