Fixture

The Magpies travelled to Bryncoch RFC on Saturday for their final fixture of Group G of the WRU Division 3 Cup and hoping to make it three wins in a row following cup and league wins over St Davids and Betws respectively. The importance of winning this game and getting some momentum after a difficult start of the campaign couldn't be underestimated. In a tight first half Bryncoch took the lead with a converted try before the trusty boot of experienced full back Steven Hewitt put the Magpies on the scoreboard with a smartly struck penalty, 7-3 to the hosts. Young tighthead prop Ashley Evans powered over for a try late in the half for a well taken try, Hewitt added the conversion to make the score 7-10, which is how it remained at the interval. 

The second half was a ding-dong affair as the lead exchanged hands time after time. Bryncoch were the first on the scoresheet when an early converted try gave them a 14-10 lead. The try looked somewhat harsh on the Magpies as it appeared in the build-up that Tumble should have retained possession for a lineout following an apparent successful 50/22 kick. Unfortunately, when it looked like it should have been a Tumble throw in at the lineout Bryncoch were allowed to take the quick throw which culminated in them scoring in corner following some smart play. Hewitt quickly closed the gap with a successful penalty making it 14-13 before he put the Magpies back in the lead, 13-16 with another well struck penalty. A third converted try for Bryncoch put them back in the driving seat with a 21-16 lead before Hewitt again struck a successful penalty four minutes later, 21-19. With fifteen minutes remaining young Magpies wing Kian O'Reilly continued his fine try scoring form when he went over for his sixth try in seven games. Deadeye goal kicking from Hewitt made the score 21-26 to the Magpies which is how it remained at the final whistle, much to the joy of the travelling contingent. 

Some impressive performances from a number of youngsters who have made a significant impact on the first team this season, including Elis Vaughan playing at seven and Ashley Evans in try scoring form at tight head prop. Scrum half Iwan Morgan, a comparable veteran at 25 put in another notable performance but player of the match goes to young Kian O'Reilly who put in another dynamic try scoring performance.

The boys now have a break for a fortnight due to Wales' autumn international next weekend against New Zealand before we make the short trip down Cwm Gwendraeth to take on third placed Trimsaran RFC. It should be a cracker of the game against the side who came runners up to the Magpies in last season's Division 3 West B championship race.

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