Whilst the final scoreline was perhaps slightly harsh on a hard working and spirited Machen side, there was no denying that the Green & Whites were full value for the win and, very importantly, the bonus point, which gained greater significance in light of promotion rivals Talywain's failure to gain one in their narrow win at Old Illtydians.

Prior to the break, Tillery put in a patchy, uncharacteristically undisciplined performance, but Machen had left their kicking boots at home allowing Tillery, through the metronomic boot of Chris Stevens, to build a lead that Lee Meredith embellished with a great try just prior to the break

After the break, the home side warmed to the task in hand with the pack gaining parity in the scrum and the backs piercing the visitors' defence. Two further tries settled the game's fate before Stevens crossed for a fourth, bonus point try ten minutes from time.

Stevens gave Tillery a very early lead with a penalty but for much of the half after that, it was Machen who enjoyed the better of play. They drew level with a penalty but failed to add to that, missing three other attempts at goal.

In contrast, the Green & Whites, and Stevens in particular, showed clinical efficiency, forcing errors from their opponents on their attacking forays with the young centre adding two further kicks for a 9-3 lead.

Then with the last move of the half, Tillery launched a beautiful counterattack as Miles and Penn combined in a sweeping move to put the supporting Lee Meredith over for an excellent converted try.

H-T: 16 - 3

Tillery showed far more attacking purpose right from the off in the second period and Penn was twice hauled down close after lovely running. Eventually the pressure told as the wing was on hand to race clear for a try after Dan Martin had displayed deft footwork in creating the space outside.


Darren Miles cuts through again in the second half

Miles then destroyed the visitors midfield defence with a deceptively languid-looking run and Luke Pegler latched on to the final pass to go over under the posts from 30 metres out.

The game was now all about the bonus point and Tillery gained it comfortably with over ten minutes remaining as they stretched Machen left, right and left again before Craig Edwards' long pass found Stevens in space and he crossed for a try he converted himself.

Job done, Tillery eased back a little in the remaining minutes and Machen gained just reward for their afternoon's efforts with a try by their scrum half. But it was Tillery and Stevens who had the last word as the youngster added a penalty with the last kick of the game to take his personal tally to 28 points.


Tillery on the charge late on

With Risca not in action, the victory extended Tillery's lead at the top and sets up the big showdown with Talywain at the Park next Saturday, a game which will go a very long way to determine which of the sides goes up.

Website MoM - Chris Stevens