The Blacks travelled the short distance to Llanelli to take on New Dock Stars for the third time this season and came away with a hat-trick of wins to close the gap on Bynea and Lampeter at the top of Division 3 West B. Considering the amount of heavy rain leading up to the weekend, the pitch was in good condition and this surely contributed to making it a high scoring game. Burry Port started off well and put their cards on the table, playing with ambition and a fast pace, the early pressure came from the Blacks and they created some fine half breaks only for a dropped pass to deny them. Both teams tried to play positive rugby and New Dock worked their way up-field and scored from a catch and drive at the lineout to take the lead against the run of play. It was clear that New Dock were looking to play a forward orientated game to try to nullify Burry Port’s exciting back division, however it was the forwards that struck first with speedy open-side flanker Tom Rees breaking a tackle in mid field and he raced over under the posts, and Ben Williams slotted over the conversion to draw level. With ball in hand the back row especially worked hard, with No8 Dylan Evans punching holes in the Dock defence and with this momentum Adam Webb crashed over under the posts after a powerful charge, Williams added the extras to make it 14-7 to Burry Port. A third try was to follow after a similar build up saw Richard Parker crossing under the posts for a converted try. New Dock were clinging on and scored an unconverted try to make the half – time score New Dock Stars 12-21 Burry Port.
In the second half Burry Port continued their high tempo tactics and within 5 minutes New Dock were exposed out wide and powerful running winger Tom Bowen needed no second invitation to cross the line and get Burry Ports bonus point. The support play was a feature of the game and it was clear that Burry Port were more comfortable playing a fluid style of rugby with good interplay between forwards and backs. It was a good reminder to New Dock that Burry Port can still play a more direct style of rugby when they kicked to the corner and Richard Parker took good line out ball and Adam Webb emerged with the ball after the Blacks used their power to drive over the line. It was Webb’s second try and it was good reward as he has hit good form this season with his direct and powerful carries. Two further tries were scored with Tom Rees and Tom Bowen both getting a brace to make it another 7 try victory. New Dock grafted away and to their credit scored 2 second half tries, but they were one dimensional and over reliant on their pack and ultimately had no answer to a multi faceted approach of Burry Port.
Final Score New Dock Stars 24 – 45 Burry Port.
Head coach Gareth Gravell said "this was another fine team performance, it was good to welcome back Bryn Jenkins after injury, and Hooker Ben Edwards had another fine game, it was also good to include Rhydian Jenkins form our youth team showing we are developing quality players through our Junior and Youth systems. Credit must also go the Dylan Evans who was on top form and gave us the go forward we needed. We look forward to our home game next week against Llangadog, and look to improve our position in the league. Our destiny is in our hands and training will be crucial in preparing for the big games ahead."
Well Done Boys! Burry Port RFC.
