On a hot April afternoon, The Snakes travelled to Ynysddu in the Gwent valleys, fully aware of the battle ahead. The home side, fighting to stay up, were always going to bring everything. What followed was a fast, physical match in the sun with 10 tries shared, 5 each, in a real thriller.

Ynysddu came flying out of the blocks. Just three minutes in, a chip and chase by their number 12 caught us out and gave them the first try, which they converted. 

A few minutes later, the same player broke through weak tackles to get his second, and the score read 14-0 to the home side after just 9 minutes.

Aberdare were slow to start, but once we settled into the game, we found our rhythm. With a penalty advantage, scrum half Leon Caviel spotted a gap and darted through to score our first try, converted by Garyn Payne to make it 14-7.

Confidence was growing. A clever 50/22 kick by Cameron Samuel set up a line out deep in Ynysddu territory. From the maul, Caviel and Payne combined to release Thomas Roberts, who passed to Jarrad Rees for our second. Payne added the extras – 14-14.

Ynysddu hit back after a deflected kick gave them a scrum 5 metres out. They powered over with a dominant shove to earn a penalty try and led again, 21-14.

But on the stroke of half time, Aberdare hit back. After choosing a tap and go from a penalty, Connor Lacey barged through multiple defenders to score our third. Payne, cool as ever, slotted the conversion. At half-time, it was all square, 21-21.

Straight after the break, we took the lead for the first time. A driving maul from a line out rolled forward and Adam Parry touched down. Another conversion from Payne made it 21-28.

The Snakes were now in control. A clever grubber kick from Thomas Roberts led to a loose ball, gathered by Garyn Payne, who powered over for our fifth try. The conversion missed, but we stretched our lead to 21-33.

Ynysddu, however, weren’t finished. They fought hard and scored two late tries in the corner, both unconverted, to bring the game to 31-33.

Aberdare stood tall in defence, and with minutes left, earned a penalty 40 metres out. Up stepped Payne once again to coolly slot the kick and take the score to 31-36. That’s how it ended, with Aberdare holding on for a massive away win and taking home the full 5 points.

It was a tough, gritty performance in testing heat, but the boys got the job done.

We now turn our focus to a huge clash at home next weekend against Bedwas, who are pushing for promotion.

On a dry but cold March afternoon, the Snakes welcomed Cambrian to the Ynys for another hard-fought battle.

It was the visitors who started the stronger, dominating the first 20 minutes and taking the lead through a well-worked try. A half-break in a tackle saw Cambrian’s support runner cross the whitewash, with a successful conversion putting them 7-0 ahead.

Despite Cambrian’s dominance, Aberdare stayed in the fight and began to impose themselves on the game. A penalty awarded in the visitors’ 22 gave the Snakes the opportunity to strike. A well executed line out maul saw Daniel Lewis crash over for the first try of the afternoon, with Garyn Payne adding the extras to level the score at 7-7.

Now in the ascendency, Aberdare showcased their attacking flair. Thomas Hopkins spotted a gap between two defenders, slicing through the defence before throwing an outrageous dummy to beat two players and handing off a third to stroll under the posts. Payne converted again, giving the Snakes a 14-7 lead. 

Cambrian responded with a penalty, reducing the gap to 14-10.

The Snakes’ third try came from a well structured attack. A strong midfield carry by Payne was followed by a surging run from Josh Bowditch, stretching the Cambrian defence. Quick hands saw Thomas Roberts break downfield before linking with Jarrad Rees. Under immense pressure, Cambrian infringed, and with a penalty advantage in play, Adam Parry burst through a gap to score. Payne’s conversion extended the lead to 21-10.

Aberdare ended the half in style, taking advantage of sustained pressure and multiple Cambrian infringements. A deep line out set up another attacking platform, and although the visitors halted the initial maul, Kieron Parry powered over to secure the bonus-point try. Payne’s pinpoint kicking made it 28-10 at halftime.

The second half, however, was a different story. Aberdare struggled to fire, with errors creeping into their game. Cambrian capitalised, pinning the Snakes back and forcing them into repeated infringements, resulting in two yellow cards and even a brief spell with just 13 men.

Cambrian’s second try came through a dominant driving maul from 10 meters out, narrowing the gap to 28-15. The Snakes dug deep defensively, but Cambrian’s relentless pressure paid off when they opted for a scrum inside the Aberdare 22. With a numerical advantage, they powered over, converting to bring the score to 28-22.

