Fixture

Aberdare Snakes faced a challenging opening to their Championship season, succumbing 10-25 to a well-organised and seasoned Rumney side at home.

The game began cautiously, with both teams feeling each other out in a tightly contested opening half-hour. Rumney enjoyed the majority of possession, probing Aberdare’s defence but unable to convert early pressure into points. Aberdare, too, had their moments, but it was the visitors who broke the deadlock, with their impressive outside half slotting a penalty to give Rumney a slender 0-3 lead.

The Snakes, however, were quick to respond. A strong build-up of play from both forwards and backs saw Aberdare awarded a penalty, which Garyn Payne duly converted to level the scores at 3-3.

Despite an encouraging end to the half, with Aberdare applying sustained pressure, the teams went into the break still tied. Rumney came out strong in the second half, displaying their trademark offloading game, which ultimately led to their first try of the afternoon. The conversion pushed the visitors ahead, 3-10.

Aberdare’s resolve was tested, but they answered back almost immediately. A well-executed lineout maul following a penalty saw prop Daniel Shanahan crash over the try line. Payne’s successful conversion brought the Snakes level once more at 10-10.

However, Rumney’s dominance in possession and territory began to tell. With Aberdare forced to defend for long stretches, the visitors crossed for their second try, once again converted, to take a 10-17 lead. The Snakes continued to battle, displaying admirable grit and determination.

Despite their best efforts, they struggled to generate sustained possession, and Rumney capitalised on their field position to slot another penalty, stretching their lead to 10-20.

As the game wore on, Aberdare sought to claw their way back into contention, but Rumney’s defence held firm. A late try from the visitors sealed the result, with the final score reading 10-25.

Though disappointed with the result, Aberdare can take heart from a performance that, for large stretches, kept them within touching distance of a formidable opponent. For 60 minutes, the match was finely poised, but a lack of possession and territory ultimately hampered the Snakes’ chances of turning the game in their favour.

The team will look to regroup, taking the positives from this opening fixture as they prepare for next week’s away game against St Peters.