Builth Wells are on the brink of sealing promotion from rugby’s Swalec League Division Two (West) and could achieve their aim with victory at home to Cwnavon tomorrow.
The Bulls returned to the top of the table with an excellent 15-3 win at fellow title contenders Loughour last weekend, just a week after destroying Bridgend Athletic, the other side who may yet lift the title.
Builth are now in the driving seat with two games left, both at home, and victory in both of them — Mumbles head to the Groe on May 2 — should be enough to see them crowned champions, particularly as Loughour host Bridgend tomorrow.
The Bulls are certain to be backed by a large crowd tomorrow, with the supporters hoping they pick up where they left off in overcoming Loughor last time out.
Loughor started the day as leaders and, although they went ahead with an early penalty, Builth quickly showed why they were promotion favourites.
The Builth back line continue to grow in confidence with every game, from Geraint Jones at scrum half to youngster Dorian Davies at full back, and they had a real impact once more.
Rob Lloyd’s kicking was superb, as was the fierce running of centre Matt Lewis, but yet again it was the Builth forwards who dominated the game, particularly the back row of Ben Duggan, Andrew Duggan and Ben Pugh.
Builth’s first score came when Dorian Davies caught and returned a high kick. His follow up run put pressure on the Loughor defender who knocked on.
From the scrum, Dorian was again on hand to take the pass from Geraint Davies. A quick ruck from the tackle gave Andrew Duggan the chance to go blind for the try.
The only downside was the scorer immediately having to limp off with a recurring injury which threatens his involvement in the final two games.
The back row was not weakened with Huw Thomas coming on while the Bulls front five played a major role with a solid front row partnership of John Taylor, Sean Hughes and Gavin Lockyer and the powerhouses of Chris Davies and Luke DeWinton adding valuable lineout ball.
Loughor were expected to come out for the second half with all guns blazing.
But Builth soaked up early pressure and stretched their lead when John Thurston’s burst down the Loughor wing resulted in a penalty in the home 22 metre area.
Builth chose the scrum option with Ben Duggan picking up at No 8 and passing to Matt Lewis who raced over to score, Thurston adding the extras and then landing a penalty to complete the scoring.
Ben Duggan was awarded the man of the match award with a performance which exemplified the spirit of the team. Having received a nasty gash in the first five minutes, he played on and received eight stitches in hospital afterwards.
“Depending on which league table you look at, nothing is certain yet,” said Builth spokesman Roland Parker. “Anyone of four teams can be promoted, any three as champions.
“What is certain is that Builth will be trying hard to win their last two games and, with the display shown in the two wins against Loughor and Bridgend, who would doubt a successful end to the season?”
