Match Report:
The Magpies eased past opponents Lampeter with this five try performance at Parc Y Mynyddmawr. Right from the outset, Tumble decided to run the ball at every opportunity and Chris Morris showed the intent with a bullocking run from the kick off into the visitors 10 metre line. The ball was recycled quickly and wing Richard Rees took play into the 22. Lampeter infringed and up stepped Steven Hewitt to slot over the first of his 15 point haul.
Lampeter then almost produced a try when No.8 Thomas drove from a lineout only for Rees to show his defensive ability to tackle and turn his man, Cerith Humphries produced a long touch finder to relieve the pressure. Centre Jeremy Davies released Rees once again and smart interpassing took play some 25 metres out from Lampeter's line only for the ball to be thrown forward. The ensuing scrum saw Tumble's prop the ebullient Huw Evans destroy his opposite number and with the scrum being pulled down, up stepped Hewitt to kick his second penalty. Five minutes later, Tumble's backs featured when slick handling gave Richard Rees the opportunity to score an unconverted try wide out. During this period, Lampeter replied with a solitary penalty.
With Tumble receiving a succession of good ball from lineout work by Goddard and Dumbrill, scrum half Aled Evans was able to release his backs. A fine passage of play saw Rees and centre Lee Jones use smart interpassing and, with a ruck forming five meters from the Lampeter line, up charged captain Derek Lewis to cross for a try which Hewitt converted. Lampeter were by now on their knees and with their tight head been given a yellow card, the Magpies capitalised. Prop Clive Morgan played solidly throughout and, with hooker James Jones a live wire in the loose, it wasn't long before the next try came. Jeremy Davies made a break in midfield, found support to hand in Nicky Allinson and his silky run was stopped 20 metres out. Tumble's forwards regathered, mauled to the line and flanker Paul Davies scored the converted try.
On the stroke of half-time they kept their best move when all backs handled from deep inside their own half. Lee Jones linked twice with Rees and Jones' final break gave the scoring pass to Hewitt who went over wide out. The crowd were looking forward to a sparkling second half but, as it turned out, were disappointed.
Lampeter opened the scoring ten minutes into the second half when a break by outside half Thomas split the Magpies defence and flanker Llion Russell was on hand to score a try which went unconverted. Hefin Dumbrill's good lineout work continued but tumble's backs too often were guilty of cutting back inside into traffic or holding the ball too long. Several opportunities went begging but still they persisted in this tactic. The visitors were camped in their own half throughout and they defended resolutely against the probing runs of Lee Jones, Rees and Allinson. With the game beginning to drift, a kick from Hewitt was marked by the opposition. Taken quickly, the ball was booted upfield, gathered, kicked again and a cruel bounce for Tumble gave wing Morgan the easiest of tries in the corner. Tumble were still in the ascendancy, but could not add a further score. Derek Lewis and fellow forward replacement Mike Powell went close as did Hewitt and Lee Jones. Their reward came two minutes from time when the backs split the visitors defence, Powell linked with Lee Jones and, with the ball moved wide, Richard Rees flew into the corner for the final try. Substitute Matthew Jones impressed as did Gareth Jones but there must be some concerns over their ability to bury weaker opposition and will be severely tested at the end of the month, 30th December, when they travel away to table toppers Aberystwyth.
They will need to display the same commitment and passion shown as they did away to Llangefni if they are to get anything from this trip.
---Steve Lewis
