Senghenydd away 22nd Dec 07
SENGHENYDD 12 CROESYCEILIOG 53
Croesy travelled to Senghenydd minus a number of experienced players and in difficult conditions came away with an excellent bonus point victory. Croesy were on the front foot straight from the kick off with a try within the first minute. A bold counter attack started by full back David Davies was finished by young winger Drew Mcghee. The try was well converted by David Davies.
Senghenydd replied well and in ultimately a rare visit to the Croesy 22 scored an unconverted try near the corner flag. The remainder of the first half saw Croesy dominating possession, but being frustrated by the referee and a number of what could be best called questionable decisions. Finally though in the 35th minute after a forward drive flanker Jake Nash emerged from the mud having scored a try that was unconverted. It was disappointing though that Croesy quickly lost the lead following a good Senghenydd move which led to a converted try under the posts. Half-time saw thescores tied at 12-12.
The second half saw Croesy again dominate possession only to be frustrated by the referee. Then eventually young fly-half Rob Baldock made a half-break near the Senghenydd line and with the pack driving behind him he crossed the line near the posts for a try converted by David Davies. This was quickly followed by winger Chris Small scoring his first try for the club. This was the signal for the floodgates to open and Croesy scored 5 further tries, though Richard Gibbins, Tim Hanks, Rob Taylor and Drew Mcghee and Chris Small gathering their second tries, in the last 20 minutes, two of which were converted by David Davies.
The last try put Croesy over the 50 point mark for the first time this season. The second half in poor conditions was an exceptional performance by both forwards and backs, with some great handling skills being shown. Special mention should go to Paul Hicks for stepping up into the front-row in the game, Simon Jones starting at hooker for the fist time this season and Chris Small for his first tries for the club. It should be noted that by the end of the game the oldest player in the Croesy backs was 23, with the others being aged only 18-21. It can only be good for the club, that young players are coming through.
Congratulations should also go to club captain Matthew Entwistle on becoming a father at the weekend.