Aberavon edge out pluck Torfaen
Aberavon Fighting Irish moved up to joint second in the table after winning a dramatic match at home to Torfaen Tigers.

Honours were even in a see-saw first half after both sides ran in three tries. Scott O'Kelly got a brace for Aberavon and Rick Johns added an excellent individual effort. Matt Entwhistle, Damien Hudd and Nolan Nicklen were Torfaen's scorers.

The Fighting Irish then had a similar spell to last week's game against Cardiff Demons where they ran in five tries in quick succession. This time it was just four in a row as Daniel Phillips, Simon Bailey, Robert Hills and Lee Williams all

ran over, giving them a 20-point advantage.

However tries from Gareth Jenkins, Jamie Juene and David Davies put Torfaen to within four points to set up a grandstand finish.

But time had run out for the Tigers and Aberavon went in 38-34 victors.

"We seem to be making a habit of excellent second half performances." said Aberavon coach Chris O'Callaghan. "But if that's what wins us matches, then I'm not complaining. I was very pleased with this performance and we're now in contention for the play-offs once again."

Article by Ian Golden
28 May 2005