Builth Wells turn their attention back to making further progress in the Swalec Cup tomorrow – a week after consolidating their place as League Division 2 (West) pacesetters with an excellent 27-6 victory over title rivals Loughor.
Now the Bulls are gearing up for tomorrow’s home clash with Bryncoch, a side riding high in division four, in the fourth round of the Swalec Cup.
Last weekend’s game was a big test for Builth, coming just a week after their proud 100 per cent this season was ended by a narrow reversal at Bridgend Athletic – but the Bulls responded well as they produced a forceful display of rugby.
The match started bright-ly as Rob Lloyd kicked off and Loughor’s defensive clearence was charged down by Luke DeWinton.
He controlled the ball well as it bobbled about but it was Rob Lloyd who dived at DeWinton’s feet to steal the touchdown.
It was the perfect start – however, unused to being behind, Loughor were spurred into 20 minutes of frenetic activity and threw everything at Builth.
The renowned Bulls defence was up to the task, although a little too enthusiastically at times in conceding a few penalties for offside, two of which Loughor capitalised on to go 6-5 ahead. Having successfully soaked up the pressure, the Bulls exerted some of their own and the last 10 minutes of the half saw Builth awarded three penalties, which John Thurston duly converted to give the hosts a 14-6 advantage at half-time.
Builth picked up where they had left off after the restart and Loughor, a team who came into the game with seven bonus points from seven wins for tries scored, looked very ordinary. It was a testament to the manner in which Builth dominated.
Ten minutes into the half, Thurston converted his fourth penalty to take the score to 17-6. Builth’s forwards had the upper hand against a strong Loughor pack but it was a 15-man display that gave the Bulls territorial advantage.
Builth’s second try came when young Tom Price, on as a replacement for hard working Jonathan Taylor, made a break through the centre.
Rob Lloyd was in support and the ball travelled through the hands of George Jenkins and out to John Thurston on the wing who went over for his 116th league point of the season.
There was still time for winger Ed Jenkins to scoop up a loose ball and deftly cross the line for his first try of the season in the closing stages to set the seal on another good day’s work.
This was an emphatic win against a team who have scored 40 tries so far this season – but failed to cross the Builth line.
An excellent team performance keeps Builth at the top of the table with Dorian Davies, at fullback, being named as the Andrew Mills man of the match.
BUILTH: Gavin Lockyer, Shaun Hughes, Jonathan Taylor (Tom Price), Luke DeWinton, Chris Davies (Steve Covington), Marc Thomas, Wayne Morris, Huw Thomas, Geraint Jones, Rob Lloyd, Gethin Davies (Ed Jenkins), Mathew Lewis, George Jenkins, John Thurston (Dewi Jones), Dorian Davies.
