Category: Rugby

Match Report: Aberavon 10 – 16 Pontypridd
by Paul Williams

Aberavon fell to a third successive defeat thanks to a trio of second-half penalties from Pontypridd full-back Josh Phillips, but a once again very young Wizards line-up showed a great deal of promise and salvaged a losing bonus point.

The huge injury list at the Talbot Athletic Ground, in which any number of the club’s most influential players remain sidelined, has left Jason Hyatt and his coaching team with little option to give youth a chance, and a summer spent recruiting any number of rising stars has provided the Wizards with a crop of young talent that will only improve as they settle in alongside the more experienced and established squad members who are still to return to fitness.

One experienced player returning from injury was scrum-half Rhodri Cole, whose influence was evident early on as his accurate and swift service from the rucks stretched the visitors’ defence one way and then the other, being instrumental in setting up the position whereby fly-half James Davies, who is proving to be a great success following his close season arrival from Swansea, sent a superbly timed pass to Sam Jardine. The young centre, son of former Aberavon stalwart and skipper John, came onto the ball at top speed to leave the Pontypridd defence clutching at thin air as he raced clear to the posts for Davies to add the conversion.

Alas the high hopes arising from such a fine start were ultimately dashed. After an untidy spell that saw scrum penalties awarded against both teams, the visitors were awarded a penalty try after a five-metre scrum wheeled around and broke up, with the referee ruling that a probable try would have resulted but a transgression on the part of the home front row, the nature of which was a mystery to most onlookers. Davies added a penalty to give his side a penalties.

On a positive note, the Wizards had clearly worked hard to eradicate the defensive errors that had been their undoing at Merthyr a week earlier, and at no time did Pontypridd look likely to cross the home line, but ultimately they were able to hang on and claim the win, although the Wizards did have one golden try-scoring opportunity late on after the visitors’ defence had again been stretched left then right, but the final pass went to ground and the opportunity was lost.

The run-up to Christmas sees the Wizards facing a tough schedule, with just the one home match against high-flying Ebbw Vale sandwiched between a trip to Cardiff and successive trips to Llandovery as they face the Drovers in Cup and League on consecutive weekends.

Date:
Saturday November 18th, 2023

Score:
Aberavon 10 – 16 Pontypridd

Aberavon Team:
Scott Delnevo (rep Stef Andrews 50 min); Jay Baker (rep Bradley Roderick 62 min), Frankie Jones, Sam Jardine, Chris Banfield; James Davies, Rhodri Cole (rep Aron Hemmings 56 min); Rowan Jenkins (capt) (rep Jordan Walters 62 min), Cameron Lewis, Chris Davies, Shay Smallman, Rhodri Hughes, Rhys Thomas, Travis Huntley, Iestyn Davies (rep Cameron Loveys 50 min).

Replacements Not Used:
Ellis Major, James Clegg, Morgan James.

Notes:
Sam Jardine appeared from Cwmavon RFC; Iestyn Davies & Ellis Major appeared from Tondu RFC; Cameron Loveys & James Clegg appeared from Trebanos RFC; Morgan James appeared from Penclawdd RFC.

Aberavon Scorers:
T – Sam Jardine
C – James Davies
P – James Davies

Pontypridd Scorers:
T – Penalty Try
P – Josh Phillips (3)

Referee:
Elgan Williams

Man Of The Match:
1 – Sam Jardine
2 – Rhodri Cole
3 – Chris Banfield

Time Line:
07 min: Aberavon – T – Sam Jardine & C – James Davies (7 – 0)
24 min: Pontypridd – T – Penalty Try (7 – 7)
30 min: Aberavon – PG – James Davies (10 – 7)
40 min: Half Time
43 min: Pontypridd – PG – Josh Phillips (10 – 10)
50 min: Pontypridd – PG – Josh Phillips (10 – 13)
60 min: Pontypridd – PG – Josh Phillips (10 – 16)
69 min: Pontypridd – Yellow Card – Ben Burnell
70 min: Aberavon – Yellow Card – Rhys Thomas
80 min: Pontypridd – End Yellow Card – Ben Burnell
80+1 min: Aberavon – End Yellow Card – Rhys Thomas
80+2 min: Pontypridd – Yellow Card – Macauley Cook
80+5 min: Full Time

Action Replay (Pontypridd Programme Notes)

Merthyr 49-35 Aberavon
Indigo Premiership, 11th November 2023
by Paul Williams

Aberavon head coach Jason Hyatt summed the result up perfectly: “Delighted to have scored 35 points away from home, particularly with such a young team, but disappointed that our defence conceded some soft tries.”