With time running out, Cambrian threw everything at Aberdare, launching wave after wave of attacks. The Snakes’ defensive grit was tested to the limit, and the tension on the sidelines was palpable. It felt like an endless second half, but eventually, the Snakes secured possession and kicked the ball to touch, sealing a nerve-wracking victory.

Credit to Cambrian, who on another day might have come away with the win. Aberdare, though not at their best, showed resilience and determination to grind out the result.

Next up, the Snakes travel to the Gwent Valley to take on Ynysddu. 

A vastly improved performance will be needed to secure another win, as Ynysddu will undoubtedly come out all guns blazing.

On a glorious St David’s Day, Aberdare RFC welcomed Treorchy to The Ynys for a highly anticipated fixture. The Snakes were determined to put things right after their disappointing away performance against the Zebras, and they certainly set the tone early on.

The game started at a blistering pace. Within just 40 seconds, Aberdare took the lead after forcing a turnover from the kick-off. Treorchy’s defence rushed up aggressively, leaving a huge gap for Garyn Payne to exploit. Payne surged through and linked up with Captain Thomas Roberts, who ran in untouched to score the opening try. Although the conversion was missed, Aberdare had made a statement and led 5-0.

The Snakes dominated possession and territory for the next 15 to 20 minutes, pinning Treorchy inside their half. However, despite their control, Aberdare were unable to convert their dominance into further points. This allowed Treorchy to grow into the game, and they eventually got their reward when the Snakes conceded a penalty. The Treorchy outside-half stepped up and slotted the three points to bring the score to 5-3.

Buoyed by their points, the visitors began to apply pressure, forcing errors and penalties from Aberdare. A sustained period of Treorchy pressure followed, but the Snakes’ defence stood firm, repelling wave after wave of attack.

With half-time approaching, Aberdare finally had an opportunity to extend their lead. Awarded a penalty, they kicked to touch and set up a driving maul from the resulting line out. As the pack rumbled forward, Daniel Lewis was at the tail to crash over for Aberdare’s second try. This time, Garyn Payne converted successfully, sending the teams into the break with the score at Aberdare 12-3 Treorchy.

Treorchy came out firing after the restart and quickly narrowed the deficit. A well-executed cross-field kick found their winger in space, and he sprinted away to score. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful, but the visitors had closed the gap to 12-8.

Aberdare responded in the best possible way. Ben Miller gathered a high ball just inside the Treorchy half, broke through two would-be tacklers, and offloaded to Captain Thomas Roberts. Roberts charged forward before offloading to outside-half Thomas Hopkins, who finished off a fantastic counter-attack under the posts. Garyn Payne added the extras, extending the Snakes’ lead to 19-8.

The home side continued to pile on the pressure, and the bonus point try soon followed. Treorchy conceded a penalty, allowing Aberdare to kick for touch and set up another driving maul. Though the maul was collapsed, Aberdare retained possession, and Rhys Shellard powered through the defensive line to score the fourth try. Payne was once again on target, making it 26-8.

The best try of the afternoon came soon after. Owen Young, making his return from injury after six weeks out, picked up the ball on his own 10m line and spotted a gap. He danced past one defender, shrugged off another, and delivered a superb offload to Connor Lacey. Lacey sold a dummy to break through before offloading to Matthew Lloyd, who sprinted clear to touch down. Payne’s conversion pushed the score to 33-8.

With the game entering the final 15 minutes, it seemed all but over. However, Treorchy capitalised on an Aberdare mistake. A misjudged attacking move gifted the visitors a lineout deep in Snakes territory. Taking it quickly, Treorchy caught Aberdare off guard and scored. With the successful conversion, the score moved to 33-15.

Aberdare immediately responded. From a scrum just inside the Treorchy half, full-back Jarrad Rees broke through the defensive line. Though he slipped before beating the final defender, Aberdare recycled the ball quickly. A few phases later, the ball was in Rhys Shellard’s hands, and he spotted space out wide. With a perfectly executed 30-metre pass, he found Ben Miller, who cut inside past two defenders to score under the posts. Payne converted again, putting the Snakes firmly in control at 40-15.

Treorchy, to their credit, kept fighting. In the dying moments of the game, they launched one final attack, breaking through the Aberdare defence to score their third try of the afternoon. The conversion was successful, making the final score Aberdare 40-22 Treorchy.

