Big pack problems

Cardigan discovered yet again how hard it is to play against big packs as fourth-placed Tycroes used their forward power to prevent the Cardis from playing their running game.

Tonmawr made sure that they used the rolling maul ad nauseum and allowed fly half Andy Edwards to control matters with his trusty boot, especially in the second period when he scored all 13 of their points with a try, penalty and two drop goals. In contrast, the Cardigan cause certainly wasn't helped as they used Gareth Mason, Colin Davies and Simon Rees as place kickers, all with a singular lack of success.

In such a tight match, chances are hard come by but Cardigan managed to grab the only score of the first period when they were able to set up good lineout ball and hooker Aled Harries made a little dart before finding Mark Hughes. The flanker fed skipper Barry John and he cut through from 30 metres to score a good unconverted try.

As well as a big pack, Tonmawr also used Fijian star Taufa'eme as a cutting edge in midfield and it was he who helped set up a scrum five early in the second half from which a gap opened up in the Cardigan defence and pivot Edwards cut through to the line, although he was unable to add the extra points so the scores were level after three-quarters of the game.

But then the pressure began to tell up front, despite the yeoman work of Colin Davies, Chris Jones, Eurfyl Davies and Richard Jones. Hughes, Steve Liptrot and Simon Rees got through a lot of tackling but an Edwards' drop goal was followed by a penalty in the 74th minute.

Cardigan naturally tried to play 'catch-up' rugby as they used Dyfed James, Mason, Eurig Lloyd, John and Gary Souter to try and release Dean Lewis (on for Huw Davies) and Alun Williams - but when a move broke down the play was quickly recycled by Tonmawr for Edwards to drop his second goal and finally kill off the Cardis' lingering hopes.