Division Four South West

Aberavon Green Stars 22 Cwmgors 16

In a top of the table encounter that could have swung either way, Green Stars came out on top to steal a seven-point lead at the top of Division Four South West.

Cwmgors, despite the rare defeat, remain in second place with two games in hand and destiny in their control.

The home side showed their undoubted quality in the first half, and after a very tough, but close opening half, a series of decisions went against the Cherries, and the hosts capitalised to notch a brace of converted tries and a handy 12-0 half-time lead.

Cwmgors were right back in the game four minutes into the second half when a catch-and-drive move paid dividends as man-of-the match second-row Liam Jones drove over for the try. Steff Rees added a superb conversion from the touchline.

With the momentum swinging Cwmgors’ way, they were dealt a bitter blow on 55 minutes when influential second row Richard Gregg suffered a serious elbow fracture.

Cerith Dennard replaced the stricken Gregg after a long delay while the sides waited for an ambulance and Cwm’s momentum stalled.

The visitors kept at it and a brace of Steff Rees penalties edged his side 13-12 ahead, but back came the home side and they regained the lead with a penalty.

The crucial score came when the referee deemed Cwmgors had offended and raised his hand for a penalty try.

This was another excellent team performance from the Cherries despite the loss, and they gained due reward near the end against a very good side when a late Steff Rees penalty earned them a valuable losing bonus point.

A crucial week for Cwmgors begins with a home fixture against Cefn Cribbwr on Saturday (2.30pm) and return to Parc y Werin on Wednesday, April 23 (6.30pm) for the visit of Briton Ferry.