Nelson Home 3rd Nov 2007
Croesyceiliog 33 Nelson 15
Croesy maintained their position at the top of Division 3 East with their fifth successive bonus point win, beating Nelson 33-15.
The early exchanges gave no indication of how the game was going to pan out as Nelson completely dominated possession. It took Croesy until the 12th minute to have any useful ball but use it they did. The forwards made a couple of drives before releasing the backs. Outside-half and captain Matthew Entwistle made a break and released his back line for wing Scott Copsey to score with Entwistle converting. The Cockerels then enjoyed a good period of pressure and the Nelson openside was yellow-carded for persistent infringing. Croesy kept the pressure on and eventually the pack powered over with flanker Gavin Howells getting the touchdown. Entwistle again converted. Nelson hit back with a penalty before Croesy crossed for their third try through full back David Davies following good work in midfield from centre Tony Pullen. Entwistle bagged his third conversion to give Croesy a 21-3 half time lead.
As they had done in the first half Nelson started the second strongly and eventually rolled over for a try wide out. The game entered a particularly frustrating period with Croesy allowing themselves to get bogged down by the referee's decisions and found their discipline letting them down. Only a couple of excellent try saving tackles by No. 8 Tim Hanks and replacement wing Gareth Bates stopped Nelson closing the gap further. By now the Croesy pack was beginning to dominate the scrum and it was Hanks who benefitted with 2 touchdowns from pushovers one of which Entwistle converted. In the dying minutes Nelson grabbed a consolation score.
This was an excellent allround display by Croesy. Hanks was outstanding and the centre partnership of Pullen and Shane Williams is beginning to show real promise. On Saturday Croesy travel to Pontypool United.