Fixture

I think everyone knew that a difficult task awaited us as we travelled to league leaders Ystradgynlais today having suffered successive morale sapping local Derby defeats against Vardre and Morriston in our last two outings.

Things didn’t get better as the team took the field, the published line up seemingly despatched to the bin as No 10 was No 9 No. 12 was No 10 , Kyle (where do you want me to play) Evans an unlikely wing and the enigma that is Greeno starting in the back row !

Well let me say now before even covering the action that ensued that although we may have just fallen short in terms of a 21-16 defeat this team lacked nothing in character, attitude and hard work giving everything especially in a second half that blew away the veneer of insuperability that rests with a team sitting pretty on top of the league and offers the faithful hope for the remainder of the Season. Well done to all involved.

The game itself started well for the visitors as almost from the first attack a penalty from Ben Jenkins gave us an unexpected 0 – 3 advantage. A wounded Ystrad were quick to respond though and set the pattern for recovery with their strong pack efficiently carrying out an obviously tried and tested rolling maul game which resulted in their first try and conversion 7 – 3.

Even under the forward cosh, Birch though were trying to show some enterprise and drives by Hanno Dirksen, looking comfortable in his controlling No 10 role, Rob Green and the  animated Tom Wright gave the visitors territory in the home half. A relieving penalty though put Ystrad on the offensive and another driving maul gave them a second touch down again converted and a 14 – 3 advantage.

Ystrad were now looking in control but still the visiting side were looking to build some spirited attacks whenever in possession as Dirksen probed, Gorvett , Richards and Green up front and Butler and the powerhouse Josh Jarrett behind tested the mettle of the home defence. Home forward power prevailed however and from another useful attacking position on this occasion the home forwards enlisted the rare assistance of their backline and a tempting chip over the advancing Robins defence resulted in a run in touch down, conversion and a handsome 21 – 3 half time lead.

Where was this going you thought as the second half kicked off. They are top of the league, their forwards are on top they are going to turn the screws and our heads may drop. Well, nothing could be further from the truth. Josh Jarrett didn’t just throw down the gauntlet, he hurled it with a vengeance. His 60 yard run to the line was a spectacle of raw power and determination, smashing through defenders like a wrecking ball. It wasn’t a try it was a Statement. 21- 8 He even had the audacity to try the same trick a few minutes later , falling just short !,

A stunned Ystrad seemed to lose their way a little and desperate to regain control resorted to kicking their way to territorial advantage. But their efforts were met with fierce and positive response as it was Birch who were now surging forward with renewed vigour turning the tide of the game. Rob Green was held up near the line, Chris Gorvett was next in line, the backs through Dirksen, Jarrett and Jenkins were joining in the pressure game and even the stalwart home fans around me grudgingly admitted we were worth a score.

The home defence held but even their clearances were now looking laboured and rushed as if they were under siege. The pressure was mounting and every home kick now seemed to be an attempt to stave off the inevitable. With a touch of arrogance that can only be associated with confidence the visitors upped the anti and chose the bold option of a penalty scrum as they sought to turn dominance now in to points. A solid scrum, assured progress through the phases and the gamble paid off as Rob Green with the support of his teammates bulldozed his way to a pushover try. A moment of sheer determination and teamwork leaving the opposition reeling 21- 13.

Was the game now there for the taking? Well, you would have bet on it but the great leveller- the clock – had other plans. With time running out, a penalty under the posts left us no choice but to ask Ben Jenkins to step up and kick for a losing bonus point 21-16. Some may say not full reward for such a hard fought, sterling effort from all involved and evidence of a commitment and attitude if maintained for future games should see us comfortably retain our position in this league.

Plenty of Man of the Match candidates all over the field but the independent panel which included an away supporter (actually the father of their Coach) chose as follows :-

Ben Jenkins – resolute throughout whilst playing out of position
Chris Gorvett- his usual composed performance
Josh Jarrett- the epitome of raw power, drive and physicality, a huge  60 yd try and another similar break
Hanno Dirksen- Composure, strategic play and experience under pressure

The award goes to Hanno Dirksen.

Next week Nantyfyllon home- looking forward see you there.