26/04/2026
Cefn Cribwr v Bonymaen – Match Report
Cefn Cribwr made the journey west to face Bonymaen in what had been billed as the promotion decider. Despite both sides still having important fixtures the following weekend, this encounter was set to play a defining role in the race for promotion.
Conditions at Parc Mawr were dry and warm, perfect for rugby.
Cefn named a strong squad but were forced into two late changes, with veteran Jeffrey Jones stepping into the starting lineup and Rhys Ansen coming onto bench. Bonymaen also selected a powerful squad , featuring many players who have played in their championship team this year.
The scene was set, and with a large travelling support from Cefn outnumbering the home crowd, the atmosphere was one to savour. Experienced referee Simon Harris took charge of the match .
Cefn, playing with the wind, kicked off, but it was Bonymaen who made the early impact. They dominated the opening exchanges and raced into a deserved 10–0 lead.
Cefn were struggling to make their possession count but gradually worked their way into the game. Their efforts were rewarded when ho**er Dylan Thomas Jones powered over for the riders first try.
10–5
Bonymaen responded immediately with another score to extend their lead.
15–5
As half-time approached, Cefn produced a moment of quality. A superb cut-out pass found Alex Underhill, who glided over for the tough down.
15–10 (Half-time)
With the travelling support now in full voice, the game had become a proper rugby occasion. However, despite positive half-time messages, Cefn were caught cold early in the second half and conceded again.
20–10
The next 15 minutes saw a tense stalemate, with both sides beginning to tire and feel heat, ill discipline resulted in yellow cards for both teams. Then, entering the final quarter, Cefn found a second wind. They began to dominate the collisions, and skipper Tom Carpenter crossed for a crucial try, converting it himself.
20–17
Momentum was now firmly with the boys from Cae Gof. Sustained pressure and smart inter play led to young full-back Ieuan Allan finishing in the corner, giving Cefn the lead for the first time.
20–22
Credit to Bonymaen, they responded strongly. Applying pressure at the scrum, they struck back with two quick tries and a conversion to swing the game back in their favour.
32–22
But this Cefn side has shown all season that there is no lack of spirit . From a driving maul 20 metres out, replacement prop Phil Burnell powered over to close gap once more.
32–27
With time up, referee Harris signalled the final play. Centre Ifan Rossiter made a clean break down the left wing that momentarily threatened a dramatic finish, but it wasn’t to be.
Full Time: Bonymaen 32 – 27 Cefn Cribwr
A fantastic spectacle for community rugby . A pulsating game , which could have gone either way. We wish Bonymaen the best of luck in their push for promotion.
The ovation at the final whistle for the Cefn boys spoke volumes about how far this group has come. A small village club, full of heart. They gave it everything!
On a day when every player put his body on the line, young Ieuan Allen stood out with an outstanding all-round performance to claim Supporters’ Man of the Match.
There were also strong mentions for Lloyd Allen, Dylan Thomas Jones & Joe Williams for their immense efforts, but after a late call-up and an 80-minute performance of real quality, the Team Mate of the Match award goes to Jeffrey Jones.
A huge thank you, as always, to our Away Match sponsors! 🙌
Your continued support means the world to the team. 💪
🏮 Cefn Chinese
⚡ Pro-Volt Engineering Services
🚿 Tals Taps and Tiles
🍻 Justin Rees – The Swan, Aberkenfig
Finally, the support was exceptional, thank you to everyone who travelled to back the boys.
Cefn now regroup ahead of their final game of the season against Crynant at Cae Gof next Saturday.
