Green Army back to winning ways

 

Newtown 2nds bounced back from their away defeat at league champions Aberystwyth Athletic with an eight-try romp to beat Rhayader 54-0 at the weekend.

 

Similar to the away semi-final against the same opponents, Town struggled in the early stages of the match, allowing Rhayader to stay in touch following some ill-discipline and poor options with ball in hand. Despite crossing for two early tries through wing Tom Pelling and full-back Danny Hill, Town could not open the game up, and went into the break leading 12-0.

 

The second half was a different story. Town demonstrated their intent early by superbly exploiting the blind side as second-row Nathan Owen set Number 8 Junior Dean free to cross for this first, and Town’s third try.

 

More followed as prop Gareth Roberts showed his power to cross and centre Greg Kiely picked a fine line off veteran outside half Lee ‘Junior’ Davies to power over under the sticks.

 

Dean then picked up his second try when a set move worked to perfection to send him in under the posts, making kicker Hill’s job all the easier. Stalwart back row Gareth ‘The Waen’ Jones was next on the scoresheet, belying his years to be on the shoulder of replacement outside half Dylan Green to gratefully accept the scoring pass. Town were by now well in command, and rebuffed a late rally from the visitors.

 

They rounded the game off with a superb solo effort from Dean, who collected his third hat-trick of the season by taking the pass inside the Town half, and showing excellent pace to see off a number of attempted tackles and race clear to dot down under the posts. Hill added the conversion for a personal haul of 19 points.

 

It was a great way to prepare for next weekend’s final league game against a strong Trefyclawdd side who are also looking for a top three finish.

 

There was one blemish on the day, however, as Town lost ever-present wing Jamie Allen with a dislocated shoulder, meaning he will miss the Cup Final in two weeks time.

 

Newtown: G Roberts, R Evans, K Phillips, N Owen, N Farrington, G Jones, S Watkin, J Dean, O Thomas, L Davies, J Allen, M Pratten, G Kiely, T Pelling, D Hill. Reps: G Kelly, N Smith, A Marriot, D Green, T Yeomans, S Davies

 

Tries: J Dean 3, T Pelling, D Hill, G Kiely, G Roberts, G Jones

Cons: D Hill 7