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Maesteg Celtic entertained Brynamman at Garth Park for a West Central Division Two League fixture. Conditions were very difficult with a constant strong wind blowing up the pitch and frequent squally showers. Both teams played for territory and Celtic outside half Mathew Harris kicked well. Back rowers Peter Kehoe and Ryan Jones tackled ferociously to protect scrum half Leon Evans.

Celtic pack dominated their opponents early in the game with front row Sean Lambert, Mathew Phillips and Lloyd Griffiths controlling the scrum. Line out jumpers Alex Jones, Robert Golden and Mark Hillier-Rees won good possession. A 30 metre driving maul took the ball to the Brynamman line and prop Lloyd Griffiths scored the first try. Brynamman kicked off and Celtic gave away a penalty. They kicked to the corner and scored from the line out. The try was converted.

Celtic continued to press their opponents’ line but gave away a scrum. Hooker Mathew Phillips won the ball against the head and the pack drove over the line. Brynamman deliberately infringed and the referee awarded a penalty try.  Just before half time Mathew Harris put Celtic further ahead with a penalty.

In the second half Celtic continued to dominate the play. They won a lineout near their opponents’ line and flanker Mark Hillier-Rees found himself with a clear run to the line for Celtics third try. Harris converted.  Brynamman’s last prop had to leave the field so they requested passive scrums, which cancelled out Celtic forward dominance. They kicked into the Celtic 22 and scored from the ensuing ruck to close the score. The remaining 20 minutes were frustrating for the Celtic as they tried to get the bonus point try. They had a player yellow carded which added to the difficulty. Three quarters Nathan Healy, Lee Arthur, Ben Pole and Kristian Jenkins attacked relentlessly but the Brynamman defence was as solid as ever and could not be broken.

Prop Lloyd Griffiths was awarded Man of the Match