The Green & Whites can still win promotion this season after this defeat, but they will have to do it the hard way with probably a win at Risca next week and then a repeat dose at New Tredegar a fortnight later. Even then there would be no guarantee, but with rivals Risca and Talywain having to play each other, the scenario remains wide open and the bonus point garnered in this game could prove absolutely crucial.

Tillery failed to reach the heights achieved this season in this tension-packed encounter although they were arguably the better side. But huge credit must go to a tenacious Talywain team that tackled Tillery and themselves to a standstill. In particular, their courageous scrum-half Blake put in two brilliant last-ditch tackles that probably prevented Tillery tries late in the second half.

Tillery started well enough and although they struggled to create a clear try-scoring chance, they deservedly took the lead as Stevens landed a great 40-metre penalty following a high tackle on Dan Martin.

Suddenly though the game turned topsy-turvy in a five-minute spell as the visitors snatched two breakaway tries against the run of play. First, Tillery made a mess of a visitors' scrum but the ball broke kindly and excellent handling saw wing Ashley Bayliss just squeeze in in the corner. Then a wicked bounce from a relieving kick by Talywain bamboozled the home defence and opposite wing Manley finished off slick handling for an unconverted try.

Tillery upped the pace and Talywain were reduced to 14 men as their blind-side flanker high tackled Dan Martin which left the youngster groggy. The Green & Whites were met with strong and resolute defence however by the visitors before it appeared that Adam Morgan crossed for a try. But referee Huw F. Lewis adjudged it very slightly forward and the half came to an end.

H-T: 3 - 12

Immediately from the start of the second half Tillery scored a try. Stevens' kick crossed the requisite 10-metres with a high bounce and the chasing Aled Penn responded quicker than the visitors' players to gather and race home for a converted try.

Talywain responded with a penalty as Craig Meredith was isolated in possession before Stevens narrowed the gap to two points again with his second penalty with 20 minutes remaining.



From then on, aside from another Talywain counterattack that Chris Stevens stymied with an interception, it was all Tillery in terms of possession. But each time they seemed to break through they were met with last ditch tackles by Talywain, two especially by scrum-half Blake in quick succession on Penn and Stevens being magnificent efforts

Stevens had the chance to snatch the win with two further penalty kicks but they were from long range and wide out with a deceptive wind not helping either.

As the game entered injury time, Tillery camped in the home 22 as Talywain, down to 14-men again following a silly offence, were virtually at a standstill. But they were unable to land a killer blow and the final whistle was met with delirium by the visitors who kept their promotion aspirations alive with the plucky win.

Tillery MoM - Kevin Day