Division Three West A

Trimsaran 23 Penybanc 10

In what can only be described as Arctic conditions, Penybanc started well against a Trimsaran side who had comfortable won the same fixture last season.

With a strong, swirling wind at the Tigers’ backs, a series of raking touch-finders and powerful scrums in the home 22 put the hosts under considerable pressure early on.

The visitors made the breakthrough when a superb burst from full back Wayne Williams, supported by Chris Davies and Christian Hughes, saw the latter pulled down just short of the line

However, his centre partner Mathew Brayley was on hand to pick up and drive over with fly-half Ceri Rees, playing on permit, adding the extras.

A couple of further chances were spurned with the weather worsening but Rees added a well-struck penalty for the Tigers to take a 10-0 half-time lead.

Trim used the wind well from the outset of the second half but great Banc pressure in the line-out saw them disrupt many of the home team’s throws.

The hosts were opted for a scrum five metres out opted for a scrum when, with Banc pressing forward, the referee awarded a penalty try, much to the visitors consternation.

The score brought Trim right back into the game and they soon converted two penalties to take a 13-10 advantage.

Banc tried hard to gain some territory but mistakes and indiscipline kept them camped in their own half and after a catalogue of errors, the home centre went over to take the game away from the Tigers.

With time running out, Banc threw the kitchen sink at the home team with good breaks from Rhodri Jones, Hughes and flanker Aled Danter but a knock-on on the home line saw them clear their lines. Trim scored a late try, which made for a flattering score-line, but the hosts were ultimately good value for their win.

Banc will undoubtedly view the game as one that got away, but will hope for a return to winning ways when they host an improving Cefneithen on Saturday.