Match Report:

Tumble picked up a losing bonus point but the spoils, and with it the bragging rights, of this Gwendraeth Valley derby, went to visitors Pontyberem.

The Magpies had the best of a strong wind but were unable to turn early pressure into points. A 52 metre penalty from Hewitt sailed wide as did another 50 metre attempt from Matthew Lemon and it was left to Pontyberem's Justin Lloyd to convert their first attempt after seven minutes play from the home side's 22 metre line.

Hefin Dumbrill and Mark Kinnard secured enough lineout ball for Tumble's backs to use and Aled Evans at scrum half distributed well. Securing their own ball, the Magpies tore at Pontyberem's defence with bullocking runs from Matthew Evans and Huw Jones but the defence of Iwan Harries and Phil Rowe was holding firm. Tumble kept pressing and centre Rhys Jones' mazy run was held up short. A professional foul by Bont's captain prevented quick ball and a possible try and Jonathan Clayton was duly shown a yellow card.

The ensuing lineout from the penalty enabled young centre Ben Matthews to beat his opposite number but, with Tumble going through five phases of play, they could not breach an organised defence where Treharne stood out. Matthew Lemon chipped astutely into space and Allinson was his usual livewire self in attack.

With more than 25 minutes gone Tumble could not score and spurned several scoring chances through wrong options or poor attacking play. The did manage to level things when Dumbrill and Kinnard combined to drive at Pontyberem's defence and the midfield were caught offside. Hewitt kicked the first of his four penalties.

A further score would have eased the hesitant Tumble side and Garry Williams at flanker was outstanding in the loose. Several times both he and Kinnard were able to rip the ball from the opposition and, with captain Derek Lewis setting up ruck after ruck, it appeared as though a try would come anytime. Jeremy Davies at stand off made a break, Lemon chipped the defence, Hewitt charged through and fed Allinson, only for him to be bundled into touch on the line.

Desperate defence by Pontyberem saw them concede a further penalty from 25 metres out and Hewitt converted. The last play of the half saw Mike Powell gain hard metres for the home team, he was supported by Huw Jones and the foraging Aled Lewis but again, inexperience showed, when they kicked away possession.

Pontyberem started the second half strongly and wizened replacement prop Mike Rees bolstered the visitors scrum. An early drive took play into Tumble's half and centre Iwan Harries split the defence in two. Matthew Lemon at full back saved the certain try and the defence regrouped. This respite was brief as, from the resulting scrum, Bont pushed Tumble back towards the line. Tumble collapsed and, to the howls of the visiting supporters, the referee awarded a penalty try at the first time of asking. Lloyd converted.

This spurred on the visitors and, with Lewis dominating the lineout for Bont, a stream of possession came their way. Matthews and Jones tackled manfully in midfield as did Garry Williams and Aled Lewis at the breakdown but it was Lloyd who dictated play with long range finders and slick passing.

With an hour gone Hewitt reduced arrears to one point following handling in the ruck. Pontyberem then missed a 48 metre penalty from Sauro and Tumble kicked deep. Lemon looked solid under the high ball and Allinson made a telling break from a loose kick. Play went into the visitors 22. Pontyberem again infringed and Hewitt kicked his fourth penalty with 18 minutes remaining.

Tumble tried to play the ball tight for the last quarter and Derek Lewis, Kenny Jones and Clive Morgan were to the fore. Pontyberem kicked tactically and, gaining position via the reliable Thomas, flanker Gavin Hardin scythed the defence. Lewis was adjudged to have dived on the player and received a yellow card. Lloyd kicked the 18 metre penalty from in front of the posts.

With time running out, the Magpies could only muster some runs from Allinson and Grant Williams and, although Garry Williams was still stealing ball, Pontyberem were able to control the game to the final whistle.

A disappointing result for the Magpies but one which eases pressure on visitors Pontyberem.

Steve Lewis