Aberdare secured a well-deserved bonus point win, bouncing back in style after two narrow defeats. It wasn’t a flawless performance, with periods of scrappy play, but the Snakes showed resilience and attacking flair when it mattered most. Credit must be given to Treorchy for their determination, as they continued to battle until the final whistle.

Looking ahead, Aberdare know they must improve as they prepare for a tough away fixture against Bedwas next Saturday. It promises to be a challenging test, but the boys will be eager to build on this victory and cause an upset against a strong Bedwas outfit.

Next Fixture: Bedwas vs Aberdare Date: Saturday, 8th March Kick-off: 1:00 PM (early start due to Wales vs Scotland in the Six Nations at 4:45 PM)

Aberdare travelled over to the gwent valley on Saturday afternoon looking to come home with victory against a free flowing Penallta outfit who like to play rugby, The Snakes knew this was going to be another tough encounter, having been comfortably beaten by Penallta earlier in the season at the Ynys.

Determined to right the wrongs of that performance, Aberdare headed to the CoE 3G with a point to prove. The dry but cold conditions on a pristine playing surface provided the perfect stage for an enthralling game of rugby.

The game started in unfortunate fashion for Aberdare, as a mistake straight from the kickoff handed Penallta early possession. The home side wasted no time in applying pressure, forcing the Snakes onto the back foot. However, as always, Aberdare displayed their trademark resilience and defensive determination, pushing Penallta backwards and forcing errors.

As the Snakes grew into the game, they found themselves gaining momentum, with a combination of powerful carries from both backs and forwards putting Penallta under increasing pressure. Their persistence was rewarded when a penalty allowed them to kick for touch deep in Penallta territory. The visitors looked to capitalise with their ever-impressive driving maul, but credit to Penallta, who managed to stop it just short of the line.

With defenders sucked in, the Aberdare backline looked to strike. A fumbling ball landed in the grasp of captain Thomas Roberts, who spotted a half-gap in the defence. Using his strength and power, he forced his way through the defenders to score the opening try of the afternoon. Garyn Payne stepped up and slotted the conversion to put Aberdare ahead 0-7.

However, the lead was short-lived. Just two minutes later, Penallta responded with a try of their own. Their talented outside-half, just as he had done in the previous fixture, manipulated the Aberdare defence superbly, drawing in defenders before popping the ball to a supporting attacker. Although initially cut short of the line, the Pitmen had supporting runners, and a quick offload allowed them to dive over for their first try. The conversion was successful, levelling the score at 7-7.

Undeterred, Aberdare pressed forward once more. Both teams were battling fiercely to break each other’s defences, but it was Aberdare who had the upper hand in this phase of the game. Their sustained pressure forced a penalty, and Garyn Payne made no mistake in slotting the three points to edge the Snakes back in front, 7-10.

Despite Aberdare’s dominance in periods of the first half, Penallta showcased their resilience. A penalty awarded in the Aberdare half allowed their sharp-shooting outside-half to bring the scores level again at 10-10.

Then came a moment of controversy just before halftime. Aberdare, looking to attack from deep, attempted a chip over the top. The Penallta fullback gathered the ball, stepping between two defenders and making a break. With no support around him and Aberdare defenders closing in, he executed a speculative chip over the defensive line. The ball appeared destined for the dead ball line, but the fullback managed to flick it back into play while seemingly nudging Thomas Hopkins out of the way. The supporting winger dived on the ball to claim a try, the referee awarded the score. The conversion was successful, sending Penallta into halftime with a 17-10 lead.

A bruising first half ended with Penallta ahead, but Aberdare knew they were very much in the contest with a massive 40 minutes to come.

The opening quarter of the second half saw both teams going toe-to-toe, searching for the decisive breakthrough. 

It was Aberdare who struck first in sensational fashion. Ben Miller intercepted a pass deep inside his own 22m line and showed his blistering pace to race the length of the field and score in the corner. Garyn Payne kept his perfect record intact with another successful conversion, and the Snakes were back level at 17-17.

With confidence soaring, Aberdare seized the initiative. A loose ball in a ruck was pounced on by prop Nathan Terry, who displayed excellent footballing skills to hack the ball deep into Penallta’s 22. With only one defender back, the Penallta player had no choice but to ground the ball over his try line, awarding Aberdare a five-meter scrum.

