Fixture

Tumble travelled to Aberaeron in search of a bonus point win to keep pressure on their nearest challengers Lampeter and Burry Port.

A nervy start combined with a big pack, kept the Magpies pinned down and they found themselves five points down when the home side disrupted Tumble's scrum and they were able to drive over for a try. Tumble looked jaded and suffered early injuries to wing Ifan Davies and full back James Owens with the former being replaced by Adam Davies. Although good ball was won at the linesout, Tumble could not break a stubborn defence and had to be content with a Leighton McKenna penalty after twenty two minutes to keep them in the game.

Tumble did have overlaps on two occasions but, such was their intent on gaining territorial advantage, they opted to kick the possession away. Aberaeron's counter was the driving maul but Tumble were able to defend through Darren Williams and Dafydd Humphreys and did win some turnover ball. The Magpies took the lead after thirty minutes when replacement wing Adam Davies was able to power over wide out. Nerves were gone now and the Magpies went through several phases and worked their way upfield. Centre Leighton McKenna danced through a gap in midfield and he outpaced the defence to score an unconverted try on half time.

The Magpies had half the job done but were lucky to hold an eight point lead at half time. A partizan crowd, swelled by Lampeter supporters, sensed that an upset was on the cards and to their credit, Aberaeron came out much the stronger in the second half.

The home side attacked and Tumble defended heroically through centre Gareth Jones and the tireless Darren Williams. Pressure was telling and Tumble conceded a penalty after fiftysix minutes. They suffered injuries to Steff Owens and Darren Williams and when Rhodri Jones went off all subs had to be used. Seventy minutes gone and the Magpies hadn't threatened the opposition line. Aberaeron then kicked a second penalty to reduce the lead to two points.  

Three minutes remained when Tumble attacked through their forwards, the driving maul was well directed and with Aberaeron unable to pull it down the man mountain prop James Stephens got the touchdown. Hurrying back to halfway, with the conversion made by McKenna, Tumble still had a chance for the bonus point. Referee Thomas was to play seven minutes stoppage time owing to several earlier injuries and some time delays with only one ball apparently available at times.

Aberearon were unable to get out of their own half and, deep into stoppage, they conceded a penalty, Steve Hewitt's accurate touch finder gave the Magpies a five metre lineout. Hefin Dumbrill soared high, caught and was driven towards the line. Eight then nine, then ten and finally twelve players were in the maul which was going inexorably towards the line. Driven over, the score fell again to James Stephens and the bonus point was secured. Amidst scenes of jubilation (the conversion went wide), players were ecstatic with the point and referee Thomas blew for no side.

Lampeter were now out of contention for promotion and, with the post game huddle, the coaches impressed that an ugly win by an under par Tumble was enough for the five points. During this time, word came through that rivals Burry Port had lost and so, Tumble were confirmed as Champions of Division Three West B. Scenes of jubilation both on and off the field was reward for a long and hard campaign. The club wishes to thank the players and coaches for their terrific effort this season - Da iawn bois.

Tumble still have eyes on more honours this time cup, when the U12s take on Pembroke at Parc Y Scarlets tomorrow and then the youth play Pontyberem on wednesday evening at the same venue.

15 James Owens

14 Mike Edwards

13 Gareth Jones

12 Leighton McKenna

11 Ifan Davies

10 Steven Hewitt

9 Rhodri Jones

1 James Stephens

2 Dafydd Humphreys

3 Kieron Richards

4 Gareth Beynon

5 Hefin Dumbrill (captain)

6 Darren Williams

7 Steffan Owen

8 Nathan Willard

16 Steven Rees

17 Rhys Lewis

18 Marc Kinnaird

19 Iwan Morgan

20 Adam Davies