photo by Ian Lovell

Rugby league was played in the Gwendraeth valley for the first time on Saturday when West Wales Sharks hosted Torfaen Tigers at Pontyates RFC.

Tigers travelled west with a weakened squad and didn’t do themselves any favours when after an even first 15 minutes, Darryl Carter was sinbinned for high tackle.

But undisturbed they took the lead when Andrew Mares fed Tim Tillings to score.

The lead was doubled on the half hour when Carter, who had just returned to the field, slipped the ball to Sam Kettle who in turn passed to Craig Jones who grounded unchallenged. Gregg Jones’ kick made the score 0-10.

Sharks thought they’d got back into the game straight away but David Norman’s

pass to disallowed scorer Adam Barnet was forward.

Tigers recovered from their let-off straight away and Carter broke through for an excellent individual try with Gregg Jones once again kicking a tricky conversion.

And from the first set after kick-off, Tigers took a 22-0 lead through a Jake Nash try converted by Jones again.

Sharks hit back just before half-time. Rowan Jenkins made the metres and Justin Fishwick went over under the sticks. John Griffiths converted.

Dan Fox opened the second half with a further Sharks try that Griffiths converted to bring the score back to 12-22 but Jaime Tibbs ran through for another Tigers try soon after.

Sharks scored another try back through a fine Adam Barnet effort but Gareth Davies forced his way over for the Tigers straight away to restore the balance. Gavin Mathias followed him over with Carter converting before an Owen Mares try put the score on 16-40.

A Tom Sloane try for Sharks converted by Griffiths completed the scoring.

article by Ian Golden
21 June 2008