Sensing a golden opportunity, the Snakes went for the kill. A powerful shove from the scrum forced Penallta backwards, and the referee awarded a penalty try to the visitors. Now leading 17-24, Aberdare were in control and looking strong.

However, as in the first half, a lapse in concentration from the kickoff proved costly. Penallta immediately regained possession and found space out wide to score in the corner. Their outside-half then produced a sublime conversion from the touchline, bringing the score back to 24-24.

With the game on a knife edge, it was always going to come down to a single moment. Unfortunately for the Snakes, that moment belonged to Penallta. 

With just nine minutes left, their fly-half delivered a perfectly weighted grubber kick behind the Aberdare defence, and a supporting runner managed to gather the ball just in time to touch down for Penallta’s fourth try. The conversion was again successful, giving the home side a 31-24 lead.

Despite the setback, Aberdare refused to go down without a fight. Throwing everything at the Penallta defence in the closing minutes, they battered away at the home side’s line. With the final play of the game, Aberdare earned a penalty and kicked to the corner, setting up a crucial lineout five meters from the try line.

As the rolling maul surged towards the line, hooker Connor Lacey spotted a gap and broke away, diving for the try. The Aberdare players erupted in celebration, believing they had snatched a last-gasp try. However, in a devastating twist, the referee ruled that the ball had been held up over the line, denying Aberdare the score and bringing the game to an end.

Final score: Penallta 31 – Aberdare 24

The performance was nothing short of excellent. Small errors ultimately cost the Snakes a famous victory, but they should hold their heads high after pushing one of the division’s top sides to the limit. They leave with a losing bonus point and the knowledge that they competed fiercely against a formidable opponent.

Credit to Penallta for their resilience and ability to withstand Aberdare’s onslaught, but the Snakes will take plenty of positives from this performance.

With a well-earned break due to the Six Nations and a bye week, the squad will have time to rest and recharge before their next challenge. They return to action on Saturday, March 1st, when they welcome Treorchy Zebras to the Ynys. 

After the dramatic events of their last encounter, Aberdare will be eager to settle the score and secure a much-needed victory.

The Snakes welcomed Beddau to the Ynys on a chilly Saturday afternoon, hoping to extend their winning streak against a Beddau side that has been in excellent form all season. With just one loss in the league, the visitors were full of confidence coming into the match, but Aberdare knew they would need to be at their best to get a result against such a strong team.

From the very first whistle, both teams came out with real intent, eager to dominate. Aberdare looked to start the match fast, but it was Beddau who took the early initiative. A couple of uncharacteristic errors from the home side handed the visitors a penalty and great field position. Within just four minutes, Beddau found themselves deep in Aberdare’s half. Choosing to go for the corner, Beddau secured the line out and set up a powerful driving maul. Despite Aberdare’s efforts to stop the advance, Beddau’s hooker found a small gap at the side of the maul, diving over to score the opening try.

Although Beddau missed the conversion, the visitors were ahead 0-5 after just four minutes.

Aberdare quickly bounced back. Following a clearance kick from Beddau, Jarrad Rees did well to gather the ball in midfield. The home side set up a quick ruck, and when Beddau were caught offside, Aberdare were awarded a penalty. Opting to go for touch, the Snakes set up a maul from the line out just five metres from the Beddau try line. It didn’t take long before Aberdare’s forwards powered through the defence, with Kian Carter breaking free to score. Garyn Payne added the extras, and the home side now led 7-5.

After both teams had exchanged tries so early on, you might have expected a flurry of scores, but the first half was instead dominated by defences. Both sides went at each other, looking for gaps, but neither team was able to break through again. The Snakes defended well, with Beddau also managing to nullify Aberdare’s attacking threat. Despite the frantic pace, both teams stayed solid in defence, resulting in a tense and highly competitive first half.

At halftime, Aberdare led 7-5, a fair reflection of a closely contested 40 minutes.

The second half began much the same as the first, with Beddau applying pressure from the off. A clever 50/22 kick set up a line out in Aberdare’s 22-metre area, and Beddau wasted no time launching a series of attacking phases. After nine phases of hard work, the Beddau attack found a gap on the outside. The Beddau player used sheer power to break through the tackle, diving over to score in the corner. The conversion was successful, and Beddau now led 7-12.

