Division Four West
Penybanc 11
Fishguard 7

BANC hosted the Seagulls last Saturday in the third round of matches in Divi - sion Four West.

The West Walians turned up early with an enormous- looking side and it was obvi - ous they had come to take the Tigers’ unbeaten tag.

Fly-half Owen Higgins kicked off proceedings and things became very physical from the off.

Fishguard played a kick - ing game and used their juggernaut pack to carry around the fringes.

This, however, played into Banc hands with their miserly defence smashing them back time and again with Tom Wyn, Cellan Harris and Carl Rees really putting themselves about.

Higgins kicked a penalty after ten minutes to settle nerves, and despite a wet surface Banc tried to play rugby.

A couple of early chances were spurned before wing Wayne Price sped over for his fifth try in three games for an 8-0 lead.

The set piece was pretty even throughout, but the ruck area became a real arm-wrestle with both sides really getting stuck in to each other.

Fishguard were adjudged to have come offside and Hig - gins slotted another penalty for an 11-0 half-time lead.

Early in the second half a couple of other chances went begging and more big hits were the order of the day.

Prop Rhodri Jones and No8 Chris Jones epitomised the Banc defensive effort.

With conditions starting to play a major part, Banc used Higgins’ cultured left boot to gain field position and centre Mathew Brayley to truck it up the middle to great effect.

It wasn’t a day for outside backs but it was great to see Banc adapting their game to suit the conditions and their heavier opponents.

With six regulars miss - ing, this was a particularly pleasing result for the Banc coaches, who were thrilled with the grit and determina - tion shown by the boys.

The Tigers move up to second spot in the Division Four West table.

This Saturday, Banc face a tricky trip to Aberaeron