Builth Wells brilliantly turned the tables on leaders Glynneath to pull off an excellent 7-3 away win in the Swalec League Division One (West).
It was just the boost the Bulls were seeking ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Abertillery BG in the fifth round of the Swalec Plate.
Having been beaten convincingly at home to Glynneath earlier in the season, the Bulls were in no mood to give away soft points in the return at Abernant Park.
Top of the table, unbeaten at home this season and roared on by a large crowd, Glynneath were clearly looking to secure a win against the visitors, but for the first 20 minutes Builth were on top.
It took an infringement in front of the posts by a Builth forward to offer a straightforward penalty converted by Glynneath outside half Jack O’Reilly.
Builth laid siege to the Glynneath try line for the remainder of the half and got their just rewards a few minutes before the break when scrum half Sean Beehan spotted a gap in the Glynneath defence and darted through to touchdown.
Rob Lloyd converted from the angle to complete an excellent first half performance which was only marred by a leg injury to young fullback Luke Offa that led to him going off at half-time.
Even though Builth dominated the first half, with a baying crowd behind them, it seemed that it would only be a matter of time before the table toppers would assert themselves.
But the Bulls’ tackling was fierce and repelled Glynneath time after time. It was a surprise that Glynneath spurned opportunities to take points from kickable penalty situations, preferring to try and muscle their way to the line.
Glynneath seemed unable to change tactics as the match progressed and continued to turn down chances to kick points, thinking that they would be able to pressurise Builth into mistakes.
But Builth were able to contain the hosts and protect their lead right up to the final whistle to secure a memorable victory.
Builth: Richard Galea, Ben Pugh, David Bayliss, Huw Thomas, Wayne Morris, Jeff Turner Evans, Andrew Duggan, Ben Duggan, Sean Beehan, Rob Lloyd, Mike Powell, Luke Davies, Geraint Davies, Andy Garrod, Luke Offa. Replacements Phil Morgan, Ryan Beehan, Luke Murray, I Jones.
Builth go to Abertillery BG for the fifth round of the Swalec Plate hoping that their recent good form continues. There is a supporters’ bus travelling to the game. Bookings to either Diane Price on (01982) 552734 or Janet Jones on (01982) 553746 to reserve a seat.
Meanwhile, Builth’s 2nd XV beat Abercwmboi by 13-8 at home with tries from Ben Price and Paul Griffiths. Ben Price added a penalty.