Aberdare refused to be outdone and hit back almost immediately. On his 100th senior appearance, Aberdare captain Thomas Roberts made a brilliant break down the outside of the Beddau defence. He gained significant ground before setting up a quick ruck. With Beddau on the back foot, Thomas Hopkins stepped inside to draw in defenders, and a powerful carry from Daniel Lewis further stretched the Beddau defence. The pressure told, and a well-timed pass from Matthew Lloyd found Garyn Payne, who spotted space behind the defence and delivered a perfectly weighted grubber kick for winger Jarrad Hippsley to chase down. Hippsley gathered the ball to score a fantastic try. Although the conversion was missed, the score was now 12-12.

With the momentum firmly with the Snakes, they looked to press home the advantage. A Beddau line out was overthrown, and Aberdare’s Rhys Shellard seized the opportunity, showing remarkable pace and agility to make significant ground before being tackled just short of the Beddau 22-metre line. With Beddau scrambling in defence, Aberdare moved the ball quickly through the hands. A lovely pass from Roberts found winger Ben Miller in space, and Miller finished expertly in the corner to put Aberdare ahead again. The conversion was missed, but the Snakes led 17-12, having put themselves in a strong position against their high-flying opponents.

As the game neared its final stages, Beddau proved their class once again. After winning a penalty in midfield, they opted for a line out, and once again, they set up a driving maul from deep within Aberdare’s half. The home side’s defence couldn’t hold, and Beddau’s forwards rolled over the try line to level the score at 17-17. The conversion was missed, but with just 15 minutes left, it was all to play for.

With both teams searching for the winning score, it was Beddau who would seize the opportunity. Aberdare were reduced to 14 men after receiving a yellow card for repeated penalties. The visitors opted for a scrum just five metres out from Aberdare’s try line, sensing a chance to push for a fourth and match-winning try. With the man advantage, Beddau dominated the scrum, driving Aberdare backwards. The referee adjudged that Aberdare had infringed at the scrum, and awarded a penalty try to Beddau. This gave Beddau a 17-24 lead with just 10 minutes remaining.

Despite a spirited effort from the Snakes to get back into the game, they were unable to break down Beddau’s defence, and the match ended with the visitors claiming a 17-24 victory.

While it was Beddau who came away with the win, Aberdare can hold their heads high after a fiercely contested match. The Snakes showed plenty of character and resilience, and although small margins ultimately went the way of the visitors, it was clear that Aberdare gave everything they had in the game.

Aberdare’s effort throughout the match was commendable, and they can take plenty of confidence from the performance. On another day, the result could have gone in their favour, but it wasn’t meant to be this time.

Next up for Aberdare is a trip to Penallta, a match that the Snakes will be targeting as one where they can get back to winning ways. After such a strong display against Beddau, the team will be full of confidence as they head into the next challenge. If they continue to play with the same intensity and quality as they did against Beddau, there’s every reason to believe that Aberdare can come away with a victory.

The Snakes should be proud of their performance on Saturday and are already looking ahead to the next challenge

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

The Aberdare Snakes welcomed Glamorgan Wanderers to the Ynys on a crisp Saturday afternoon with a point to prove. After two previous defeats to the Wanderers earlier in the season, the home side was determined to turn the tide and keep their winning streak alive. The Snakes didn’t disappoint, delivering a high-octane performance that ultimately secured a bonus-point victory, 31-25, in a pulsating match.

Aberdare couldn’t have asked for a better start. Straight from the kick-off, the Wanderers fumbled possession, gifting the Snakes an opportunity to attack. A few sharp carries through midfield laid the platform for outside-half Thomas Hopkins, who capitalised on a defensive gap. With a dummy, a sidestep, and a burst of pace, Hopkins glided over the try line within 40 seconds. Garyn Payne added the extras to give Aberdare an early 7-0 lead.

This fast start epitomised the Snakes’ game plan: strike quickly and put the Wanderers under pressure. The home side had clearly taken lessons from their previous encounters, where slow starts had cost them dearly.

The Wanderers were not about to be overwhelmed. Following a penalty deep in Aberdare’s 22, they opted for a line out, setting up a driving maul that rumbled ominously towards the try line. Breaking off from the maul, a Wanderers forward powered over to score their first try. The conversion attempt drifted wide, leaving the score at 7-5 after just five minutes of play.

