Match Report:

Tumble threw away four points in this Gwendraeth Valley derby against a makeshift Kidwelly outfit. The match was played in strong blustery conditions with a sprinkling of snow for good measure.

With the wind at their backs, Tumble still had to defend against a big mobile Black and Amber outfit where Phil Middleton shone. Tumble used captain Derek Lewis to drive from the scrum and he was supported well by flankers Rhys Jones and Aled Lewis. Kidwelly on the other had were expert at the driving maul and, following a succession of play in the home 22, only some desperate defending from Mark Kinnard and Matthew Jones prevented a score. The resultant scrum saw Tumble pushed off the ball and with it spread wide for Andy Francis to score wide out after seven minutes play.

Kidwelly's stocky centre Robert Walters was used for the crash ball but opposite no. Jeremy Davies held firm. With Kidwelly pushing for another score, they were spinning the ball wide only for Tumble's flying winger Gareth Jones to intercept on his own ten metre line. Pinning his ears back he outpaced the cover defence to score a try which Steven Hewitt converted.

With their noses in front, the Magpies grew in stature and, with hooker James Jones' pinpoint throwing in, Tumble secured good ball through Dumbrill. Scrum half Dwayne Evans kicked astutely and Kidwelly were on the back foot. Ben Matthews in the centre looked sharp and Kidwelly back row of Deacon, Taylor and Gravelle worked tirelessly. Tumble worked the ball free with Dumbrill and Jones. Kidwelly infringed on their own 10 metre line and Matthew Lemon secured the three points.

Two minutes later, with the visitors arguing, Lemon kicked his second penalty some 30 metres out. Tumble tried to keep the ball in hand and away from the set piece whilst the visitors still played a forward driven game. Ben Matthews made a break only to be stopped by Hollands on the halfway line. At the set piece, Kidwelly were dominant and driving mauls made twenty to thirty metres. Still Kidwelly couldn't pierce the defence of Jeremy Davies and James Jones. One break however from Kylie Jones who linked with Walters and Davies in midfield showed that Kidwelly weren't out of it. Halftime came with Kidwelly looking forward to the elements in their favour.

The Magpies started the second half with intent and soon found themselves deep in opposition territory Derek Lewis went close but a relieving kick from Jones found a safe touch. Tumble continued to win good ball at the linesout and, within four minutes of the restart, they were able to dispossess No. 8 Deacon and Lemon sprinted towards the line. Up in support was Jeremy Davies who crashed over for an unconverted try.

Kidwelly now we arguing amongst themselves and this ill discipline cost them a yellow card when Walters' backchat wasn't appreciated by the referee. Against a stiff breeze, Lemon's penalty from 30 metres was short. The Black and Ambers continued with the wrong tactic of keeping the ball tight when it was crying out for some tactical corner kicking. This played into Tumble's hands as they were able to contain the visitors forwards in loose play. Indeed they looked the more organised and disciplined. A further penalty for backchat was missed by Lemon against a strong wind.

Going into the last quarter Kidwelly woke up. Two kicks downfield had the Magpies in all sort of problems. They conceded a lineout five metres out and the catch and drive was inconclusive with the ball deemed to have been held up over the Magpies line. The ensuing scrum saw Deacon get a pushover try which Matthew Davies converted. The restart by Tumble was regathered by Kidwelly and with a smart drive, tackles by Jeremy Davies and Hewitt, were rewarded with a penalty. This time Tumble passed comment and the penalty was reversed.

The kick gave the visitors a lineout eight metres from Tumble's line and with prop Calvin Williams loitering, he crashed over for a converted try. Fourteen points in three minutes had put Kidwelly ahead and the icing on the cake came after forty minutes when a penalty in the home 22 was quickly taken by Rhys Jones. He caught Tumble napping and scored in the corner to seal victory and a bonus point.

Steve Lewis