Heol-y-Cyw Battle Hard in Season Opener at Builth Wells
Division One West Central action returned this weekend. Ten teams are searching for a strong start. Heol-y-Cyw travelled to Builth Wells to kick-start their campaign. It was always going to be a difficult task this season. It was a tale of two halves, with the hosts eventually emerging as 37-11 winners. Yet the final score told only part of the story, as both teams showed tremendous heart, determination and commitment in a fiercely fought opening contest of the new campaign.
Going into the game
The Cyw were entering a new season, looking to build on their first year in the division. In a season that produced a mixed bag of results, they finished sixth in the table. On their day, the side could compete with anybody. As previously stated, it was always going to be a tough ask going away to Builth Wells for the first game of the campaign. Builth were strong last time around, finishing runners-up, and were just edged out by winners Abercrave.
They each beat the other last season. Heol-y-Cyw secured a 17-15 victory at home, but when they went to Builth Wells, it was a 19-0 defeat. It set up an intriguing clash on Saturday.
The match
It was a sunny Saturday afternoon in Builth Wells, with perfect conditions after a long off-season as the two teams sought victory. Two teams stacked with talent; here is how they lined up.
Heol-y-Cyw: Glenn Williams (c); Tyler Maidment, Garyn Thomas-Ballinger, Curtis Pring, Evan Jones, Owen Davey, Lewis Gibson, Tom Williams; Joel Eyres (vc), Dan Phillips; Chris Cooper, Dylan Harmsworth, Connor Jones, Owen Howells, Ben Lloyd.
Builth Wells: Alun Powell, Rhodri Jones, George Morgan, Byron Jones, Lucas Evans, Sion Coyle (c), Evan Dyke, Ashley Mills; Connor Grannell, Rhys Davies (vc); PK Jones, Jac Price, Alecs Williams, Jack Mills, Deri Mason.
Heol-y-Cyw struck first with a penalty as Dan Phillips put the ball through the uprights to add Heol-y-Cyw’s opening points. The home side answered with a score. Cyw’s only try came after sustained pressure, which resulted in Evan Jones powering over for the team’s first try of the new season. The rest of the opening 40 was tight, with Builth Wells heading into the break with a two-point lead. The second half belonged to Builth Wells as the hosts gradually opened up a lead, but Heol-y-Cyw never stopped fighting. The side played for the badge with heart, passion and determination until the very end, even as Builth Wells went on to secure a 37-11 victory.
Around the league and the table
After the weekend’s results, Heol-y-Cyw sit near the bottom of the table. Builth Wells sit in second place. Newly promoted Neath Athletic take the top spot. Neath took the full five points after an impressive 65-19 win over Skewen. It was all square between the two Aberavon sides as the Quins and Green Stars game ended 10-10. Ystalyfera edged Ystradynlais 24-21. It was a fascinating week of results as rugby returns.
Now, attention turns home. Skewen provide the opposition as rugby returns to Heol-y-Cyw for the first time this season. The boys will be ready, the supporters will be behind them, and everything is set for another special afternoon at the club.
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