Builth Wells leave it late to stun Resolven

Builth Wells 22 Resolven 19

HARRY Jenkinson kicked a last gasp drop goal as Builth Wells laid down a title marker with a potentially priceless victory at home to Resolven in Swalec Division Two West Central.

The Bulls began firing on all cylinders and it was no surprise when their bright start culminated in a try from the informAshley Mills with Seb Barrett adding the extras.

Flanker Mills had a hand in Builth’s second try of the day with his perfectly timed pass releasing Barrett for the home side’s second as Builth built on their dream start.

Resolven recovered to reduce the arrears with a try from Christian Sandry which ensured the Neath side a platform for the second-half to dominate the opening 20 minutes.

However Builth held firm and frustrated the visitors into conceding a penalty with Jenkinson put out for a line-out.

From the resulting line-out Alex Brown gathered possession with support from second row pair Wayne Morris and Lucas Evans to allow flanker Lewis Bowen to dart through from the back of the ruck to cross for a try.

Barrett added the extras Builth looked to cement their victory.

However Resolven rallied and capitalised on Builth taking their foot off the gas with tries from Dai Felton and Kai Jones with a conversion and penalty from the boot of Richard Carter restoring parity.

With the fate of the match hanging in the balance the Bulls finally regained their earlier momentum and proceeded to dominate the final stages with a series of drives into the Resolven half.

The pressure finally told as Resolven’s dogged defence was breached.

With two minutes remaining scrum-half Rhys Davies picked out Jenkinson with an accurate pass who kept his composure to land a magnificent drop goal and snatch glory while sending the Builth faithful wild and ensure a memorable night in the South Powys town.

Manager Simon John praised both sets of players for their role in a thrilling game and described the encounter as “the best of the season to date.”

President Mike Price was also full of praise, adding: “Their are bad games of rugby and good games of rugby but this this was most definitely a great game.”

The victory ensured the Bulls would make the trip to table topping Swansea based side Birchgrove with high confidence on Saturday afternoon.