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Despite heavy rain leading to most games in the borough being postponed the Pandy Park pitch was in very good condition for this WRU Central Conference local derby between Tondu and Bridgend Athletic 2^nd XV’s. Taking scoring opportunities wins matches. In this respect Tondu were far more ruthless taking their 2 try scoring opportunities from virtually two chances, while the Athletic Generals two tries needed countless chances to execute, resulting in the home side victorious by 15 points to 12.

The Athletic started on the front foot but were unable to finish off moves close to the home line. When Tondu attacked on the Athletic 22 the ball squirted out of a ruck and No 8 Dewi Price picked up and raced over reminiscent of Aaron Wainwrights break out try against France with no defenders at home behind the ruck. Outside half Thomas Vanclever converted.

Athletic centre Tom Davies made a good run into the Tondu 22 setting up a period of relentless pressure on the Tondu line. Aled Pilliner, Lewis Dando, Matthew Greenman and Aaron Mordecai were held just short. Tondu conceded at least 5 penalties during this period of pressure, which the Athletic declined to kick searching for a try. Poor execution aligned to excellent Tondu defence saw the Athletic remain pointless in the first half.

Within 5 minutes of the restart Tondu again showed the Athletic how to finish. A move down the left touchline saw hooker Owen Bayliss win a chase to touch down a kick ahead in the corner. Tondu then enjoyed more possession and territory and advanced to a 15-0 lead through a Vanclever penalty.

Athletic centre Davies then made a good run into the Tondu 22 forcing a penalty. A quick tap saw prop Matthew Greenman held on the Tondu try line, but quick recycling saw Harry Harries cross for his debut senior Athletic try. Another break from inside his own half saw Davies pass inside to replacement full back Robin Davies to race over from halfway. He converted his own try to reduce the deficit to 15-12, but it came too late as the referee signalled time following the conversion.

The Athletic will rue not being more clinical in finishing, having to settle for a losing bonus point. Props Lewis Dando and Matthew Greenman were the pick of the pack, though their scrummaging potential was nullified as Tondu’s lack of props saw passive scrums throughout the game. Centre Tom Davies and wing Ryan Pickford showing clever footwork were the pick of the Athletic backs.