Match Report:

Tumble produced an awesome display to defeat nearest rivals Aberystwyth in this five try romp. In a match that many pundits predicted would be a close encounter, the Magpies produced a brand of total rugby that destroyed their opponents in the opening quarter.

Aberystwyth started lively enough but some strong defensive tackles from Chris Morris and Alan King set out Tumble's stall from the outset. The Aber backs were dangerous but the centre partnership of Jeremy Davies and Plimmer denied any direct route. The opening score came from the Magpies after a driving maul had put the visitors in trouble. The quicksilver Garry Williams charged down the relieving kick and, with Tumble being awarded a penalty 12 metres out, some quick thinking by Aled Evans at scrum half saw him tap and go. Hooker James Jones came charging up in support and brushed aside defenders to score a try which Steve Hewitt converted.

Worse was to come for the visitors two minutes later when the trusty Cerith Humphries produced a long touchfinder. Tumble pinched the lineout through Hefin Dumbrill and, with Jeremy Davies making an incisive break in midfield, he freed Richard Rees whose mazy run was able to release co winger Nicky Allinson for a try in the corner. Hewitt converted.

By now, captain Derek Lewis and Rhodri Jones were making some telling runs to sap the defensive line and set up ruck after ruck. James Jones was always on hand to make hard yards but Humphries was content to kick tactically. His chip to the corner was hurried into touch and, with Dumbrill soaring high, he was driven to Aberystwyth's line and the impressive Huw Evans got the touchdown for Hewitt to add the extras.

Prop Alan King put in a bone jarring tackle which rallied his pack and with James Jones charging upfield, Aberystwyth were in trouble. With Garry Williams harrying scrum half Gruff Jones, Tumble were awarded a penalty 22 metres out and Hewitt added the three points. Twenty minutes had gone and Tumble were well in charge but Aberystwyth would not lie down. They came back strongly with No. 8 Evans and centre Stubbs making incursions deep into Magpie territory. James Plimmer tackled resolutely but the defence was breached when backs sped the ball for Bryn Evans to score a try which Gwilym Evans converted.

Play was frenetic despite the hot conditions and both sides showed 100% commitment to the cause. Scrum half Aled Evans grew in stature as the game went on and he linked well with Derek Lewis at No.8. Humphries steadied things behind and, with Dumbrill and Rhodri Jones ruling the linesout, a solid platform was built. Half time came with no further addition to the score.

The Magpies had an early opportunity to increase the lead but his penalty went wide as did a further attempt some five minutes later. This seemed to spur Aberystwyth but there was no way through the rock like Alan King and Chris Morris. With Garry Williams like a ferret on the floor, his work enabled Jones and Lewis to steady things. Aberystwyth then put tremendous pressure on Tumble's defence but they could not convert it into points. Tumble then rang the changes and with fresh legs on a try wasn't long in coming.

A free kick awarded to Tumble was quickly taken and flanker Paul Davies demolished the opposition back row, he fed Lewis and on hand was James Plimmer whose sleight of hand enabled Hewitt to score a try which he converted. Reshuffling the backline gave Matthew Lemon his chance to shine and he showed his class. With Matthew Evans and Mike Powell rampant in the loose and effective in the scrum, Aberystwyth conceded a penalty. Aled Evans took it quickly and Jeremy Davies reached out to score a converted try. With time ebbing away, Aberystwyth broke upfield and winger Brown looked a certainty to score only for Lemon to bundle him into touch. Humphries intercepted late on when thing looked dangerous but the Magpies were not to be denied.

Sponsors CrossHands Square Shopping Centre were well pleased with the result and captain Derek Lewis said after the game that the Magpies"… need to treat every game as if it's a cup final such is the intensity in this Division. We've seen off Aberystwyth but there's still Llangefni next week to decide the Championship. "

Steve Lewis