On a very cold Saturday afternoon, the Aberdare Snakes traveled to Rumney, aiming to bounce back after a loss earlier in the season. It was a big match for the team, who were determined to get revenge for their September defeat in what had been an intense encounter. Following a well-earned break over the Christmas period after a tough match against Mountain Ash on December 21st, the Snakes were refreshed and eager to start the week with confidence. However, flu had struck the camp, leading to several changes in the first-team lineup. Despite this, the team remained positive, having won their last three games, and they were confident that they could secure a result against Rumney.
The first 15 minutes of the match saw both teams struggling to break each other’s defence, resulting in numerous errors. The game was mostly played between the two 10-meter lines, with neither team managing to dominate. While the Snakes showed glimpses of their potential, errors kept costing them valuable field position. Rumney, however, took advantage of their superior scrum in the early exchanges, earning a few penalties.
The first points of the match came from the boot of Rumney’s outside half. After being awarded a penalty 40 meters out from Aberdare’s try-line at the ruck, Rumney opted for goal and successfully slotted the three points, giving them an early 3-0 lead.
With this, Rumney gained confidence and began to apply pressure. Aberdare’s mistakes continued to gift Rumney field position, and they quickly capitalised on it. A scrum just outside Aberdare’s 22-meter line gave Rumney another penalty, which they chose to kick to the corner. The line-out was secure, and Rumney showcased their strength with a well-executed driving maul, which resulted in a try in the corner. Although the conversion attempt was missed, Rumney now led 8-0.
The first 20 minutes were a frustrating start for the Snakes, but they didn’t give up. They responded by dominating the remainder of the first half, putting the Rumney defence under immense pressure. However, despite winning several penalties and gaining good field position, Aberdare couldn’t turn their pressure into points. A deserved try eluded them in the first half, and at the break, Rumney held a narrow 8-0 advantage.
Aberdare knew they deserved more and felt confident that they could turn the game around. The halftime team talk focused on being more clinical in attack, and the players returned to the field with a renewed sense of determination.
Rumney started the second half with renewed energy, putting Aberdare under a significant amount of pressure. The Snakes’ defence held firm for the first few minutes, but it wasn’t long before Rumney was awarded another penalty, this time just inside Aberdare’s 22 meters and directly in front of the posts. The Rumney kicker slotted the penalty easily, extending their lead to 11-0.
It was a tough situation for Aberdare, as many people were questioning how Rumney had managed to build an 11-point lead despite the Snakes’ strong play. However, Aberdare never gives up. Even though the lead seemed difficult to overcome, the Snakes were determined to fight for a result.
Their efforts paid off when Garyn Payne successfully kicked a penalty in front of the posts, bringing the score to 11-3. This was exactly what Aberdare needed to regain their confidence, and they soon began to turn the tide. Rumney, perhaps sensing that they had gained an insurmountable lead, seemed to switch off. With the momentum shifting, Aberdare pushed on.
In just 12 minutes, the Snakes went from being 11-0 down to leading 11-24. The change started with the successful penalty, and from that point, the Snakes took control. They forced Rumney into mistakes and capitalised on them. After a scrappy kick by Rumney, Aberdare found themselves back on the attack. A powerful carry by Ben Staton set up the platform for the Snakes to strike, and after some beautiful handling from backs and forwards, Captain Thomas Roberts broke the Rumney defence. Roberts linked with Ben Miller, who made a break but was stopped just short of the try line. With a penalty advantage, the Snakes quickly pounced, and scrum-half Leon Caviel spotted a gap to dart through and score. Garyn Payne’s conversion brought the score to 11-10, with Aberdare closing in on the home team.
The Snakes’ attack continued, and they went straight back at Rumney. From the restart, Aberdare cleared their lines and immediately put pressure on Rumney. The home team was penalised, and Aberdare found touch just outside Rumney’s 22 meters. From the line-out, Garyn Payne charged into the defence and set up the next phase of play. A messy ruck was picked up by his brother, Jack Payne, who gained crucial yards. The Rumney defence was scrambling, and Fullback Peter Richmond identified space on the blindside. He powered through the defence, stepping outside to score in the corner. Once again, Garyn Payne converted the try, and the Snakes were now leading 11-17.
The momentum was fully with Aberdare now, and from the ensuing restart, the Snakes continued to press. A knock-on from Rumney gave Aberdare another scrum, and the visitors took full advantage. A great kick from winger Jarrad Hippsley put the pressure back on Rumney, and when they attempted to clear the ball, they kicked it straight out. This handed Aberdare another opportunity inside Rumney’s 22 meters, and the Snakes seized it.
The next line-out was executed perfectly. Ben Staton’s throw went to the back of the line, where Owen Candemir took it cleanly. The ball was quickly transferred to Leon Caviel, who passed to Owen Young, who drew in the defenders. A pinpoint pass to Garyn Payne allowed him to power through the defence and score under the posts. Garyn converted his own try, and the Snakes were now in control with a 11-24 lead.
Aberdare, brimming with confidence, looked for a fourth try to secure the bonus point. However, Rumney had other ideas. They put the Snakes under pressure and, after a period of sustained attack, managed to crash over the try line for a converted try. This brought the score back to 18-24, leaving the game wide open.
With time nearly up, Rumney launched one final attack, but Aberdare’s defence held firm. The Snakes knew they had to stay disciplined and avoid giving away easy penalties. The remainder of the match was played in the middle of the field, with both teams looking for a final opportunity.
In the dying moments, Owen Young won a crucial turnover at a ruck, earning Aberdare a penalty. The ball was kicked out to touch, and the game was over. The Snakes had held on to secure a well-deserved victory, defeating a tough Rumney team on their home ground.
The 18-24 win was a great achievement for Aberdare, who have now won four consecutive games. It was a hard-fought battle, but the Snakes showed resilience, determination, and clinical attacking play when it mattered most. But they know that they cannot become complacent as there is still a lot of rugby left to be played during the second half of the season.
Next week, Aberdare will welcome St Peters to the Ynys Playing Fields on Saturday, January 11th, for another tough challenge. The Snakes will need to continue their strong form in training this week to ensure they are ready for the next game in what is turning out to be an exciting season.