WRU Division 4 Cup Semi-Final - All Blacks stumble at final hurdle
Superb action pictures kindly supplied by DRL Photography
WRU Division Four Cup Semi-Final:
Neyland 12 - Gwernyfed 24
Venue: Ddol Wiber, Newcastle Emlyn
Referee: Owain Roberts (Shropshire) - who was praised by both clubs for his handling of the game
Assistants: Martyn Rudd (Freystrop) & Dan Tompkins (Llandyssul)
Neyland’s hopes of reaching the final of the WRU Division Four Cup was brought to an abrupt end at Ddol Wiber, the home of Newcastle Emlyn RFC, is they lost in the semi-final against a more than useful Gwernyfed side from the village of Three Cocks, near Brecon.
The All-Blacks’ opponents sit proudly in second place in Division Four (East) but although ten points behind have five games in hand and already assured of promotion with ten wins and a draw from 11 starts.
Indeed, they have also shown their credentials in this competition as in four previous rounds they have amassed a huge ’points for’ column of 170 whilst conceding only 64 points, as proof oof their capabilities.
The match was played in front of a sizeable and partisan crowd, with The All Blacks having almost 400 making the journey – but perhaps for once the occasion got to them as they fell 14 points adrift after only 10 minutes before settling down and matching their opponents in terms of possession and territory thereafter.
Gwernyfed full back Tyler Morris opened their account in two minutes and centre Dylan Skyrme added a second, both converted by outside half Joe Winfield.
Neyland had already shown they were stronger in the scrummaging department and held their own in other aspects of forward play, with their lively front row of Luke Griffiths-Dawes, Alex Swales and Seb Mackintosh joining Darn hart, Owain Evans and especially Ben Williams as good ball winners – and it was No 8 Williams who eventually broke through to score an unconverted try.
Behind the scrum, Owen Hamer tried hard to keep them going forward, despite strong opposition from Prys and Will Eckley, Callan Skyrme and Tom Lloyd, as Gwernyfed soon realised the threat imposed by Neyland full back Patrick Bellerby, plus centres Alex Codd and skipper George Williams as they tried to release wingers Henry Macbeth and Matthew Coles.
Vital third try conceded by Neyland
Gwernyfed also showed they were still a potent threat as a third try came at a vital time from centre Gethin Davies which put his side 19-5 ahead at the interval – and worse was to follow when flanker Will Eckley ploughed over to increase their lead to 24-5.
Neyland kept plugging away as Adam Peel and George Evans fought hard for possession and their efforts were finally rewarded when skipper George Williams sliced through to the line and outside half Oli Rother converted – although they were unable to add any further scores and it was deservedly Gwernyfed going through to the big day at The Principality Stadium, where they will take on Seven Sisters.
But all credit is due to The All Blacks because every member of the squad gave their all, as did coach Steve Hamer, and team manager Peter Davies, who was praised for his liaison work by Gwernyfed club secretary Peter Weavers, who also praised the Neyland team and his own players for the fact that not a single punch or example of foul play was seen and the supporters from both clubs mingled before, during or after the match.
Peter Davies responded by telling PembrokeshireSport.co.uk that the opposition had been a pleasure to work with and he also singled out referee Owain Roberts and his assistants for their performances as a team – and he joined coach Hamer in wishing Gwernyfed well in the final on a sad day for their club on a day when they gave everything but lost two much early ground to really do themselves full justice, but it wasn’t for any complacency or lack of commitment!
*Prior to the start there was a minute’s silence in memory of John Laugharne, who served Neyland as player, secretary, referee and president for 71 years before passing away last week.
Neyland: Patrick Bellerby: Matthew Coles; Alex Codd; George Williams (Capt); Henry Macbeth: Oli Rothero; Owen Hamer: Luke Griffiths-Dawes; Alex Swales; Seb Mackintosh: Adam Peel; George Evans: Dan Hart; Owain Evans; Ben Williams. Replacements: Mark James; Tal Tamila; Iestyn Evans; Andrew Slark, Fletcher Picton; Josh Watts; Delme Bateman; Jack Harries.
Gwernyfed: Tyler Morris: Will Morris; Dylan Skyrme; Gethin Davies; Jack Williams: Joe Winfield; Tom Griffiths. Prys Eckley; Tom Davies; Callan Skyrme: Tom Lloyd; Jordan Curran: Will Eckley; Tom Millington; Lloyd Ansell. Replacements: Craig Parry; Rory Mears; Scott Rees; Kyle Davies; Rhys Price; Luke Eckley; Will Powell; Jack Snape.