For 15 minutes, possession see-sawed as both sides sought to gain the upper hand. Aberdare eventually broke the deadlock with a try that exemplified their attacking flair. A deft grubber kick from Thomas Roberts led to a chaotic bounce, eventually landing in Jarrad Rees’s hands. Quick offloads from Rees and Ben Miller fed Hopkins, who set up a series of powerful midfield carries.

From there, Payne and Kian Carter combined brilliantly, with Carter delivering a sharp offload to second-row partner Kieron Parry. Carter then picked up the ball from the ensuing ruck and dived over the line for the Snakes’ second try. Although the conversion was missed, Aberdare led 12-5 after 22 minutes.

The Wanderers, however, struck back with an impressive counterattacking try. Turning the ball over deep in their half, they exploited space on the outside with precision passing. Their winger’s pace and agility created opportunities, and after a series of offloads, they scored under the posts. The successful conversion levelled the score at 12-12, where it remained until halftime.

The opening exchanges of the second half were a tense affair. Both teams battled for territory, with penalties disrupting the flow. Aberdare’s defensive pressure ultimately forced an error, leading to a scrum just inside the Wanderers’ half. From this platform, Payne delivered a strong carry, drawing defenders before Hopkins released fullback Jarrad Rees. Rees accelerated past defenders and delivered a pinpoint pass to Ben Miller, who finished expertly in the corner.

The Snakes reclaimed the lead, 17-12, and were brimming with confidence.

With the momentum firmly on their side, Aberdare pushed for the all-important bonus-point try. A penalty awarded just inside the Wanderers’ half set the stage. Opting for a line out, the Snakes constructed a powerful maul that bulldozed its way into the opposition’s 22. Hopkins nearly scored after a sniping run, but a thunderous clear-out by captain Thomas Roberts allowed Leon Caviel to send a looping 20-meter pass to Miller, who crossed for his second try. Payne’s successful conversion extended the lead to 24-12.

True to their reputation, the Wanderers refused to back down. A penalty provided them with another opportunity to deploy their effective driving maul, and they duly scored their third try of the afternoon, narrowing the deficit to 24-17.

However, Aberdare responded almost immediately. Another penalty inside the Wanderers’ 22 led to a line out, and this time, the Snakes’ maul delivered the goods. Ben Staton, who had been immense throughout the match, powered over the line to score. Payne converted to bring up his 100th point of the season, and the Snakes now enjoyed a commanding 31-17 lead with 15 minutes to play.

The visitors weren’t done yet. Sustained pressure on the Aberdare defence led to a try in the wider channels, earning the Wanderers a bonus point for their fourth try. The missed conversion left the score at 31-22, but a successful penalty shortly afterward brought the margin down to 31-25.

The final moments were fraught with tension. Wanderers threw everything into their last attack, but Aberdare’s defence held firm. A crucial turnover by Owen Candemir allowed the Snakes to regain possession, and they smartly played for time. Despite losing possession once more, the visitors’ final chance ended with a forward pass, prompting the referee’s final whistle.

Aberdare’s 31-25 triumph showcased their resilience, attacking ingenuity, and defensive grit. The win marked their fifth consecutive victory, moving them up to fifth place in the table with 34 points, comfortably clear of the relegation zone.

While the Snakes can take pride in this performance, they remain grounded, knowing the season is far from over, With 12 games left. Next up is a challenging away fixture against Brynmawr on January 25th.

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.

The Snakes made the short journey to local rivals Mountain Ash, aiming to extend their winning streak to three games, and they delivered in a thrilling Christmas cracker to close out the year. Despite challenging conditions, the Snakes powered through a heavy, muddy pitch to secure a well-earned bonus-point victory.

The Snakes opened with a bang, scoring within six minutes. Patient build-up play from both backs and forwards culminated in Jamie Price crashing over the try line. Garyn Payne added the extras, giving the visitors an early 0-7 lead.

Mountain Ash responded immediately, taking advantage of a well-executed line out move that split the Snakes’ defence. Their Number 7 showed great pace to finish off the move, and with a successful conversion, the scores were level at 7-7.

Undeterred, Aberdare struck again. A scrum inside Mountain Ash territory provided the platform for an excellent sequence of phases. A sharp offload from Thomas Hopkins set winger Ben Miller free, who linked with fullback Jarrad Rees. Rees threw a dummy, outpaced the defence, and scored. Payne’s conversion made it 7-14.

