Second half surge sees off The Snakes

Aberdare 12

Wanderers 29     Try BP

“For the first 20 mins we played the game in the way we spoke about not playing. Good character shown to come back as convincing winners. No panic, got into the right areas 2nd half and played some of the rugby we wanted to.” Head Coach Paul Matthews summarised of our afternoon at the Ynys.

Whilst Huw Dowden was heard calling from the naughty step “Great to get the maximum amount of points away from home against a tough Aberdare team. Set piece got better as game went on and provided a platform for the backs.”

A bright but chilly Valentine’s Day afternoon set the scene in Aberdare. The Wanderers arrived sitting second in the table, three wins from three in 2026, while the Snakes of Aberdare were clearly keen to mark their first home fixture of the year with a win.

The home side came out full of intent, and from the opening exchanges accuracy proved elusive for the Wands. A string of early penalties allowed Aberdare to settle quickly. Taking full advantage of the points on offer they moved into a 9–0 lead.

Gradually the Wanderers began to thaw out and play with some fluency. Emyr Jones injected real intent with a sharp midfield run, but sustained attacking play from the home side kept the pressure on the visitors. The entry of Gareth Reid brought solidity to the scrum and a win against the head proved the turning point in the final throws of the first half. Steff Davies sniped left, Gruff ab Ieuan moved the ball on with a clever offload and Finn Davies finished for the Wanderers’ opening try. 9–5, the momentum had shifted heading into half-time.

For the second game running, a very different Wanderers side emerged from the half-time huddle. From the restart pressure built and when Aberdare were reduced to 14 after a defensive infringement on their line the Wanderers pounced. A well-drilled driving maul formed from the lineout and as it trundled over the line Gareth Reid was in possession to score. Gruff ab Ieuan landed an excellent conversion from wide out to put the Wands in the lead 9-12.

Confidence now flowing, the Wanderers struck again soon after. A kick ahead from Jack Beynon was chased relentlessly, the covering defence fumbled, and Beynon dotted down – Wands 19–9. The Wands kept the pressure on and some smart kicking kept the play in the Aberdare half.

When a Wanderers maul was deemed mysteriously unplayable the ensuing touchline commentary resulted in a penalty for Aberdare with Messrs Dowden and Gould being ordered behind the barrier. The referee asserting his authority, a pattern felt by everyone throughout the afternoon.

The Wanderers then rang the changes, with Tyler Martin, Nathan Williams, Rhys Iles and Sam Reed all entering the fray, but the tempo never dropped.

Aberdare managed a penalty to narrow the gap to 19–12, but the Wanderers stayed composed. After Gruff ab Ieuan clipped the post with a penalty attempt, sustained pressure inside the Aberdare 22 ended with him coolly slotting a drop goal. Moments later, another attacking spell finished with Jack Beynon crossing again in the corner.

When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read Aberdare 12 – 29 Glamorgan Wanderers. Another game of two halves for the Wanderers, but they will be pleased to return home with a bonus point win against a spirited Snakes side.

Wanderer’s scorers:

Tries:  Finn Davies, Gareth Reid, Jack Beynon (2)

Cons:  Gruff ab Ieuan (3)

Drop Goal:  Gruff ab Ieuan

#MASSIV MOM:  Gareth Reid            #MASSIV Special Mention:  Ashley Bissett

Management MOM:  Ed Thomas

No photos this week as Chief Scribe / Photographer / Wands Philosopher Alyn is away searching for wildebeest. Matt volunteered to take photos, only to discover that it is so long since he last used his camera it might take longer than an hour to charge!

Report duties undertaken by Emyr (judged to be the #MASSIV’s best speller).

Taken from the Snakes’ electronic programme: