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On Saturday the 3rd of September Skewen welcome local rivals Glynneath to Tennent Park for the clubs historic firstever game in the WRU Championship.

Skewen had led up to the season with two warm up games. The first, against premiership side Cardiff who had travelled to Tennant Park with a full strength squad, saw Skewen lose 57-10 in a game which for large periods belied the score. Both sides appeared to achieve their objectives with Cardiff focussing on giving their first choice players game time and Skewen testing every member of their 30 + squad against quality opposition. Skewen showed their potential by not only scoring 2 tries against premiership opposition but also by putting the Cardiff set piece under considerable pressure.

The second warm up game saw Skewen travel to Waunarlwydd where again a full squad was given the opportunity to compete for their place in the Championship games. Skewen came out on top with a 19-0 win scoring 3 tries in the process.

So on to the first appearance of Skewen RFC in theChampionship. The game commenced in horrendous conditions with the rain and wind looking to spoil the day. Indeed a number of fixtures had to be cancelled due to the bad weather on the first day of the new season.

Skewen started strongly with the majority of possession and territory in the first quarter. Despite having a dominant scrum and lineout the only score in the first half was a try by winger Mathew Billet.

This followed a period of sustained pressure in the Glynneath22. Clean Lineout ball was taken up and good retention and phase play drew in a number of Glynneath defenders. Quick ball from a ruck under the posts saw the ball move to the blindside wing who raced in to score the try which was converted by outside half Anthony Busselli 7-0 .

Despite considerable pressure and some good football in atrocious conditions Skewen were unable to increase their score. The second quarter of the game became more evenly fought with much of play taking place either side of the half way line. Good defences on both sides saw little scoring opportunity. Indeed the only other score of the half was a Glynneath penalty. 7-3

Half Time Skewen 5 GLYNNEATH 3

The second half started much as the first had ended with neither side in command. The weather deteriorated but the quality of play and commitment from both sides did not. Every tackle, ruck and maul was evenly contested. As the game progressed Skewen again took the upper hand and a good set piece enabled outside half Anthony Busselli to take control and he began to pin Glynneath back into their 22 with some clever kicking. Skewens second try came from a penalty kick to touch inside the Glynneath 22. A clean lineout take and drive saw flanker Joe Lewis cross the line to score converted by Anthony Busselli 14-3.

Skewen saw out the second half for the majority of the time in or around the Glynneath 22. Despite having the majority of possession and territory a strong Glynneath rear guard defence limited Skewen score to a single successful penalty by Anthony Busselli. 14-3

Final Score Skewen 15 Glynneath 3

Over all a very successful day for Skewen RFC. Some had felt that that having never played at this level before Skewen might struggle. Every player proved the doubters wrong. Not only did they compete at this level but with a passion and commitment that outshone their opponents, a team that have for several years played at the higher level. A strong set piece and backs committed to attack bodes well for the rest of the season.

Played 1 won1.Points for 15 Points against 3. Tries for 2Tries against 0

Skewen Team V Glynneath

15 Gareth Morris

14 Jordan Adderley

13 Tom Kingdom

12 Kevin James

11Mathew Billet

10 Anthony Busselli replaced by Adam Rowlands  

9 Jaimie Kirkhouse

8 Ed Price Capt.

7 Richard Davies

6 James Price replaced by Jo Lewis

5 Aled Mogford

4 Reece Jenkins replaced by James Price

3 Mark Jones replaced by Johnny Gethin

2 Rhodri Hughes replaced by Steffan Bond

1 James Reeves