2008-09

Croesy v Cwmbran 13-09-08

 Croesyceiliog 21 Cwmbran 3

Croesy got their season under way in style with a 3-try win over arch rivals Cwmbran. This enabled them to pick up the Jack Walker Cup (played for annually between the two sides) for the fifth successive year. After losing at home to Cwmbran in April, the first defeat to Cwmbran for almost 20 years, the Cockerels were determined to show they are the number one team in the town.  Croesy showed they meant business right from the off, launching wave after wave of attack. Captain and outside-half Matthew Entwistle was held up over the line on no fewer than three occasions in the first five minutes before number 8 Gavin Howells eventually forced his way over in the corner. Entwistle converted from the touch-line.

 

Croesy went straight back on the attack and broke through some weak midfield defence to put right wing Scott Copsey over for a try, again converted by Entwistle. The Cockerels were 14-0 up after just ten minutes but when it seemed there would be a rout Croesy lost their way and allowed themselves to be dragged down to Cwmbran's level. Prop Justin Smith and centre David Davies were yellow carded and Croesy had to fight a rearguard action to keep Cwmbran out while down to 13 men. But Croesy held out thanks to some big tackling epitomised but one crunching tackle by flanker Jake Nash. Cwmbran also had a player yellow carded as the half finished 14-0.

 

Croesy were forced to make changes with injuries to scrum-half Richard Williams, second-row Jim Sergeant and full-back Chris Small. Cwmbran opened their account with a penalty early in the half before seeing a second yellow for a trip on Copsey. Croesy stepped up the pace once again. The home scrum was well on top and after they shunted Cwmbran back inside their own 22, replacement scrum-half Ieuan Wakefield was on hand to intercept from the base of the scrum and scamper over. Entwislte fired over his third conversion. The try was well deserved for Wakefield who had an excellent game and is maturing into a fine player capable of pushing Williams all the way for the No. 9 berth. 

 

Croesy kept Cwmbran penned down in their own half for long periods without looking like scoring again. They will be disappointed at not getting the fourth try to secure a bonus point but on the plus side they did well to stop Cwmbran from crossing the try line. There was one particularly fine cornerflagging tackle from openside Paul Hicks which saved a try. It was also good to see prop Marc Watkins getting a run out in the final few minutes after a longterm injury last season.

 

This was a typical Croesy - Cwmbran derby with plenty of commitment on both sides but it was also typical of a first game of the season with both sides looking a bit rusty. Croesy showed more enterprise and will be most pleased with their lot. Last season's player of the year David Davies again looked sharp and formed an effective midfield partnership with Gareth Bates. The pack looked solid and with the likes of hooker Simon Jones and flanker Steven Thomas to come back in there looks like being some competition for places.

 

On Saturday Croesy travel to Pontypool United.   

 

Team:

1. Justin Smith
2. Rob Taylor
3. Gareth Cowens
4. Jim Sergeant
5. Richard Gibbins
6. Jake Nash
7. Paul Hicks
8. Gavin Howells
9. Richard Williams
10. Matthew Entwistle
11. Rob Baldock
12. Gareth Bates
13. David Davies
14. Scott Copsey
15. Chris Small

Replacements (all used):

 

     16.   Marc Watkins

     17.   Tom Price

     18.   Gavin Holmes

     19.   Ieuan Wakefield

 

Scorers: Tries - Gavin Howells, Scott Copsey, Ieuan Wakefield.

                  Conversions - Matthew Entwistle (3)