The Snakes of Aberdare RFC made their way to Brynmawr for a challenging clash with the Pirates, fully aware of the task ahead. This was never going to be an easy match, with Brynmawr desperate for a win and keen to make their home advantage count. Aberdare hoped to secure a season double over the Pirates, but it turned out to be a nail-biting contest.

The opening 10 minutes saw Aberdare putting the pressure on Brynmawr, camping in their half and probing for openings. However, Brynmawr showed grit and determination, holding the Snakes at bay and gradually growing into the game.

Midway through the first half, Brynmawr capitalised on their momentum. A penalty conceded by Aberdare, gave the home side a chance to open the scoring. Brynmawr’s fullback stepped up and confidently slotted the kick, giving the Pirates a 3-0 lead.

Just minutes later, Brynmawr earned another penalty, this time just outside Aberdare’s 22-meter line. Their fullback made no mistake again, doubling the lead to 6-0.

The Snakes tried to regroup, but Brynmawr maintained control, winning another penalty. This one, impressively struck from just inside the halfway line, sailed through the posts, making it 9-0. The halftime whistle blew with Aberdare trailing and struggling to find answers against a well-organised Brynmawr side.

The second half began much like the first ended, with Brynmawr in control. A penalty conceded by Aberdare gave the fullback another shot at goal, and he extended the lead to 12-0, much to the delight of the home crowd.

But just when it seemed like the game was slipping away, the Snakes found their spark. 

Aberdare began to build phases and exert pressure on Brynmawr, forcing penalties. Opting for a lineout five meters from the try line, the Snakes executed a well-driven maul, allowing Ben Staton to crash over for their first try of the game. Garyn Payne added the conversion, narrowing the gap to 12-7.

Minutes later, Aberdare struck again. After more penalties against Brynmawr, Aberdare’s forwards set up another lineout. A clever move between the hooker and prop caught everyone off guard, allowing Ben Staton to dive over in the corner for his second try of the match. The conversion was missed, but the score was now level at 12-12, despite Brynmawr’s earlier dominance.

Aberdare’s momentum continued, and their third try came shortly after. A maul surged forward into Brynmawr’s 22 before collapsing. Quick thinking and swift handling spread the ball wide, with Jarrad Rees feeding Ben Miller in space. Miller, with blistering pace, finished in the corner. Garyn Payne added the extras, and suddenly, Aberdare had turned the game around to lead 19-12.

Brynmawr were far from finished. Their fullback slotted another penalty to cut Aberdare’s lead to 19-15. Then, straight from the restart, a penalty for a tackle off the ball gave Brynmawr excellent field position. A slick attacking move drew in defenders, creating space for their winger to score in the corner. The fullback added a brilliant touchline conversion, and Brynmawr were back in front at 22-19.

With time running out, Aberdare needed something special, and they delivered. Playing with penalty advantage, Thomas Hopkins spotted space behind the Brynmawr defence and executed a perfectly weighted grubber kick. Ben Miller, showing his electric pace, chased the ball and dived on it just ahead of the defender to secure Aberdare’s fourth try. Payne missed the conversion, but the Snakes were back in the lead, 24-22.

Brynmawr, refusing to give up, launched one final assault. A gap in Aberdare’s defence allowed the Pirates to storm into the Snakes’ 22. Under immense pressure, Aberdare conceded a penalty, giving Brynmawr’s fullback a chance to snatch victory. The crowd held their breath as he lined up the kick, but to Aberdare’s relief, the ball drifted wide.

Aberdare held on for a narrow and dramatic 24-22 victory, taking home a vital bonus point. Despite the win, it was clear to everyone that Brynmawr had been the better team for much of the game. The Snakes, however, capitalised on their chances and showed resilience when it mattered most.

The players will need to regroup quickly, as another tough test awaits next week against a strong Beddau side