Match Report 141006
Croesyceiliog 13 Mountain Ash 13
Croesy finally got their first league point of the season with a dogged 13 all draw against fellow strugglers Mountain Ash. After conceding 80 points in their previous game it was vital that Croesy stopped the rot against the visitors who had also lost all their previous league games. The Cockerels injury problems once again threatened to hamper their chances as the club only had one fit second row forward. The versatile Ryan Thomas once again proved his worth to the team by stepping into the boiler room having played in the front row and back row already this season.
Croesy started as though they meant business piling forward from the off, but a third minute penalty for captain Matthew Entwistle was all they had to show for dominating the first quarter of the game. This included a spurned chance to double the lead when no. 8 Paul Hicks opted to take a quick tap from 20 metres out in front of the posts. With virtually their first venture in to Croesy territory Mount burst through some poor tackling to score the first try and take a 5-3 lead after 25 minutes. Croesy powered back from the restart and Entwistle was just wide with a penalty attempt before retaking the lead with another effort. The visitors ended the half the stronger and it was only resolute Croesy defence with youngsters open side Paul Fisher and outside half Gavin Holmes particularly to the fore.
The visitors started the better in the second period and again the lead changed hands after a dubious penalty award. This spurred Croesy back into action and their best piece of play of the game gave them their only try and the lead back. Blind-side flanker Chris Williams stole the opposition lineout ball and the pack got behind him to drive the ball 20 metres up field where it was quickly recycled and fed into midfield. It almost broke down but quick thinking from outside half Holmes as he fly hacked the ball to his outside backs continued the move. This gave impressive wing Richard Lewis the room to beat his man and go over wide out. Entwistle converted expertly.
Croesy had their best period of the game now but a lack of composure and confidence meant they could not extend their lead. Another Entwistle penalty hit the post before he was just held short of the line after combining well in midfield with Lewis. The visitors were given confidence by Croesy's failure to build on their advantage and started to come back into the game. A tiring Croesy side were starting to miss tackles now and with five minutes to go the inevitable happened as Mount grabbed an equalising try wideout. Croesy were really hanging on now and only desperate defence stopped what would have been a demoralising defeat as the game finished as fair draw.
This was an encouraging performance by Croesy and was well deserved after the effort that has gone into training recently. The Croesy scrum was solid for the most part and scrum half Ritchie Williams was a constant thorn in his opposite number and the Mount No 8's side. The lineout was Croesy's weak point and needs to be worked on. The back line showed glimpses of skill and pace and this will improve with confidence. Croesy defended well for long periods but let themselves down with lapses of concentration and players trying to go for the big hit tackle rather than making sure of bringing their man down.
There is no league game next week and so Croesy will be going in the pool to find a game.
The Croesy side was:
Marc Watkins; Jamie Edwards; Justin Smith; Richard Gibbins; Ryan Thomas; Chris Williams; Paul Fisher; Paul Hicks; Ritchie Williams; Gavin Holmes; Richard Lewis; Matthew Entwistle; Scott Copsey; Rhodri Davies; David Davies.
Subs used: Ieuan Wakefield; Gareth Cowens; Lewis Heward. Unused: Carl Taylor.