Saturday saw Gwernyfed welcome Whiteheads RFC from Newport to Trefecca Road in a Division 4 East league fixture enjoyed by a sizeable and enthusiastic crowd, writes Peter Weavers.

GWERNYFED 58 - WHITEHEAD 0

While the final score of 58-0 for the home side suggests a comfortable victory, this did not reflect much of the game, with Whiteheads competing strongly until the break, despite conceding four tries. 

For the second successive game Tom Morgan opened the scoring from the wing. The Llandefalle man’s opener was built upon from a rolling maul from which Cellan Skyrme was the beneficiary with the touch down.

The Gwernyfed centre partnership of Gethin Davies and Jack Williams is causing consternation in opposition defences, the pair offering a blend of strength, speed and timing. Whitehead weren’t able to resist the combination and both men touched down before the break, Davies with an interception, Williams courtesy of a sublime inside pass from his midfield partner to secure the four-try bonus point.

In the second half, the well organised home eight gained dominance, providing a stream of possession for their backs, with Gwernyfed’s midfield pairing continuing to torment their opposite numbers. This allowed the support running of the rest of the backs, most notably Tom Morgan and Callum Ferguson, to reap rewards with six tries in the second period.

Cellan Skyrme scored his second from short range but then expansive rugby was the order of the day. Calum Fergusson from full back is a live wire and he seized the moment by recording a hat-trick of tries in short order, Jack Williams touched down for his second and then powerful replacement Lloyd Powell took advantage of a tiring defence to make it a perfect 10.

The result sent the crowd to the bar in good spirits and also helped the green, white and blacks in their late promotion push. Next Saturday, all roads lead to New Panteg as the Talgarth men play their rivals for second place in the League, a win and probable promotion the prize.