Mountain Ash hit back almost immediately through a driving maul from a penalty line out, closing the gap to 12-14 after the missed conversion. But Aberdare kept their composure. A loose clearance kick from Mountain Ash was seized by Garyn Payne, who offloaded to flanker Owen Young. Young finished with aplomb, and Payne’s reliable boot made it 12-21 at halftime.

With the wind in their favour, Mountain Ash started the second half strongly. Their outside half slotted a penalty to narrow the gap to 15-21 with over 30 minutes remaining.

Aberdare, however, refused to be rattled, showing remarkable defensive resilience as Mountain Ash launched repeated forward-driven attacks. 

When the Snakes did break through, it came in spectacular fashion. After a held-up try by Leon Caviel, Mountain Ash’s dropout fell to Kieron Parry. Parry’s strong run and deft offload found Jarrad Rees, who set up Garyn Payne. Payne cleverly passed to Ben Miller, who raced into the corner for Aberdare’s fourth try. Payne’s stunning conversion stretched the lead to 15-28.

The Snakes capped off their afternoon with a fifth try. Following sustained pressure, Thomas Hopkins sliced through Mountain Ash’s defence and offloaded to Leon Caviel, who crashed over the line. Though the conversion was missed, Aberdare’s dominance was clear at 15-33.

Mountain Ash fought valiantly for a consolation score, but Aberdare’s defence held firm. The final whistle confirmed an emphatic win for the visitors, securing a bonus point to round off an excellent performance.

The Snakes head into the Christmas break on a high note, showcasing grit and determination on a challenging pitch. Their ability to capitalise on key moments and maintain defensive solidity under pressure were instrumental to their success.

Aberdare will enjoy the festive season before resuming action on January 4th with an away match against Rumney.

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Aberdare RFC secured back-to-back victories on Saturday afternoon with a hard-fought 31-13 triumph over Ynysddu at The Ynys. Despite a shaky start, the Snakes found their rhythm to deliver a clinical display and maintain their winning momentum.

The visitors opened the scoring early with a penalty from Aberdare 22m line, capitalising on early errors from the Snakes to go 3-0 ahead. Aberdare struck back almost immediately as Garyn Payne showcased his precision with the boot, levelling the score at 3-3.

Ynysddu continued to control the early stages, pressuring Aberdare into mistakes and adding another penalty to lead 6-3. The Snakes defence, however, stood resilient, preventing the visitors from gaining further ground despite their territorial dominance.

It took until the 25th minute for Aberdare to shift momentum. A series of penalties earned the home side valuable field position, culminating in a powerful driving maul that allowed captain Daniel Lewis to touch down for the Snakes first try. Payne converted, giving Aberdare their first lead at 10-6.

With confidence building, Aberdare took control of the latter stages of the half. Payne slotted two more penalties, capitalising on Ynysddu indiscipline to stretch the lead to 16-6 at halftime.

Aberdare started the second half as they ended the first, with Payne adding another penalty to extend the lead to 19-6.

Minutes later, their imposing maul struck again. Kian Carter secured the lineout, and the maul advanced deep into Ynysddu territory. Ben Staton identified a gap and powered over for Aberdare’s second try. Payne converted to make it 26-6.

As the game entered its final quarter, Ynysddu fought valiantly to claw back, putting Aberdare under sustained pressure. The Snakes’ discipline faltered briefly, resulting in two yellow cards that reduced them to 13 men.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Aberdare’s defence stood firm, with debutant Leon Caviel delivering crucial interventions to keep the visitors at bay.

Aberdare then turned defence into attack with a lightning-fast counter. Peter Richmond’s clever kick through forced Ynysddu back, and Jack Payne’s relentless chase secured a penalty at the ruck. A quick tap-and-go resulted in Richmond exploiting space to dive over for the Snakes third try. Though the conversion was missed, the scoreline read 31-6, effectively sealing the win.

Ynysddu scored a late consolation try, their centre breaking the defensive line and linking with their outside half to score under the posts. The successful conversion brought the final score to 31-13.

Aberdare may not have delivered their most polished performance, but their resilience and ability to capitalise on key moments secured an important win.

Garyn Payne’s flawless kicking and the forward pack’s dominance in the maul were key. The Snakes also showed immense character in defence, particularly when reduced to 13 men.

Back-to-back victories set Aberdare up well as they prepare for their next fixture against Talywain at home on Saturday, December 14th. With two weeks to fine-tune their game, the Snakes will look to build on their momentum in what promises to be a challenging encounter.

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