League Two West Central

Cwmgors 3 Cwmllynfell 12

Having lost 81-13 at Cwmllynfell in October, even the most diehard Cwmgors fans might have feared the worst with their visitors’ arrival.

But the Cherries have added more steel to their game since, particularly in defence, where each and every man put their bodies on the line for the cause.

With the match switched to the Maerdy, the Tairgwaith venue drew a good crowd and the Cherries kicked off playing towards the Waun, but it was the visitors who took the lead through an early penalty.

Cwmgors more than matched their opponents, and in a very tight first half where defences were on top levelled through a penalty from the boot of centre Steff Rees.

The hosts continued to play well in the second half, where man of the match, backrow man Dylan Hills was outstanding.

But they fell behind to a second penalty after some indiscipline and, hard as they tried, failed to convert their good play into points.

With ten minutes left, Cwmllynfell’s third penalty success seemed to have taken the game away from ‘Gors, and the precious bonus point was taken away by a further penalty minutes from time.

Cwmgors deserved something from the game, but were up against a very good side which has won six of their eight league matches.

Cwmgors returned to the bottom of the table, but with games in hand, and travel to second-bottom Taibach on Saturday before visiting Ystradgynlais on February 6.