Perhaps the main point to take away from that was the relative youth of the matchday squad. With in the region of a dozen established squad members missing for a variety of reasons (mostly injuries, some, such as skipper Joe Gage, last seasons Player of the Year Andrew Waite, openside flyer Casey Williams, and experienced scrum-half Rhodri Cole), the Wizards’ summer recruitment policy of concentrating on attracting up-and-coming young talent seems to be paying off. There have certainly been some impressive debuts thus far this season, and despite the margin of defeat in this high-scoring match, it should not be forgotten that the Wizards did earn a bonus-point as they crossed the Merthyr line that all-important fourth time when Aron Hemmings touched down after a brilliant passage of play that saw the ball move through numerous pairs of hands before the try was scored.

The opening quarter was a frenetic affair. Merthyr were quick off the mark with a first-minute try from Lennon Greggains, converted by Josh Lewis, and ten minutes later Lewis added a penalty to take it to 10-nil before the Wizards gained a foothold in home territory and quick passing across the backline ended with Chris Banfield flying in at the left-hand corner for an unconverted try.

The home side responded with a try from Ethan Lloyd, again converted by Lewis, but James Davies kicked a penalty to take the score to 17-8 before an absolute beauty of a try came from young centre Sam Jardine, who regathered Davies’ perfect kick over the midfield defence and went racing clear to score at the posts, with Davies’ conversion narrowing the margin to just two points.

Merthyr wing Teri Gee went in at the corner for an unconverted try on the half-hour mark, and although Davies pulled back another three points with a penalty, Liam Wiggins crossed for Lewis to convert, making it 29-18 at the interval.

Davies opened the second-half scoring with yet another penalty as Merthyr’s discipline began to fray at the edges, but Lewis extended the lead with a try and conversion, then added a penalty to make it 39-21, but even faced with what looked like a commanding lead, the Wizards were not done. Lock Shay Smallman, who has been consistently on superb form this season, crashed over for a try that Davies converted. The home side responded with a try from Ben Jones, again converted by Lewis, but still the Wizards refused to throw in the towel, and an attack launched from deep inside the Aberavon half saw play travel from left to right, with a storming touchline run from Rhys Thomas paving the way for Hemmings to touch down and Davies to convert.

There was still time left but, alas, the home side redoubled their defensive effort and the only further score was a penalty from Lewis ten minutes from time.

To the neutral onlooker, this was undoubtedly a spectacular match, and credit must also go to referee Dewi Phillips, who maintained order without being overbearing, and clearly enjoys his rugby. At a time when rugby union officiating is constantly under the microscope, not necessarily for the right reasons, Mr Phillips’ approach made for a refreshing change from the constant stop-start TMO interventions and referrals to “the bunker”. All that should be required are two teams to want to play rugby, and a referee who can keep order while allowing them to do so.

Paul Williams (Pontypridd Programme Notes)

Be Positive…

I’m afraid I couldn’t think of another word to add to the title above, thus transforming it into one of those three-word slogans that popped up everywhere during the dark days of the 2020 lockdown, so I’m afraid I’m left with a headline that sounds remarkably like my blood group (really). However, even after two successive away defeats, we should be looking for the positives in team performances that were far from devoid of merit.

Jason Hyatt and his small band of coaches spent the summer looking not to recruit a large collection of expensive would-be superstars to strengthen the Aberavon squad, but instead took a longer view of the situation and instead looked to invest in the future, drafting in a crop of talented youngsters who have been gradually introduced into matchday squads during the past few weeks, and have proved their worth at a time when a disproportionate number of more experienced, established squad members have been out of action, mainly due to an injury list that could half-fill the A&E waiting room at Morriston Hospital.

