Nelson away 22nd March 2008
Nelson 7 Croesyceiliog 30
Croesyceiliog produced an excellent performance to secure their second double of the season, in extremely cold and windy conditions against a Nelson side that never threw in the towel. The first half began with Nelson exerting pressure but not being able to convert it into points, before Croesy forced a penalty on the Nelson 22 on almost their first attack after 15 minutes. The penalty goal attempt by Matthew Entwistle was successful despite the strong wind making any kicking very difficult. The rest of the half was dominated by Croesy but Nelson tackled well and proved difficult to break down. After 25 minutes Gavin Howells finally crossed the line after a typically strong run to make the score 8-0. It appeared that would be the half-time score as a snowstorm made conditions particularly bad. As half-time approached however Croesy scored 2 tries in quick succession, the first by young winger Rob Baldock and the second by Gavin Howells, who has earned himself a reputation as a poacher of tries.The blustery conditions ruined any chance of anything but a simple conversion, so the half-time score was Nelson 0 Croeyceiliog 18.
The second half started with Croesy again very much in the ascendancy and it was not long before the forward dominance paid off with a try for Jake Nash. With the bonus point gained for scoring 4 tries, Croesy then seemed to go off the boil, and allowed Nelson some time with the ball. There followed a spell of untidy rugby with both sides making unforced mistakes. Eventually Nelson found their way to the Croesy line with a converted try. The try seemed to wake Croesy up and they renewed their dominance and despite missing one or two chances, the game was sealed by a fine try following a long period of possession by replacement scrum-half Ieaun Wakefield, converted by Matthew Entwistle. This performance was another step-up from the Rhymney game and promises much for the rest of the season