Rugby: Dowlais show heart to secure league crown

Apr 24 2008 Merthyr Express

Dowlais 10 Builth Wells 7

DOWLAIS Youth clinched the Heart of Wales Division One league title with a hard-fought victory at Fortress Klondyke.

With Dowlais playing against the strong wind in the first half, they found themselves on the back foot and unable to gain any territorial advantage. However, their defence, especially at the ruck area, kept them in the game.

Aaron Price and man-of-the-match Phil Rees shone at the breakdown.

Approaching half-time, heroic defence from Dowlais kept a battling Builth at bay.

However their persistence prevailed when No.8 Tom Price crossed under the posts.

The try was converted and Dowlais found themselves trailing 7-0 at the interval.

A change of game plan in the second period allowed Dowlais to control matters. However, many watching believed this was not going to be Dowlais’ day as five times they crossed the try line in the second half only for the ball to be dropped or knocked on, such were the conditions.

Dowlais’ first try came from Luke Lewis, who outstripped the Builth defence to score in the corner.

The home side were now attacking at every opportunity. Some tactical changes saw Cooper, Jehu, Tasker and Fealey enter the fray, which immediately increased the tempo of the game.

Rhys Fealey in particular posed problems for his opposite number.

One of his charges led to the second try. From a ruck the ball was spread to Lewis who found prop Matthew Davies in support. He drew his man before passing to No.8 Atherton, who brushed away a would-be tackler and powered his way to the line to score the crucial try that allowed Dowlais to celebrate winning the league.