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admin · Site Admin Joined: 10 Mar 2006 Posts: 94

The server is down at present - so here is the match report that will be posted. It's long.....!

TILLERY DENIED VICTORY AT THE DEATH
Abertillery BG (10) 15 Gwernyfed (3) 16
Once again these two sides produced an epic encounter that was a credit to Division 4, and once again, as earlier in the season, the outcome was decided with literally the last kick of the game. A penalty goal in the seventh minute of injury time snatched victory for the league leaders and judging from the euphoric reaction of their players and supporters, there was almost as much surprise as joy.

Tillery must be bewildered how they allowed victory to slip away having been the better side for most of the game. They completely dominated the first half and then, after falling behind and being reduced to 14 men midway through the second, they stormed back to regain a lead that they held until the very last second.

With justification they could point to some adverse refereeing decisions in an incredibly tense, thrilling final fifteen minutes, in particular one that denied a legitimate try when Luke Pegler clearly scored close to the posts. But they contributed largely to their own downfall by not turning pressure into points before the break and then failing to close out those last few seconds.

Tillery started in superb style with magnificent man-of the match Greg Lane almost single-handedly demolishing the visitors' line-out. The home side dominated all aspects of the tight game and with Edwards and Miles kicking for good field position, it was one-way traffic at this stage. Miles slotted a penalty, although he was uncharacteristically wide with two other attempts and Gwernyfed equalled matters when Skyrme landed a penalty on their first incursion into home territory on twenty minutes.

Still though Tillery dominated and they retook the lead deservedly as Penn was the recipient of some good fortune when a bobbling ball from ricocheted kick sat up nicely for him to gather and race clear and over. Miles converted, but despite camping close to the visitors line Tillery were unable to fashion another clear try scoring chance and they suffered a blow as powerful centre Geraint Langdon limped off causing them to rearrange their midfield with No. 8 Collier taking his place.

H-T: 10-3

After the interval, Gwernyfed started more determinedly and they changed tactics using what ball they won to good effect in the loose with some effective mauls. The home side seemed to have weathered the early storm though as Edwards charged down and made good ground up field with Collier in support. But they were turned over and the visitors drew level as prop Thomas finished off a rolling maul for Skyrme to add the extra points.

Suddenly the game was turned on its head as first Skyrme swivelled well to land an excellent snap dropped goal to gain the lead and then Tillery centre Lee Bowden was sent off for alleged stamping at a breakdown, although there was little or no reaction from Gwernyfed and Bowden protested his innocence.

Tillery however refused to buckle and they regained the purpose and drive they showed in the first half despite being a man down. With ten minutes remaining it seemed to have paid dividends when after battering the Gwernyfed pack close to their posts, Luke Pegler sniped, his outstretched hand clearly planting the ball over the line. The referee failed to award it though and he acted similarly moments later as Miles was driven over the line.

Eventually though the pressure told as Collier, Miles and Burrows cleverly manoeuvred space on the right flank for the supporting Lee Meredith to streak over wide out. The conversion was crucial to force Gwernyfed to score a try to drew or win but Miles' effort drifted away at the last.

As the game went into injury time, Tillery held a vice-like grip on affairs with their pack on top. But strangely in the eyes of many home supporters they elected not to attempt a penalty kick that would have almost certainly have sealed the game but rather to keep Gwernyfed hemmed in with a kick to the corner. Although they secured possession, it backfired as Edwards' kick for Penn to chase went long giving Gwernyfed a scrum back on their own 22. To their credit they spread the ball wide and with Tillery depleted in midfield they reached the home 22 where it appeared almost inevitable they would be awarded a penalty. And so it was, as Tillery were adjudged to have killed the ball and Skyrme kept his cool with a superb kick to send the visitors home deliriously happy and condemn Tillery to what seems to be a dogfight for the second promotion slot.

The Sec · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 256

Yesterdays match pictures are are available as usual on:

http://davidmason278.fotopic.net/

ian mounter · Joined: 13 Mar 2006 Posts: 84

Well done lads.
Ok so we did not get the rub of the green on Saturday but it shows the fantastic team spirit and the talent in the side.
Don't be too down - hearted - onwards and upwards and let's make Division 3 next season.
Come on supporters let's cheer on the lads they deserve our support.
Ian

Aberboy · Joined: 02 Sep 2007 Posts: 22 Location: France

Thanks for the match reports again chaps.

Hard lines Aber, and such a crucial game. Move on and keep the focus. There's plenty of games yet. Just try to avoid the banana skins!

What a GREAT International result yesterday!

England - 45 minute wonders!
Tell the coach it's an 80 minute match!

France (my adopted country) made their mark today. Laughing

ian mounter · Joined: 13 Mar 2006 Posts: 84

Concerning the Wales result - unbelievable.
It's the best time to be exiled in England when Wales triumph and for the second year on the bounce.
Did I enjoy goiong to work on Monday ?
I was even more intolerable to my English friends than I normally am and I'm a little bit better in the wallet department .
At half time I was out of pocket and looking for the nearest loaded pistol but full time!!
Had to keep reading the reports on Sunday just to make sure I did not dream the whole thing - now I'm still a fiver down where is that guy who owes me?
In jubilation
Ian