Two bonus points were picked up from the long trip north to Colwyn Bay, while probably a matchday squad with the youngest average age seen for many a year in Aberavon colours travelled to Merthyr and, but for some erratic defensive moments, could have ended with a very different result. Travelling away from home to one of the more difficult grounds to visit, and coming away having scored 35 points is no mean achievement, and we can rest assured that the focus at training will now be very much on tightening up the defence.

Like ourselves, Pontypridd have had something of a mixed bag of results thus far this season, and sit with us amongst those clubs occupying a mid-table group starting with Merthyr in 5th position going down to RGC 1404 in 11th, with just five points separating first to last. Ponty will arrive here today full of confidence having produced a solid 35-18 victory over Swansea at Sardis Road last weekend.

For those of us who’ve been following Premiership rugby for the last two decades and more (and there are plenty of us), seeing Pontypridd outside the top three or four in the division still raises an eyebrow or two; they were amongst the leading lights for numerous seasons. I’m sure there will be plenty of suggestions as to why this is the case. The emergence, perhaps, of a financially flush Merthyr rising to the top division to compete for talent in the area, as well as possibly the introduction of a policy at regional level to concentrate academy talent at one club irrespective of where the talent originated, geographically speaking (sounds familiar). Nevertheless, they remain formidable opponents on their day, as evidenced last season when they bounced back from a heavy defeat at the hands of the Wizards at Sardis Road to overturn that outcome not once, but twice here at the Talbot Athletic Ground.

We extend to them our customary warm welcome and our fervent hopes that the weather doesn’t repeat last weekend’s havoc that led to a flooded pitch, and that we can actually see some Saturday afternoon rugby here for the first time in over a month.

Enjoy the game.

Team v Pontypridd

The Aberavon team to face Pontypridd at the Talbot Athletic Ground on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. is…

Aberavon Starting XV:
Scott Delnevo; Jay Baker, Frankie Jones, Sam Jardine, Chris Banfield; James Davies, Rhodri Cole; Rowan Jenkins (capt), Cameron Lewis, Chris Davies, Shay Smallman, Rhodri Hughes, Rhys Thomas, Travis Huntley, Iestyn Davies.

Replacements:
Aron Hemmings, Stef Andrews, Bradley Roderick, Ellis Major, Cameron Loveys, James Clegg, Jordan Walters, Morgan James.

Preview: Aberavon v Pontypridd

On Saturday at 2:30 p.m., Aberavon will host Pontypridd at the Talbot Athletic Ground in the Indigo Group Premiership.

Pontypridd secured the 10th spot in the Premiership last season, winning 5 out of 22 games.

This season, Pontypridd faced a draw at home against Cardiff and losses away to Ebbw Vale and at home to Llandovery. They then rebounded with victories against Neath (away) and Bridgend (home, earning a bonus point). However, setbacks followed with losses away to Pontypool and Newport. Last weekend, Pontypridd concluded on a positive note with a bonus-point win at home against Swansea.

In the Premiership Cup, Pontypridd suffered a 27-30 defeat to Merthyr in September.

Reviewing the history between Aberavon and Pontypridd in the Welsh National League, they’ve met 43 times, with Ponty leading by 26 wins to 16, and one game drawn. At the Talbot Athletic Ground, the Wizards hold a narrow lead of 11 wins to 10, but Pontypridd emerged victorious in their last encounter at the ground last season.

This Saturday’s game will be officiated by referee Elgan Williams, supported by Simon Rees and Martyn Jones as assistants.

Match Report: Merthyr 49 – 35 Aberavon
by Paul Williams

Aberavon head coach Jason Hyatt summed the result up perfectly: “Delighted to have scored 35 points away from home, particularly with such a young team, but disappointed that our defence conceded some soft tries.”

Perhaps the main point to take away from that was the relative youth of the matchday squad. With in the region of a dozen established squad members missing for a variety of reasons (mostly injuries, some, such as skipper Joe Gage, last seasons Player of the Year Andrew Waite, openside flyer Casey Williams, and experienced scrum-half Rhodri Cole), the Wizards’ summer recruitment policy of concentrating on attracting up-and-coming young talent seems to be paying off. There have certainly been some impressive debuts thus far this season, and despite the margin of defeat in this high-scoring match, it should not be forgotten that the Wizards did earn a bonus-point as they crossed the Merthyr line that all-important fourth time when Aron Hemmings touched down after a brilliant passage of play that saw the ball move through numerous pairs of hands before the try was scored.

The opening quarter was a frenetic affair. Merthyr were quick off the mark with a first-minute try from Lennon Greggains, converted by Josh Lewis, and ten minutes later Lewis added a penalty to take it to 10-nil before the Wizards gained a foothold in home territory and quick passing across the backline ended with Chris Banfield flying in at the left-hand corner for an unconverted try.

The home side responded with a try from Ethan Lloyd, again converted by Lewis, but James Davies kicked a penalty to take the score to 17-8 before an absolute beauty of a try came from young centre Sam Jardine, who regathered Davies’ perfect kick over the midfield defence and went racing clear to score at the posts, with Davies’ conversion narrowing the margin to just two points.

Merthyr wing Teri Gee went in at the corner for an unconverted try on the half-hour mark, and although Davies pulled back another three points with a penalty, Liam Wiggins crossed for Lewis to convert, making it 29-18 at the interval.

Davies opened the second-half scoring with yet another penalty as Merthyr’s discipline began to fray at the edges, but Lewis extended the lead with a try and conversion, then added a penalty to make it 39-21, but even faced with what looked like a commanding lead, the Wizards were not done. Lock Shay Smallman, who has been consistently on superb form this season, crashed over for a try that Davies converted. The home side responded with a try from Ben Jones, again converted by Lewis, but still the Wizards refused to throw in the towel, and an attack launched from deep inside the Aberavon half saw play travel from left to right, with a storming touchline run from Rhys Thomas paving the way for Hemmings to touch down and Davies to convert.

There was still time left but, alas, the home side redoubled their defensive effort and the only further score was a penalty from Lewis ten minutes from time.

To the neutral onlooker, this was undoubtedly a spectacular match, and credit must also go to referee Dewi Phillips, who maintained order without being overbearing, and clearly enjoys his rugby. At a time when rugby union officiating is constantly under the microscope, not necessarily for the right reasons, Mr Phillips’ approach made for a refreshing change from the constant stop-start TMO interventions and referrals to “the bunker”. All that should be required are two teams to want to play rugby, and a referee who can keep order while allowing them to do so.

Date:
Saturday November 11th, 2023

Score:
Merthyr 49 – 35 Aberavon

Aberavon Team:
Scott Delnevo; Gabe Lacey (rep Callum Carson 56 min), Frankie Jones, Sam Jardine (rep Bradley Roderick 56 min), Chris Banfield; James Davies, Iwan Temblett (rep Aron Hemmings 56 min); Rowan Jenkins (capt) (rep Jordan Walters 56 min), Cameron Lewis (rep Ellis Major 66 min), Geraint James (rep Rhys Fawcett 56 min), Shay Smallman (rep James Clegg 69 min), Rhodri Hughes, Rhys Thomas, Travis Huntley (rep Cameron Loveys 63 min), Ben Gregory.

Notes:
Gabe Lacey appeared from Porthcawl RFC; Sam Jardine appeared from Cwmavon RFC; Ellis Major appeared from Tondu RFC; Cameron Loveys & James Clegg appeared from Trebanos RFC.
Club debut for Cameron Loveys.

