Pontypool Utd away 10 Nov 07
Pontypool Utd 26 Croesyceiliog 17
Croesy drop from 1st to 4th in Division 3 East after surrendering a 14-3 lead at Pontypool United. Croesy completely dominated the first half and led through 2 tries scored and converted by Matthew Entwistle to a United penalty. United had a player yellow carded and soon after he came back on they then had their openside sent off for use of the boot. This should have given Croesy the advantage they needed to go on to a comfortable win but instead, as so often happens when a team gets a player sent off, it was United who took the upper hand.
United clawed their way back with 2 further penalties before Entwistle extended the Croesy lead with a penalty of his own to give him a personal tally of 17 points in the match. Croesy were still pressing but were unable to unlock a stubborn United defence. Against the run of play United scored a long range interception try which was converted to bring them within a point. This was a major turning point in the game as Croesy seemed to lose their way while United grew in confidence. Croesy were still winning enough possession but whereas in the first half they had been breaking through tackles now they were being frustrated by the United defence. The United backline looked far sharper when they were in possession and ran in 2 further tries including a charge down. In the end United thoroughly deserved their win.
Croesy are a far better team than they showed in this match. They have played some excellent rugby this season and I am sure they will soon bounce back. However, in every game they have had a period when they have allowed teams to get the upper hand. Thankfully in most of the games the result was not in doubt but if we are going to win the important games it is vital that the players compete for a full 80 minutes.
There are no league games for the next 2 Saturdays but we are hoping to fix up a couple of friendlies.