Blaina away 5th April 2008
Blaina 17 Croesyceiiog 13
Croesy travelled to Blaina looking to further close the gap on Garndiffaith and a 3rd place finish in the division. However as in many games this season extremely windy conditions and a very inexperienced referee spoilt what could have been a better game. It was nip and tuck from the start with Croesy failing to make the most of the wind behind their backs in the first half. After early Croesy pressure Matthew Entwistle just failed with a penalty goal attempt from near halfway, but after 10 minutes he was given another chance from a similar position, and this time scored the penalty goal. Unfortunately Croesy were unable to increase the lead as Blaina came back into the game. Just before the half-hour Blaina's efforts were rewarded with an unconverted try in the corner by their scrum-half S.M. Jones. Croesy did hit back with a further penalty by Matthew Entwistle as Blaina infringed at the ruck. However with a narrow 6 -5 lead at half-time and facing the wind in the second half it was always going to be difficult in the second-half.
Croesy however started the second half well and dominated possession with Blaina's only relief coming through wind-assisted long kicks back to Croesy. After 15 minutes of the second-half and with the Blaina scrum-half finally in the sin-bin as a result of some blatant offsides, Croesy got the try they deserved through Gavin Howells (though he insists he wasn't poaching!) which was converted by Matthew Entwistle. Croesy led 13-5 with 15 minutes to go but were unable to increase the lead. Blaina however eventually started to get back into the game and through good use of the wind and fine handling played some good rugby to score a second unconverted try, again through their scrum half Jones. With Blaina becoming more confident the game was becoming too close to call and it was Blaina who struck through a converted try by their hooker with less than 5 minutes to go. Croesy tried hard in the short time left but were unable to get the try they needed. The game saw Matthew Entwistle pass the 150 point mark for the season and Gavin Howells score a try for his 5th consecutive game.