Garn now three points clear (From Free Press Series)

Garn now three points clear

Garn now three points clear Garndiffaith 13 St Peters 12

GARN pulled three points clear of St Peters at the top of Division Four East at the weekend, but had to survive a spirited comeback which saw their closest rivals restrict the margin to the narrowest of victories. A dominant first-half performance from the home side saw Garn put St Peters under pressure right from the start, with the forwards gaining the upper hand.

The opening try followed good work from captain Simon Palfrey, with the ball passing across the back row before winger Aeron Bainton went over in the corner.

The lead was soon extended with second row Matthew Billen outstripping the defence. Then Craig Sulway kicked over a penalty to put Garn 13-0 up. But rather than put the game to bed, a series of dropped passes, kicking and poor lineouts allowed St Peters - who had only lost once all season prior to this defeat - back into it. St Peters managed two second-half tries as a result, but Garn held out to win 13-12.

The win over St Peters was Garn's 11th in 12 games so far this season, following a 31-17 win over Crumlin last week. Again the scoreline could have been more comprehensive but for a high penalty count. Bainton was again on the scoresheet early on only for Crumlin to draw level. But tries from Slog Baldwin, Lee Wright (2) and Stuart Davies put the result beyond doubt.