Match Report:

Tumble had nine changes from the team which beat Mumbles in last season's Bowl Final but this league encountered showed that there is some way to go before the Magpies can compete with bigger and stronger opposition.

The early exchanges saw Tumble exploit a lethargic Mumbles side and, given better ball handling skills, they could have scored two tries in the first five minutes. As it was, their only reward for this pressure was a penalty from the boot of Steven Hewitt.

Nicky Allison showed a swift turn of foot and chased the box kicks from Cerith Humphries well. With Mumbles on the back foot, Tumble's forwards were able to use both ruck and maul effectively and the front row of Clive Morgan, Kenny Jones and hooker Mike Powell were a constant thorn to Mumbles. The home team however were absorbing this pressure and, with relieving kicks from outside half Harries, hard ground gained by Tumble was lost. Mumbles then began to use their big forwards to drive at the Magpies and some stern defence from diminutive flanker Garry Williams, supported by Derek Lewis, stopped some promising moves.

With Mumbles probing for weaknesses by using the blindside off both scrum and ruck, Tumble's promising flanker youngster Aled Lewis was kept fully occupied. They continued to maul their way upfield and Tumble put in a relieving kick to stop the onslaught. The ensuing lineout enabled Mumbles to regather the ball and, with some fleetfooted work by winger Hopkins who split the defence, flanker Wright was on hand to touch down for an unconverted try after 25 minutes play.

Tumble soldiered gamely onwards and the new centre pairing of Matthew Lemon and Rhys Jones showed promise but it was their defensive qualities that came to the fore. With halftime looming, Hewitt kicked his second penalty to restore Tumble's lead and sparked thoughts of a shock win against the current leaders.

The second half was dominated by Mumbles and the lineout work of Hefin Dumbrill and Jeremy Goddard was now coming under pressure. Aled Evans at scrum half was providing a good link between forwards and backs but was often having to play on the back foot. With Mumbles using the slope to their advantage, they made inroads into Tumble territory and retook the lead following a late take, Davies added the three points.

This spurred on Mumbles and two minutes later, were able to drive over from close range for a converted try. With Tumble, now falling off tackles, a further score came when Mumbles again drove over from 15 metres out for another converted try.

Seventeen points in a 10 minute spell had sealed Tumble's fate but they manfully stuck to their guns and Gareth Jones had some nice running which should have produced better results but for lack of support. Tumble used their replacements to cover for tired legs and Jeremy Davies at centre put in some strong tackling as did Matthew Jones.

With the home side looking for the bonus point, attacks were coming frequently and it was only a matter of time before and rolling maul in the visitors 22 provided the fourth try which Davies converted.

Five minutes remained and Tumble got everything right when backs linked with forwards and the ball was kept in hand. A break by Allinson, support was on hand and the slipped pass to Rhys Jones at centre saw him outstrip the defence for a try which Hewitt converted.

Tumble entertain Loughor at home next Saturday in a game where the win is vital for the home side if they are to build momentum for the season.

Steve Lewis