RESOLVEN 51 pts

TENBY UNITED 11

High flying Resolven showed just why they are hotly tipped for promotion from National League division three (west) on Saturday with a comprehensive 51 points to 11 defeat of Tenby United.

The homesters joined the United in the long drop from division two last season, but looked the more likely prospect to enjoy an immediate return to the upper echelons as they played with more creativity and took more chances than the Seasiders.

To be fair to Tenby, the scoreline does flatter the homesters somewhat, with the Seasiders holding them to 15 points to six until midway through the second half, but Resolven had the better rub of the green in the final quarter, allowing them to open up an unassailable lead.

The Tenby pack grafted well, with back row trio of Chris Brace, Mike Evans and skipper Nicky Allen always looking to go forward, while the front five got under their counterparts, winning useful possession in the close exchanges.

Although the scrum was a little unsteady again, the homesters only managed to take one against the head, while Matt Cammack and Paul Broaders were solid in the linesout, claiming platform ball for the Seasiders.

The United suffered a blow early on when they lost the services of Dean Bowen and, with limited replacements available, were forced to play lock Peter James out of position on the wing.

However, while they competed well, the United were unable to breach the Resolven defence and turn pressure to their advantage, with only a Neil Powling penalty in the bag by half-time to counter 15 points notched up by the homesters.

Another Powling penalty cut the margin after the break, but the turning point came going into the final quarter when Tenby centre Carl Broaders was called back after slicing through the home defence.

Resolven bagged a try from the resultant scrum and, with several dual registered members of the Neath squad playing on permit, the homesters never looked back.

Trailing 23-6, the United appeared to fall apart behind, with careless errors allowing Resolven to pull well clear.

Jonathan Dodd's attempted dolly kick over the heads of the advancing home line fell straight to their centre who cut through to nab a try, while Powling made the mistake of waiting for a lofted midfield kick to bounce before gathering, allowing Resolven to snaffle the ball and pick up another touchdown.

Such mistakes proved costly and paved the way for Resolven's comfortable win, although skipper Allen bagged a consolation try for the United late on.

For the record, Simon Brady picked up 21 points for Resolven with two tries, a penalty and four conversions, while flanker John McPhail also picked up a brace of touchdowns.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Tenby travel to Cwmavon when they will be looking to avenge their 37-9 defeat at Heywood Lane in November.