Round 4. Indigo Group Premiership 2022/23

After two heavy defeats against Cardiff and Llandovery, the Ironmen travelled to face Bridgend RFC at the Dunraven Brewery Field,  for a Thursday night game under the lights.

On a perfect evening for rugby, the Ironmen started well, securing an early penalty, the Bridgend openside, deemed offside from a clearance kick. Thompson missed the opportunity to take an early lead, striking the outside of the left upright.

After five minutes and somewhat against the run of play, Bridgend were awarded a penalty on the 10m line, Paddy Mcbride deemed not to have retreated from a clearing Thompson kick. The Bridgend No. 10 Luke Price converted to give the Ravens the lead.

The Ironmen struck back with a penalty of their own after twelve minutes, the Ravens midfield found offside as they busily defended their line. Thompson converting from in front. (03-03)

The first try of the game went to the Ravens on seventeen minutes, a five metre lineout, catch and drive, seeing Evan Yardley bundle over with the support of a dozen or so Ravens lending their weight. Luke Price added the extras, extending the Ravens lead to seven (10-03).

The Ironmen’s first score came after twenty-nine minutes, Rhys Davies scoring out wide. As the five metre lineout drive slowed to a stop, Davies, looped into the blindside, taking a pass from Knoyle and hitch-kicking into the corner. The try went unconverted. (10-08). Watch the try here https://youtu.be/ka6jg_FNWVc

On the stroke of half time, the Ironmen took the lead for the first time, a sniping Tavis Knoyle crashing over from close range. Thompson added the extras, giving the Ironmen a five point lead at the break (10-15). Watch the try here https://youtu.be/CrkPF3tGmZ8

After the break, the Ironmen struck early,  Gareth Thompson’ arching run, bringing Sam Jones on a straightening scissors line, Jones driving through some indifferent Ravens tackling to score.  Thompson added the extras, the Ironmen extending their lead to twelve (10-22). Watch the try here https://youtu.be/SaqOfBi-fCs

The Ironmen’s fourth and bonus point try came after fifty-two minutes, a driving maul seeing Tom Daley eventually awarded the try, confirmed by the TMO. The try went unconverted. (10-27). Watch the try here https://youtu.be/BrPuUp6_wAw

The Ironmen now dominant, scored their fifth and final try, a cross field chip by Rhys Davies finding Adam Hoskins to score his second of the season. Thompson added the extras, via a drop kick, the ball having fallen from the tee (10-34) Watch the try here https://youtu.be/uIuimc6D0Z4

There was no further scoring for either side in the final quarter, the Ironmen emptying the bench, the game becoming more disjointed. In this period, Sam Jones had a try disallowed, Ben Jones having been considered to have taken his opposite number out in the air. Jones was subsequently yellow carded.

The Ironmen will be pleased to get back to winning ways, a win at the Brewery Field never easy. Lots of improvements across the field, Rhys Lewis showing his combative side in the loose, carrying well and making a number of good hits in midfield. Behind, Tavis showed his experience, steering a dominant Ironmen pack, making two lovely 50-20 kicks, and getting a try of his own. Rhys Davies also had a very strong game, scoring, creating and making a number of breaks. Davies offers a real footballing brain at twelve and with the like of Gee not far from fitness the future looks more positive.

Next up the Ironmen welcome the All Whites of Swansea RFC to the Wern. With Phillips getting 20 minutes, and with Locke, Rees and Burgess on the point of return, the coaching team should have a strong pool for selection.

Team. 15. Ben Jones 14. Sam Jones 13. Dafydd Thomas 12. Rhys Davies 11. Adam Hoskins 10. Gareth Thompson 9. Tavis Knoyle 1. Callum Lewis 2. Rhys Williams 3. Rhys Lewis 4. Lloyd Ashley 5. Callum Bradbury 6. Paddy McBride 7. Osian Davies 8. Tom Daley

16. Dan Wall 17. Jordan Rogers 18. Chris Phillips 19. Jack Perkins 20. Tjomas Jeavons 21. Justin James 22. Jac Keenan 23. Jarrod Cushion

Try Scorers.

1. Rhys Davies 29′

2. Tavis Knoyle 40′

3. Sam Jones 42′

4. Tom Daley 52′

5. Adam Hoskins 61′

Conversions.

Gareth Thompson x3

Penalties.

Gareth Thompson x1