photo by Ian Lovell

After being given a first half scare, Torfaen Tigers eventually dominated against Valley Cougars on Wednesday evening, running out 32-16 winners.

The Cougars had the best of the first half-hour but failed to take their chances. They took a 6-0 lead after only eight minutes when Chris Watts ran in underneath the sticks and Lee Williams converted.

They carried on attacking doing everything but score, the resolute Tigers defensive line standing firm.

And following a quick-tap penalty on the Cougars 20 metre line, Gareth Davies

forced his way over for a try against the run of play. Darryl Carter’s conversion levelled things.

From then on, it was always going to be Torfaen’s match as they sprung into life and played a skilful game.

Chris Williams’ breakaway try and Matt Entwhistle’s conversion gave the Tigers a 12-6 lead at the interval, and after the break they scored two quick tries to increase their lead to 24-6 - Adam Quick scoring after good work from Ian Marsh and Christian Oram pouncing on a loose ball. Entwhistle and Carter added the respective extras.

Cougars attempted a fight back. Steve Bray had a try disallowed as he was pushed into touch when grounding, but individual tries from Ashley Bateman and Anthony Watts with one Owen Lewis conversion put them to within eight points.

However Torfaen sealed the match with two tries in the last ten minutes through Entwhistle and Jason Hill.

article by Ian Golden
30 May 2007