Division Four West

Swansea Uplands 22 Penybanc 39

On a glorious day, Banc embarked on what they knew would be a tough test against fellow Division Four new boys Swansea Uplands. And a tough test was exactly what they got.

Fly-half Owen Higgins kicked off and Banc were soon on the attack.

A monster Higgins touch finder saw Banc catch-and-drive to great affect with prop Rhodri Jones the recipient of the first try. Higgins added the extras.

A mix-up from the kick-off gave the Uplands a penalty which was duly despatched by their fly-half.

But back came the Tigers though with centre Christian Madge making a scintillating break from halfway and offloading to wing Luc Jenkins for a great try.

Another Banc error shortly after gave the hosts a seven-pointer as the game became a real ding-dong affair.

A superb line break from full back Wayne Williams gave wing Wayne Price his fourth try of the season and No8 Chris Jones stormed over to claim the bonus point shortly soon after, Higgins converted, for a half time lead of 24-10.

Normally, the Tigers fitness would have seen them pull away in the second half but it was the dogged young home team who scored next off a well-rehearsed forward move.

Up front became a battleground with flanker Tomos Wyn epitomising the Banc effort, putting his body on the line time and again before being replaced by the experienced Paul Caines. Locks Mark Jones and Carl Rees also put themselves about with a huge workrate.

With a quarter left to go, prop Shane Fairburn, playing on permit, powered his way over for the try that should have put the game to bed but back came the homesters yet again with another well-worked try.

Higgins kicked a penalty to put the Tigers ten points up and with moments to go before No8 Jones grabbed a second and wrap the match up.

Credit must go to Swansea’s young and industrious team who will definitely pick a up a few big scalps this season.

A special mention must go to Mathew Lloyd who put in a fine performance in the unaccustomed position of scrum-half.

Next week, Banc welcome Fishguard.