Jervis shows his mettle

Mar 23 2008 by Our Correspondent, Wales On Sunday

WAYNE Jervis produced a stunning individual performance as title chasing Ystrad Rhondda edged a thrilling Division Two East encounter at Mountain Ash 26-23.

The goal-kicking maestro weighed in with 21 points in the match including the last gasp try and conversion which stole an epic victory from the grasp of the home side.

An early Scott Davies try and a further effort from namesake Paul gave the Old Firm a deserved 13-6 lead at the interval but Jervis’ boot kept the visitors in it and, after Daryll and Meirion Davies had exchanged second half scores, it was left to the man of the moment to snipe over to take the spoils for his team.

Elsewhere in the division, Penallta survived a scare from visiting Ynysybwl who ran the leaders close before succumbing 20-17 while captain Ian Griffiths and returnee Ceri Skym each crossed for a brace in Treherbert’s comfortable 46-15 win over Pill Harriers.

Abercynon made light of the challenge of rock bottom Llanishen, cruising to a 29-0 triumph with David Hefford, Gareth Jones and Ian Iles claiming touchdowns and Tredegar were equally emphatic in their 28-7 away win at Newport HSOB. Daryll Carter, Jason Ronan and scrum half Matthew Taylor (2) all went over for the visitors while Greg Jones converted all four.

In Division Three East, Gareth Williams scored two tries as Abergavenny cemented their position at the top with a 29-10 win at Blaina.

John McPherson and Will Johnson sealed the bonus point for the leaders with tries while Steve Laing added the extras with the boot.

Brynmawr kept the pressure on with a 19-10 victory at Cwmbran but Garndiffaith fell off the pace as they were beaten 19-7 at Senghenydd.

Gareth Richards scored the only try of the match as Rhymney edged a tight affair 8-5 against Pontllanfraith while Sam Saunders and Dan Hayman were in good form as they each collected a pair of tries in Pontypool United’s 34-12 bonus point triumph over New Tredegar.

In Division Four Gwernyfed’s title march continued as the Gwent club recorded a 29-8 victory over Llandaff.

Paul Curran, Steve Harley, Dylan Thomas and Corey Billen all scored tries.