Fixture

The Snakes welcomed Penallta to the Ynys yesterday afternoon, eager to end a two-game losing streak and celebrate Daniel Lewis’s incredible milestone of 350 senior appearances.

Unfortunately, despite high hopes, it was not to be, as Aberdare fell to a well-drilled Penallta side. The Snakes battled throughout but could not overcome costly errors and a determined opponent, with the final score standing at 5-28.

Aberdare began the match strongly, controlling the opening minutes, but Penallta soon found their rhythm. A couple of penalties pinned Aberdare deep in their own half, and the visitors capitalised with a well-executed line out drive that led to their opening try, which was duly converted, taking them into a 0-7 lead.

Penallta didn’t take long to extend their advantage. An overthrown line out from the Snakes gave the Pitmen the chance to counter-attack, with the ball quickly moved across the field, exposing space on the edge of Aberdare’s defence. Penallta crossed in the corner, and another successful conversion saw the score stretch to 0-14.

The remainder of the first half saw both teams exchange possession in a competitive tussle. Aberdare showed glimpses of promise but were hampered by handling errors and penalties.

Just before halftime, Penallta struck again through an interception, with their second row setting up a sweeping attack that led to a try and another conversion. Aberdare headed into the break trailing 0-21.

Hopes of a second-half resurgence for Aberdare took an immediate hit when a knock-on from the kickoff gifted Penallta a scrum in dangerous territory. With a solid platform set, Penallta's slick handling and pace out wide led to their fourth try. The conversion from the touchline made it 0-28, securing a bonus point for the visitors.

Despite the scoreline, Aberdare's fighting spirit remained intact. They continued to battle through the second half, although both teams struggled to maintain momentum with defences forcing mistakes.

The Snakes’ perseverance paid off in the game’s dying moments. A break from the Aberdare outside half opened up space, and after several phases, Peter Richmond found a gap behind Penallta’s defence. With a clever grubber kick and a burst of pace, he chased down his own kick and grounded the ball for a late consolation try, leaving the final score at Aberdare 5 - 28 Penallta.

It was a much-deserved victory for Penallta, who executed their game plan efficiently, while Aberdare will be disappointed with a performance that fell below their usual standards.

With a week off due to the cup round, the Snakes will look to rest, recover, and regroup before their next challenge against Treorchy in two weeks. Hopefully, the break will allow some injured players to return.