Division 1 West
Gorseinon 24 Crymych 29
Crymych produced a tremendous all round team performance to upset the form book and deny previously unbeaten Gorseinon with a try from full back Gethin Gibby proving to be the match winner.
The Preselimen, who had been a touch unlucky not to steal a win the previous weekend when they were edged out by Penclawdd, travelled across the Llwchwr estuary with a much changed side.
Coaches Elgan Vittle and Carwyn Jones whose squad were missing a few players through injury were put under pressure early on as expected but with the likes of skipper Tom Powell, number eight Guto Davies and blind side Dylan Phllips putting in some big hits and stopping ‘Gors’ gain momentum they were able to take out some of the early steam from the home side and they hit back with crucial scores.
Team manager Adrian Howells said he and his team were delighted with the win especially at such a difficult place to play and commented:” Fair play this was a very good win by the boys especially when you consider that we were away from home and were forced to almost start again after a long delay.
“The boys put one hell of a shift in during that final eighteen minutes to hold out for the win and this was the reward for some hard graft and determination.”
There was very little to choose between the teams at the break with the scores at 12-11 in favour of the visitors with number eight Guto Davies having crossed for an early try which was converted by talented fly half Jake Jenkins and this was followed by a try from hooker Carwyn Rees. Alun Evans crossed for a try for Gorseinon and David Rees slotted over two penalties.
The match was held up for almost forty minutes midway through the second half with Crymych leading by a couple of points after powerful Gorseinon centre Lee ‘Bouj’ Evans had suffered a serious leg and hip injury and he was taken to hospital and all rugby followers will wish him well.
The visitors who had started the second half in style with an excellent try from full back Gethin Gibby, followed this up with three penalty goals from Jenkins but they had to regain their composure after the long delay especially with such a slender lead. Discipline was to be the key as any mistakes or penalty chances for the hosts would have proved very costly but half backs Mathew Roebuck and fly half Jenkins kept their cool and they managed to see the game out with Jenkins increasing the visitors lead to five points with his fourth penalty of the game.
Nicky Southgate and Fenton Holder ran in for second half tries for the home side.
This weekend Crymych entertain division high fliers Llanelli Wanderers, a team who have yet to lose with a record of four wins from as many starts but a warm welcome is assured for the Stradey men at Parc Lloyd Thomas.
Many thanks to Gorseinon RFC for the photographs.
