photo by Ian Lovell

Torfaen Tigers kept their play-off hopes alive with a fine 35-18 win over Valley Cougars.

Cougars were almost first on the board as James Allen made a good effort to touchdown but was pushed into touch.

But Torfaen took the lead from the next set. Matt Entwhistle made the break, Ryan Thomas supported and unselfishly laid it off to Nolan Nicklin who scored. Gareth John-Jenkins went in under the posts on the quarter hour for a second try with Entwhistle converting.

Cougars hit back on the half-hour. James Allen was held up over the line but from the next play, Jon Breakingbury forced his way over, and in a well-worked move five minutes later, Allen finally crossed the line himself to pull the score back to 8-10.

But Richard Jenkins scored for Torfaen just before the break with Entwhistle converted.

Gareth John-Jenkins broke through not long after half-time to place the ball under the sticks. Entwhistle converted then kicked a drop goal to give Torfaen a 15-point lead.

Steffan Jones followed him over on the 20 minute mark but Scott Belmont weaved his way through for a try back for Cougars not long after with Will Jones converting.

Entwhistle restored the balance, forcing his way over and converting himself but Lee Goddard scored a consolation for the Cougars from kick-off to round off the scoring.

article by Ian Golden
26 July 2006