Brynmawr Home 5th Jan 08
CROESYCEILIOG 6 BRYNMAWR 8
Another pre-match deluge meant Croesy's Woodland Road pitch was again unfit and the game had to be hastily moved to near neighbours Girlings whose pitch was in perfect condition.
With Croesy starting the day in third place and Brynmawr 2 points behind in fourth this was a vital game for both teams. Brynmawr started the stronger and Croesy were forced to defend for long periods. But the defence held firm and Croesy were always looking to counter-attack. On one such occasion full back David Davies, who was again in fine form, powered up the touch line into the visitors half forcing a penalty which Matthew Entwistle expertly converted from wide out on the left, a kick of at least 40 metres. The Brynmawr full back had chances to equalise but it was Entwistle who extended the lead with another long range effort.
Croesy appeared to have weathered the first half storm and came close after a nice midfield break by centre Tony Pullen but he was unable to find his outside support and the move broke down. But Croesy's indiscipline was eventually their undoing as Brynmawr drove over the line after kicking to the corner from another penalty infringement. Once again the visitors missed the conversion and the half ended 6-5 to Croesy.
The second half mirrored the first as Croesy were forced to spend long periods in their own half. But defences were on top and neither side was able to create many chances. Entwistle had one chance to extend the lead with a penalty but just failed before the Brynmawr full back missed his fifth kick at goal and the easiest, in front of the posts, only managing to hit the upright. Just when it seemed Croesy might hang on for a win they gave another penalty away inside their 22 and just to the right of the post. Unsurprisingly, Brynmawr changed their kicker, but bizarrely their outside half also hit the post, only for the referee to give him another chance after a Croesy player (who shall remain nameless - oh alright - it was Tom Price) attempted illegally to charge the kick down. The kicker made no mistake with his second attempt and this was enough to give Brynmawr the win and leap frog Croesy into third place.
Weather permitting Croesy take on league leaders Abergavenny at Bailey Park on Saturday.