The early exchanges in the game set the scene as Birchgrove exhibited forward control only to be thwarted by some frustrating errors and an unsuccessful penalty attempt by Ricky Rosser. After 10 minutes though Rosser put things right with a well taken penalty strike and a deserved lead 3 - 0.

Briton Ferry offered some response from their re start but were also suffering from their inactivity with handling errors and mis judged tactics allowing the Birch pack to regain the initiative and take play back to the opposition line. A succession of high pressure scrums led to Ricky Rosser picking up and making a half break before handing to Lee Mainwaring to complete the job with a fall over try (or was it a jinking 20 yard mesmerising run) under the posts. Ricky Rosser added the conversion 10 - 0.

The game continued in similar vein with only the occasional Ferry forward charge disturbing the home side dominance and the inevitable second try came following a controlled Birchgrove rolling maul leaving the defending side no option but to concede a penalty. A quick tap and the ever energetic Birch No. 8 James Evans was over for a try converted once again by Ricky Rosser. 17-0 and looking good going in to half time but with the feel good factor taking a slight dent as James Evans received an innocuous 10 minute rest for exchanging "New Year greetings" with an opposition forward.

The 14 men though continued to control the game in the minutes after the break but found their defence wanting as the ball spilled to the opposition and their right wing obviously carrying less Christmas cheer than the cover defence went over in the corner for a well taken un converted try. 17 - 5

Restoration to the full compliment put the home side back on the front foot though and forward supremacy complimented by sterling back pressure surges from Kyle Evans and Jamie Rees soon put the visitors line under pressure again. A simple back row pick up move brought the third try for the home side and second for James Evans. An exceptional touch line conversion from Rick Rosser added the points 22-5.

With the bonus point now in sight the home side stuck to the game plan and it was pleasing to see total team involvement with forward control not only at scrum and maul but also from a range of well rehearsed shortened line out options being complimented with clear linkeage to the marauding backs.

It is fair to say the error count from both sides continued to stop start the action and the game was anything but a purists classic. The anticipated bonus try came though with about 10 minutes to go. The opposition once again sucumbing to forward pressure leading to a penalty and yellow card dismissal. Good captaincy taking advantage of the reduction in forward personnel opting to take the scrum and the resultant quick ball allowing Kyle Evans to go in under the posts for a try once again converted by the consistent Rosser. 31 - 5 and job done.

The final ten minutes will be remembered most for the fortitude and brave resolution of a well beaten Briton Ferry side determined not to give up the ghost and maintaining pressure and dignity by threatening the home line on a number of occasions.

A good day at the office however for the home side and a difficult decision for the "Man of the Match " team who finally came down in favour of Dai Hills for a vigorous and lively display of clear up and link play that is becoming his hall mark.

Next game Pontardawe away and hopefully a chance to consolidate our new
mid table status.