Division Four South West

Betws 8 Aberavon Green Stars 6

Betws have begun the New Year with new-found optimism and again served up an improved performance under the guidance of forwards coach Wayne Williams to record their second successive win - this time against the league leaders.

The homesters battled throughout with the young centre pairing of Aaron Evans and James Capper frustrating the visitors’ pacey back division.

There were excellent performances in the home pack, particularly from youngsters Rhys Phillips at prop, Daniel Marshall at wing forward, and man of the match Gareth Rees at No8.

Versatile veteran Wayne Comley - again pressed into prop duties – was on hand to help the cause and marshal the youngsters around him.

League leaders Aberavon were caught off-guard early on by the determined home defence and eventually had to settle for a long-range penalty to open the scoring after 30 minutes play.

However, the homesters hit back immediately as second row Daniel Evans put in a powerful charge to force a penalty, which scrum-half Nathan Peters converted for a 3-3 half-time score.

The visitors looked to begin the second half strongly and quickly regained the lead with a further penalty from outside-half Christian Kayfed.

However, Betws withstood the early pressure and midway through the half earned a series of penalties, enabling them to put pressure on the visitors’ line.

A series of powerful drives followed, culminating in Steffan James coming off his wing to get involved and supply the crucial pass for hooker Gareth Comley to sneak over in the corner from short range.

The visitors suffered further setbacks as a yellow card was followed by a red card for abuse of the referee.

There was no way back for the shellshocked visitors and, although they tried valiantly, Betws held out for a much-needed confidence boost.

The club completed a rare double as their seconds also won 19-12 at Pantyffynnon with No8 Scott Howells the pick of the youngsters involved.

Betws coaches Wayne Williams and Chris Morgan will be looking to build on this marked improvement in performance as they entertain Cwmavon on Saturday.