The Tigers welcomed Fall Bay on Saturday for the first time in many years. Banc were looking to capitalise on a confident start to the season but understood the challenge ahead. With skipper Shaun James still side-lined and Darren Jones unavailable, young Jac Benger stepped up to play on the loose head. In the backs, scrum half Owen Williams and centres Tom Gale and Chris Griffiths were all missing, but Sam Benger came in for his first start and Banc were still able to field a full squad of 20 players which is extremely encouraging.
Fall Bay arrived with a big heavy pack and put the Banc scrum under immense pressure early doors. Banc were however able to put some nice phases of play together. Despite the boiling hot weather, the Banc pack looked fit and supported the ball carriers well. The visitors opened the scoring with a well struck penalty before scored a pearler. Full back Christian Hughes made a great break and after the pack continued to drive on, second row Cellan Harris was on hand to go over for his third try in as many games. Centre Keiron Ace lived up his name by adding the extras. Ace went over for a great try shortly after following great work from scrum half Nathan Tucker to give the home team a 12-0 lead. Banc were now building momentum and applying further pressure to the Bay defence. Hooker Adrian Pugh picked a fine angle to go over next with Ace adding the extras. With half time approaching, Banc continued to batter the away sides line with dangerman Sam Benger causing all sorts of problems for the Bay defence. As the ref raised his whistle to blow for half time, flanker Owain Pritchard burst through a gap and was able to fine the supporting Hughes for a bonus point score. Ace again was successful with the extras.
Half time: Penybanc 26 Fall Bay 3
Banc rung the changes at half time but unlike the previous week, were unable to continue with the momentum. Fall Bay kept the ball tight and their fly half kicked intelligently, giving them plenty of territory. Banc defended manfully with Cellan Harris and Owain Pritchard putting several great hits but Bay persevered and were soon rewarded after their fly half exposed a mismatch on the blind and went over. As the half wore on, the game became loose and the Banc backs were able to find gaps in the Bay defence. Great work from Tucker put Hooker Adrian Pugh through a gap and he was able to offload supporting No 8 Aled Danter who galloped home from 30 metres. Ace again was able to add the extras.
The remaining period of the game saw an arm wrestle between the packs with the away side playing to their strengths. After a series of scrums and lineouts, Bay were able to power over for a deserved try. Minutes later, the referee brought the curtain down with the Tigers taking the spoils 33-15. While it was another W for the tigers, they are still searching for an 80-minute performance. They have played some exceptional rugby at times and will be focusing on a big week of training before they face another stern test as they travel to table toppers South Gower.
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