Fighting Irish take Control
Aberavon Fighting Irish maintained their 100% record in the Total RL.com Rugby League Conference with a thrilling 40-36 win over Torfaen Tigers at Pontypool United RFC.

The Fighting Irish took control of the first 40 minutes, Geraint Davies crossing the line twice with Neil Davies and Richard Lewis also on the score sheet. Darren Scully converted three and it looked like that Aberavon would go in at half time with a perfect 22-0 lead. However, Matthew Entwhistle got one back for the home side in the third minute of injury time. Adrian Prowler converted.

Aberavon attacked straight from kick-off and were rewarded with an 43 minute Scott O’Kelly try. Torfaen gained possession from kick off and Nolan Nicholls scored bringing the score back to 28-10. Matt Williams scored again for Torfaen two minutes later before Nicholls crossed in the 56th minute for his second

try. Matt Williams got his second on the hour mark and suddenly the scores were level.

Dean Scully then kicked a penalty for the Fighting Irish before Neil Davies gave the visitors some breathing space in the 68th minute with his second. Four minutes later, a Craig Jones-Williams try brought Torfaen to within two points.

In the final minute, strangely Torfaen went for a drop goal. The kick, going just past the posts was caught by Matt Rowlands who ran the full length of the field before passing to Liam Gadd who placed the ball under the posts. Scully did a “Don Fox” and failed to add to the score so Aberavon went in 40-34 winners. The Fighting Irish are now level on points with Bridgend at the top of the table. The two teams meet at Aberavon Greenstars RFC on Monday, kick-off 2.30pm.

Article by Ian Golden
29 May 2004