Pontypool United away 29th March 2008
Croesyceiliog 13 Pontypool Utd 7
On Saturday Croesy extended a warm welcome to the players, committee and supporters of Pontypool Utd to Woodland Road. The game was also the first occasion when the clubs played for the Graham Barne Trophy, in memory of the brother of one of our sponsors Adrian Barne. This trophy will be contested on annual basis, hopefully for a number of years to come. Adrian presented the trophy to the captain of the winning team at the clubhouse after the game. Croesy were looking for some revenge for our defeat at Conway Road last November.
After a number of close defeats to Brynmawr, Abergavenny and Garndiffaith, a narrow victory and a disappointing draw at Pontllanfraith, Croesy had enjoyed good victories at home to Rhymney and away to Nelson. These victories have seen Matthew Entwistle edge closer to the 150 point mark for the season and Gavin Howells continue his try-scoring run.
Unfortunately the game was played in conditions which made the game a lottery. However both sides tried to play rugby and deserved reward for all their efforts in driving rain on a semi-waterlogged pitch. The game was not helped by some overly-officious refereeing in the early stages and this resulted in a 30 man punch up as players became frustrated. Croesy struck first after half an hour with Pontypool Utd down to 14 men as one of their players had been sin-binned for back chat of the referee. Gavin Howells crossed for his ninth try of the season following a sustained period of Croesy pressure. The try was converted by Matthew Entwistle. Pontypool Utd however pulled level within a couple of minutes following a fine converted try by their outside centre. At half time the scores were level at 7 - 7.
The conditions in the second half were even worse with most of the game being played between the 22's. Croesy did however force a penalty on the Pontypool Utd 22 following an infringement at the ruck by United, which resulted in another yellow card. Matthew Entwistle was successful with the penalty with a quarter of an hour to go. Croesy managed to close the game out and in the last few minutes laid siege to the Pontypool Utd line. Croesy thought they had scored a try following a maul but the referee thought otherwise, awarding Croesy a penalty. The penalty was converted by Matthew Entwistle. This was the last kick of the match with Croesy being victorious by 13 points to 7. Both sides should be congratulated for their endeavours in such extreme conditions