Fixture

The Magpies travelled to Llanelli on Saturday afternoon to play New Dock Stars RFC in the first round of the Specsavers National Bowl. After last week’s disappointing defeat at Cefneithin RFC the coaches shuffled the squad and made nine changes, one positional to the starting fifteen. The boys responded fantastically to the disappointment of the previous week with an outstanding 7-55 victory which sees the club safely into the draw for round 2 of the National Bowl.

Tumble came out of the traps quickly and saw wing Mike Edwards go over for an unconverted try within the first five minutes. The lead was further extended when captain and centre Steffan Price went over for a try which was converted by his co-centre Owain Williams. Dock soon pulled the score back to 7-12 with a converted try of their own before wing Sam Jones went over for a try to make the score 7-17 to Tumble at the interval.

The second half saw the Magpies cut loose and put some great attacking moves into play in addition to some outstanding work in defence with a number of big hits. Half backs Iwan Morgan and Steven Hewitt were now controlling the game with Hewitt kicking well out of hand to give Tumble a territorial advantage. It didn’t take long for the Magpies to extend their lead when number 8 Nathan Willard (who carried well all afternoon as did his younger brother Liam) powered over for a try which was converted by Williams. The Tumble backline was now in confident mood and looking sharp and it wasn’t long before fly half Hewitt went over for another try. The extras were added by Williams’ conversion to make the score 7-31. With Dock on the rack wing Mike Edwards was the next to go over for a try, his second of the afternoon making it 7-38. The Magpies backrow was working well in combination with the Willard brothers carrying well and young Tom Miles busy at number 7 helping recycling quick ball for the dangerous looking backline. Next to get in on the score sheet was front rower Rhys Lewis who put in a great shift playing out of position at tight head prop, Williams again added the conversion to make it 7-43. Elusive full back Nicky Allinson was next to get over the whitewash when he scored his first try since returning to playing after a three-year break from the game. The conversion was missed making it 7-48 to the Magpies. The final score of the game came in the dying moments when openside Tom Miles forced his way over for his first senior try for the club. Williams added the conversion to complete the scoring, 7-55 and secure Tumble’s place in the draw for round 2 of the Specsavers National Bowl.

Man of the Match: Jack Tucker. Playing at second row the youngster was outstanding during the game with his carrying when in possession and tackling in defence. Also well done to another youngster, prop Osian Flint who carried well and made hard yards throughout the game.

The boys are back in league action next Saturday when Furnace United RFC visit Parc y Mynydd Mawr. Kick-off is at 2.30pm, come and support the Magpies.

Ymlaen Y Piod

Line-up:

15. Nicky Allinson
14. Sam Jones
13. Steffan Price (Captain)
12. Owain Williams
11. Mike Edwards
10. Steven Hewitt
9.   Iwan Morgan

1.   Osian Flint
2.   Sam Cavill
3.   Rhys Lewis
4.   Jack Tucker
5.   Gareth Beynon
6.   Liam Willard
7.   Tom Miles
8.   Nathan Willard

Substitutes:
16. Steven Rees
17. Mike Powell
18. Lee Colling
19. Alex Jones
20. Scott Jones