The old phrase "something has to give" did not apply when the final whistle went, with RTB salvaging a draw in the dying seconds to retain their unbeaten league record, writes Peter Weavers.

Gwernyfed travelled south and returned with their own unbeaten record intact, adding a four-try bonus to the two points for a draw, just edging the bragging rights over their hosts, who scored three tries.

A large travelling supporting contingent saw a great game of rugby with the outcome in doubt from start to finish. The early exchanges probably went Gwernyfed’s way, but that was for nothing when RTB opened the score with a penalty from fly half Lewis Jayne and then extended the lead to 10 points with a try from Cory Lewis, converted by Jayne.

The green, white and blacks always looked dangerous but were frustrated by some vigorous defence and a few uncharacteristic errors. It took the old favourite rolling maul to break Gwernyfed’s duck. Cellan Skyrme found Tom Lloyd at the line-out and the pack mauled their way to the line with Skyrme claiming the five points. Tyler Morris added the extras.

Half-time had the hosts six points ahead courtesy of another Jayne penalty that was cancelled out by a Morris penalty in the first minute of the second period. But the Ebbw Vale side took advantage of a poorly fielded restart, scoring in the corner, Jayne’s conversion adding to Gwernyfed’s woes.

Sam Stephens rallied his side to great effect. For 20 minutes the Ebbw line was under siege, desperate defence resulting in a series of penalties from one of which number nine Luke Eckley took a quick tap and delivered to Tyler Morris, who went over from 10 metres out, reducing the arrears further by converting his try.

The lead was claimed with 10 minutes to go when skipper Stephens ploughed over and, when Luke Eckley was the quickest thinker again, taking a tap penalty and jinking through the defence for the bonus point try, a win looked inevitable. However, RTB showed throughout just why they are having a great season with a final effort that yielded a try in the corner. Nerves were frayed all round save for Ebbw’s kicker, Jayne, who brought the curtain down on a great game by converting from wide out. The two sides meet in the cup in Talgarth in early December - it should be a great afternoon.

Meanwhile, Gwernyfed Athletic also took on unbeaten opponents in Newport HSOB Expendables in the Dragons Athletic League. It was a ding-dong battle with both teams eager to play a fast open game, Gwernyfed eventually running out 36-29 winners. The Gwernyfed squad was made up of a real mix of old heads, including seven current minis and juniors coaches led by Section Chair Chris McGowan, and plenty of young talent looking to make a mark to push into the first team. The win means Gwernyfed Athletic sit top of the Dragons League and will be looking to build on the early season promise and continue to stay on top.