Caerleon Away 21st Oct 2006
Caerleon 17 Croesyceiliog 12
With no league fixture this week Croesy took the opportunity to rest some of their walking wounded and give a run out to some of the second team and fringe first team players. Loose head Drew Barber battled manfully against the giant Caerleon tight head for an hour before giving way to hooker Jamie Edwards who had a rare outing at prop. At hooker the coaches had a look at 2 of last season's youth team players, Carl Taylor who is a regular back row forward who may be asked to convert to no.2. He was replaced after half time by Simon Jones playing his first senior game after a bad knee injury restricted his rugby last season. Regular first team tight head Justin Smith captained the side. Another of last season's youth team Tom Price played in the second row and showed the sort of form which should see him get his share of games in the first team even though Croesy are well blessed in that position. Alongside him was John-Paul Harris who was getting a rare run out before injury forced him off and gave Larry Williams the chance to get some more match fitness after his long-term injury. The back row was Jake Nash who is still struggling to shake off a series of injuries this season; openside Paul Fisher who is pushing for a first team berth and at no 8 new signing Gavin Howells who has joined us from Taunton and looks to be a good prospect. Fisher was replaced by the person hoping to keep him out of the open-side spot Lewis Heward, himself from injury. Paul Hicks had the final 20 minutes at no.8.
In the backs there was a welcome return from injury for scrum-half Ieuan Wakefield who looked sharp despite his lack of matches. He was joined at half back by his youth team partner from last season Gavin Holmes, who was probably Croesy's best player on the day. There are a number of senior players who could learn a bit from Gavin's tackling technique. He also did well to get the back line moving and put over a touchline conversion for good measure. The centre pairing included another of last year's youth, David Fozdick, who was pertnered by Stuart Fitzgerald. Last year's youth complement was made up by wing Richard Lewis, another who is showing great promise and who showed good pace for a second half try. Liam Crowley began on the other wing before his second half replacement by the up and coming John Berrow. First team captain Matthew Entwistle also had 20 minutes at the end. Rhodri Davies the scorer of Croesy's first try was at full-back .
This was an open game which Croesy could easily have won with a little more composure. However, it was a welcome break from the league programme and a great opportunity to give so many players a chance to show the coaches what they are capable of. If we could get all these players plus the players who were rested training on a regular basis there is certainly enough talent to move Croesy away from the bottom of the league. If anyone has any ideas how we can achieve this I would be delighted to hear from you.