Aberavon Scorers:
T – Chris Banfield, Sam Jardine, Shay Smallman, Aron Hemmings
C – James Davies (3)
P – James Davies (3)

Merthyr Scorers:
T – Lennon Greggains, Ethan Lloyd, Teri Gee, Liam Wiggins, Josh Lewis, Ben Jones
C – Josh Lewis (5)
P – Josh Lewis (3)

Referee:
Dewi Phillips

Man Of The Match:
1 – Chris Banfield
2 – Frankie Jones
3 – Sam Jardine

Time Line:
01 min: Merthyr – T – Lennon Greggains & C – Josh Lewis (7 – 0)
11 min: Merthyr – PG – Josh Lewis (10 – 0)
13 min: Aberavon – T – Chris Banfield (10 – 5)
16 min: Merthyr – T – Ethan Lloyd & C – Josh Lewis (17 – 5)
19 min: Aberavon – PG – James Davies (17 – 8)
26 min: Aberavon – T – Sam Jardine & C – James Davies (17 – 15)
29 min: Merthyr – T – Teri Gee (22 – 15)
32 min: Aberavon – PG – James Davies (22 – 18)
37 min: Merthyr – T – Liam Wiggins & C – Josh Lewis (29 – 18)
40+2 min: Half Time
46 min: Merthyr – Yellow Card – Patrick McBride
47 min: Aberavon – PG – James Davies (29 – 21)
48 min: Merthyr – T – Josh Lewis & C – Josh Lewis (36 – 21)
55 min: Merthyr – PG – Josh Lewis (39 – 21)
56 min: Merthyr – Yellow Card – Jack Perkins
61 min: Aberavon – T – Shay Smallman & C – James Davies (39 – 28)
65 min: Merthyr – T – Ben Jones & C – Josh Lewis (46 – 28)
68 min: Aberavon – T – Aron Hemmings & C – James Davies (46 – 35)
71 min: Merthyr – PG – Josh Lewis (49 – 35)
80+2 min: Full Time

Team v Merthyr

The Aberavon team to face Merthyr at the Wern on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. is…

Aberavon Starting XV:
Scott Delnevo; Gabe Lacey, Frankie Jones, Sam Jardine, Chris Banfield; James Davies, Iwan Temblett; Rowan Jenkins, Cameron Lewis, Geraint James, Shay Smallman, Rhodri Hughes, Rhys Thomas, Travis Huntley, Ben Gregory.

Replacements:
Aron Hemmings, Callum Carson, Bradley Roderick, Ellis Major, Cameron Loveys, James Clegg, Jordan Walters, Rhys Fawcett.

Preview: Merthyr v Aberavon

This Saturday, Aberavon heads to the Wern to face Merthyr in the Indigo Group Premiership, with the kickoff set for 2:30 p.m.

Last season, Merthyr finished third in the Premiership, winning 16 out of 22 games but fell short in the league playoffs against Llandovery.

This season, Merthyr has won three out of six matches. They started with a win at home against Ebbw Vale, only to face a tough loss away to Llandovery. Returning to the Wern, Merthyr triumphed once again with a bonus point victory against Neath. Despite a narrow loss at home to Pontypool, the Ironmen managed to secure a valuable losing bonus point. On the road, Merthyr encountered another defeat against Newport, but finished on a high note last week with a bonus point win at home against Swansea.

In the Cup, Merthyr won 30-27 at Pontypridd in September and will host Carmarthen Quins in the quarter-final stage next month.

In their head-to-head history, Aberavon leads with 13 wins to Merthyr’s 6 in the Welsh National League, with a 6-4 advantage at the Wern. However, Merthyr emerged victorious in their last encounter at the ground last season.

Referee Dewi Phillips will oversee the upcoming Saturday game, supported by Elfyn Morris Roberts and Greg Morgan as assistant referees.

Carmarthen Quins Match Postponed

After a pitch inspection, today’s match against Carmarthen Quins has been postponed.

Team v Carmarthen Quins

The Aberavon team to face Carmarthen Quins at the Talbot Athletic Ground on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. is…

Aberavon Starting XV:
Scott Delnevo; Jay Baker, Frankie Jones, Sam Jardine, Chris Banfield; Aled Thomas, Aron Hemmings; Rowan Jenkins, Cameron Lewis, Geraint James, Shay Smallman, Rhodri Hughes, Ben Gregory, Rhys Thomas, Joe Tomalin-Reeves.

Replacements:
Iwan Temblett, James Davies, Bradley Roderick, Ellis Major, James Clegg, Travis Huntley, Jordan Walters, Rhys Fawcett.