Match Report:

The Magpies started life in Division Two West with a defeat against a well organised and mobile Felinfoel team. Although they were able to compete for an hour, one fatal mistake cost Tumble dear and Felinfoel exploited the lead to add seventeen points within ten minutes.

The opening exchanges were bruising with the Magpies back row of Paul Davies, Derek Lewis and Garry Williams having to tackle throughout. The strength of Tumble last season had been a dominance in both linesout and scrum, but Felinfoel were anxious to keep ball in play and away from the static situation. The opening score of the season came from the boot of Foel's outside half Jason Davies who was to provide the home side with a masterclass in kicking from both in hand and static. He would end up with 14 points from four conversions and two penalties.

For the first half hour it was end to end stuff with Tumble's midfield of Cerith Humphries and Jeremy Davis looking solid. Chris Morris did his foraging work from second row and Hefin Dumbrill won line out ball. Despite their efforts, Tumble couldn't penetrate an organised defence and, when there was a glimpse, the ball was turned over from lack of support. Tumble suffered a major blow when inspirational James Jones at hooker limped off. The reshuffle saw Kenny Jones move to hooker with props Matthew Evans and Huw Jones for support.

A line out deep inside the Magpies 22 saw them lose the ball on their own throw and Foel centre Jones crashed over for a converted try. New winger Grant Williams had one or two runs, but a knock caused him to retire and Mattew Lemon came on as replacement. Tumble's efforts saw a drive in midfield by Jeremy Davies and a cross kick by Humphries gave speedster Nicky Allison the chance out wide but the ball was knocked on. Tumble would be satisfied with the 0-10 deficit.

A pleasing feature to come out of the game was the partnership between Aled Evans at scrum half and Richard Davies outside him. Davies kicked astutely whilst Evans needs to show a little more aggression when facing his opposite number.

Tumble reduced arrears ten minutes in when Derek Lewis went on a trade mark charge and dragged defenders with him over the line for a try which Steven Hewitt was unable to convert. Nicky Allinson again went close but the bouncing ball favoured the away team. With Felinfoel soaking up the pressure, Jason Davies increased their lead with a 45 metre penalty. This was quickly followed up two more converted tries in the space of five minutes by forwards Jacobs and Buckingham.

Jeremy Goddard and Arwyn Thomas (scrum half) came on and fitted into the pattern of play well.

The Magpies were now chasing a lost cause for the last 15 minutes and threw caution to the wind, Felinfoel were resolute throughout and, with the game secure produced some fine running rugby and support play which game them two further converted tries by Lloyd and Butcher, the latter being converted by scrum half Charlton. This gave the visitors a bonus point win.

Although beaten by a better side, Tumble were able to compete for an hour by soaking up incessant pressure. They do need to convert every chance they get if they are to stay in touch with the rest of the division. I think that Foel will be there or there abouts for promotion at the end of the season, so the Magpies can look look at this game as being part of their learning curve in the bigger league.

Steve Lewis