Fixture

Having been made to wait a month since their last league outing the Magpies travelled to Betws RFC knowing that only a win would be good enough to secure the Admiral National League Division 3 West B title. On a sunny and hot Saturday May afternoon the Magpies started off well against a much changed Betws side and took the lead within a minute from a penalty by full back Steven Hewitt. The penalty being awarded after only 23 seconds after a Betws player was adjudged to have held on at a ruck by the referee. The first quarter of an hour was all Tumble and they had Betws pinned in their 22, however the Magpies didn't show their usual composure with players taking the ball on too far or not releasing when the  pass was needed. In this period young second row Ryan Williams went close following a strong run by Callum Williams. A missed tackle from a scrum saw Betws break up field where they were awarded a penalty on 18 minutes following a high tackle from flanker Dafydd Griffiths. The kick went wide but the Magpies couldn't releave sustained Betws pressure which saw their dangerous full back step inside to score a well taken try. The conversion was scored and Betws took the lead for the first time in the game. Absorbing Betws pressure the Magpies managed to compose themselves and earn a penalty 30 metres out on 25 minutes, Hewitt calmly slotted over to close the gap to one point, 7-6. Five minutes later the Magpies got back in front with a lovely try from second row Ryan Williams. The line out was secured at the rear by number 8 Nathan Willard and the Magpies pack drove the maul into the Betws 22. Hooker Callum Williams broke away from the maul and surged forward, taking the tackle before popping inside to the supporting Ryan Williams who went over for the try to the left of the posts. Hewitt added the conversion to make the score 7-13 with 30 minutes played. On 35 minutes Betws found themselves down to 14 players when their prop was yellow carded for not rolling away at a ruck. Hewitt dissected the uprights with the resultant penalty to make the score 7-16. A man down Betws doubled their efforts and worked their way up field to again put the Magpies under pressure. On the cusp of half time prop James Stephens was shown the yellow card for killing the ball. Betws were awarded a penalty which they duly converted, 10-17 to the Magpies at the interval.

Still down to 14 players the Magpies started the second half well but their nervy stuttering attack again saw the ball being lost in attacking positions. Betws gained possession from a line out on halfway and some slack Magpies tackling saw them break up field and appear to score a try in the right hand corner only for the referee to deem that there had been crossing in the build up. Regaining territory the Magpies were awarded a penalty from 40 metres out on 48 minutes but Hewitt pulled his effort narrowly wide. Three minutes later Hewitt made amends with a successful penalty kick from directly in front of the posts. 10-19 and some breathing space for the Magpies players and supporters. Tumble were looking nervous and struggling to put phases together, a stark contrast to the fine performance against Abercrave in midweek. On 58 minutes Betws broke again and saw their full back go over for another try which was converted by their outside half, 17-19 and Magpies hearts in mouths! Again the Magpies were unable to put sustained attacks into motion and looked shaky in defence in the hot conditions. On 74 minutes Tumble were awarded another penalty which Hewitt converted with his trusty right boot, 17-22 and a bit of breathing space. The last 10 minutes were nerve racking for the Magpies support but the boys managed to see the remainder of the game, to secure a well deserved league championship.

Not a great game but on reflection a fine league campaign for the boys who have been best team in the division over the course of the season. The boys celebrated at the final whistle, the only shame being that the WRU had not arranged for the league trophy to be presented. In their 125th season the club has secured its 10th divisional title (West Wales sections and National leagues combined) and 43rd overall honour.

We now look forward to the West Wales Plate final against Lampeter Town RFC. The date and venue is yet to be confirmed.

Da iawn bois.

Ymlaen Y Piod