Abergavenny away 12th Jan 2008
Abergavenny 22 Croesyceiliog 14
Saturday's trip to Bailey Park and league leaders Abergavenny resulted in a second successive defeat for Croesyceiliog. The recent heavy rain made conditions difficult but it was Croesyceiliog who made the early running putting Abergavenny under pressure in their own 22. A succession of penalties finally resulted in Croesy taking an early lead from a driving lineout, flanker Bobby Pike emerging with the ball for his first try of the season. The try was well converted by Matthew Entwistle. Croesyceiliog kept up the pressure after the try but were undone by a turnover near the halfway line which with good handling resulted in the Abergavenny full back running in for a converted try. Abergavenny then ran in a second unconverted try straight from the kick-off and it appeared that they were getting on top. Croesy however continued to dominate as Abergavenny gave away numerous penalties before one of the Abergavenny flankers was yellow-carded. Croesyceiliog took advantage of this and were encamped in the Abergavenny half, before another strong forward drive resulted in Abergavenny being pushed over their own line and Matthew Entwistle scored the try which he converted just before half-time which came with Croesy leading 14-12.
The second half was almost a complete reversal of the first with Croesy struggling to get out of their own half. Their cause not being helped with some questionable refereeing decisions, one of which led to a yellow card for Croesy centre Shane Williams for allegedly killing the ball. Abergavenny kicked the penalty and now led 15-14. The Croesy cause was also not helped by yet another injury to a front-row player, this time Rob Taylor, which resulted in the scrum coming under immense pressure. Abergavenny took advantage of this to grab a late converted try to rob Croesy of at least a losing bonus point which they had thoroughly deserved. Special mention should go to Paul Hicks for stepping up into the front-row and performing well at the scrum in a strange position for him.
Croesy hope to get back to winning ways on Saturday with the visit of New Tredegar whom Croesy beat 30-21 away in September.