 News |
|
 |
Search |
 |
News Archive |
| National Teams |
|
|
The Teams |
|
Fixtures & Results |
|
Player Information |
| Local Teams |
|
|
The Clubs |
|
Fixtures & Results |
|
Tables |
|
Students |
| Fans |
|
|
Shop |
|
Downloads |
|
Forum |
|
Newsletter |
|
Links |
| About the WRL |
|
|
Community & Coaching |
|
History |
|
Contacts |
|
Patrons |
|
Corporate |
| Fighting Irish 38 Tigers 31 | ||
| If there are still some people who believe that rugby league in Wales is a mere sideshow, this ding dong battle at Darwin Road, Port Talbot would have gone a long way to convince them that the game is not only thriving bit is most definitely here to stay. From Bridlington referee Andrew Howe's first whistle, the Fighting Irish and the visitors from Gwent, Torfaen Tigers, went at each other with a vigour and conviction long missing from the Union game in the Principality. The large crowd, basking in some of the year’s best sunshine, was treated to a game where no quarter was asked or given, a physical encounter where heroes abounded and where ultimately the sport was the overall winner. Torfaen arrived at the seafront ground buoyed by some excellent wins in the earlier rounds of the competition and although the pacy Irish moved to a 16-0 early lead through tries by the electric Richard Johnston (2) and Andy Llewellyn, two of which were converted by Mike Healy, the never say die spirit of the visitors was obvious. Two tries by Phil Marsh, both converted by Adrian Fowler, and a well taken field goal by Gareth |
Jenkins brought the tenacious Tigers back into the game with an interval score of 16-13. Some choice words by Fighting Irish coach Danny Sheehy at half time seemed to have had the desired effect and within two minutes of the restart Llewellyn had gone over for his second with the touchline conversion kicked by Healy. Still Torfaen bounced back and a well taken try by prop Jeune was nothing more than they deserved after 50 minutes. The Fighting Irish, sensing an upset, and urged on by their passionate supporters responded well and some superb defence, where newcomer Jason Massey was particularly impressive, continued to thwart the visitor’s onslaught. Wingers Chris Perry and Kristian Owen were further try scores for the Fighting Irish and the game's best try, rounding off Llewellyn's hat trick, followed a defence splitting run by man of the match Massey. All three were converted by Mike Healy and although Torfaen hit back with further tries from Adrian Fowler, winger James O'Halloran and hooker Richard Jenkins they never headed the home team.
| |